Bill Belichick, the eight-time Super Bowl champion coach, has explored ways to enhance the competitive balance in the NFL, suggesting a potential move to a draft lottery system akin to that of the NBA. During a recent appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, Belichick articulated that such a system could serve as a deterrent against teams engaging in the controversial practice of tanking, whereby teams intentionally lose games to secure a better draft position.

Belichick noted that while he has never been involved in tanking himself, he observed that the NBA's lottery system has addressed this issue effectively. He emphasized that under this system, the worst-performing teams do not automatically receive the top pick, which is in contrast to the NFL's current setup where the team with the poorest record is guaranteed the first overall draft selection. This, he argued, creates a more level playing field, particularly when there are standout college quarterback prospects emerging in draft classes.

While the idea of an NFL draft lottery system is not a decision for Belichick to make, he expressed his belief that it could bolster the competitiveness of the sport significantly. Referring to the chaotic nature of the recent New York Giants' 45-33 victory over the Indianapolis Colts, he pointed out the implications such outcomes could have on the NFL Draft order, mentioning the New England Patriots—his former team—as potential leaders in the race for the top pick.