The New York Giants just shook up the 2025 NFL Draft order in a big way. By earning their first home win of the season- a 45-33 victory over the Indianapolis Colts- the Giants have gone from holding the coveted first overall pick to sliding down to third. And it could get worse for them. If the Cleveland Browns lose their Week 17 game, the Giants might drop to the fourth spot.
Let’s break down what this means for the Giants, the Patriots, the Titans, and the rest of the draft order.
New York Giants Win Costs Them A Shot At Top Quarterback Prospect
The Giants desperately need a franchise quarterback. While Drew Lock had his best passing performance since 2019, he’s a backup and is heading into free agency. The Giants had been in prime position to draft a quarterback, but their Week 17 win has made that task tougher.
Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders, Miami’s Cam Ward, and Alabama’s Jalen Milroe are the top quarterback prospects linked to the Giants. General manager Joe Schoen has frequently scouted Colorado and Miami, fueling the speculation. However, insider Weslet Steinberg reports that Shedeur Sanders won’t play for teams like the Browns or Titans, as his father, Deion Sanders, wants him in a big-market team with strong infrastructure.
The #Giants went from having the No. 1 overall pick to No. 4 after winning today vs. Indianapolis. https://t.co/UEOeT1cruN pic.twitter.com/OTv0pkmZng
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) December 29, 2024
The Giants’ decision to win may haunt them, as they could’ve stayed in contention for Sanders or other top QBs had they lost their final two games. Their Week 18 matchup against the Eagles will only add drama to their draft positioning.
Patriots Claim No. 1 Pick- But Don’t Need A Quarterback
Thanks to their Week 17 loss, the New England Patriots now hold the first overall pick. Strength of schedule serves as the tiebreaker, and the Patriots’ easier slate secures their spot atop the draft order.
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The #Patriots now have the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. pic.twitter.com/pPB4NHjjWg
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) December 29, 2024
However, the Patriots don’t need a quarterback after drafting Drake Maye last year. This gives them a unique opportunity to trade the pick to a team desperate for a top QB. If no trade materializes, the most likely choice is Colorado’s Travis Hunter, a standout two-way player who could shine as a cornerback or wide receiver.
Wide receiver remains a big need for the Patriots. Pairing Maye with an elite receiver could elevate their struggling offense, which has faced significant issues this season. Offensive lineman Cole Strange returned from injured reserve but struggled, as the Patriots allowed four sacks and five QB hits on Maye. Rebuilding the offensive line could also become a draft priority.
Also Read: New York Giants Fan Uses Plane Over Metlife Stadium To Deliver Harsh Message To Team Owner
Titans Edge Closer To No. 1 Pick After Loss To Jaguars
The Tennessee Titans, after a rough Week 17 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, are still in play for the top pick. If the Giants’ Week 18 outcome aligns and other scenarios unfold, Tennessee could leapfrog to the No. 1 spot.
My reasoning for not drafting Travis Hunter 1st Overall:
— Patriot RedZone (@PatriotRedZone) December 30, 2024
We are so much more than 1 player away from contending. The more draft capital the better with a rebuilding team.
Some might rebuttle and say, “well the past draft picks haven’t hit and why should we trust the drafting?”…
The Titans’ offensive struggles have been glaring. After a poor showing against the Bengals, they benched quarterback Will Levis for Mason Rudolph. While Levis has shown flashes of potential, his inconsistency remains an issue. Fans are clamoring for Levis to return, as Rudolph hasn’t provided much stability either.
However, first-year head coach Brian Callahan isn’t letting draft talk distract the team. “We’re focused on trying to win one more football game,” Callahan said. While the coach downplays the draft, the Titans’ front office undoubtedly sees this as a critical moment to secure a cornerstone player for the future.
Shedeur Sanders And Draft-Day Drama
Shedeur Sanders’ draft preferences could heavily influence the 2025 draft. With Steinberg confirming Sanders’ disinterest in playing for smaller markets like Cleveland or Tennessee, big-market teams like the Giants could push to move up in the draft. Sanders has been seen playing catch with wide receiver Malik Nabers in New York, fueling speculation about his connection to the Giants.
Teams like the Patriots, sitting at No. 1, might use this leverage to trade down and collect assets, while others like the Titans could attempt to reshuffle their QB room to position themselves as a viable landing spot for Sanders or another top-tier quarterback.
The Final Countdown
As Week 18 approaches, the NFL Draft order remains in flux. The Patriots, Giants, Titans, and Browns are all intertwined in the race for the top picks, with each team having unique priorities and challenges. While the Patriots hold the cards, the Giants and Titans must regroup after costly decisions and poor performances.
Whether the Giants’ win over the Colts is a blessing or a blunder will become clear in April. For now, the draft intrigue only grows.
