The Cleveland Browns did their part to stay in the running for the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. After suffering a disappointing loss to the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday night, the Browns secured at least a top-three selection for the upcoming draft, solidifying their place among the teams with the worst records this season. Currently, they find themselves at the top of the draft order, but the competition is fierce, with the New England Patriots and Tennessee Titans also having chances to clinch the first overall pick.
Heading to Sunday’s action, the stakes are high for the Browns. They need both the Patriots and Titans to win their respective matchups to retain hope for the coveted No. 1 selection. The first pick will be made by either the Patriots, Titans, or Browns, depending on how the final week of games shakes out. Complicatory results during Week 17 have overturned what many expected, as teams with three or fewer wins pulled off unexpected victories, demonstrating the unpredictable nature of the league. The Browns defeated the Baltimore Ravens decisively earlier but faltered when it mattered most, resulting in their current predicament. The Giants no longer have a shot at the first pick, owing to the Browns' recent performances.
Analyzing the playoff picture, the Browns (currently 3-14) need to look at the remaining teams closely. The Patriots (3-13) will battle against the playoff-bound Buffalo Bills, whose starting quarterback Josh Allen is expected to play briefly since they’ve clinched the No. 2 seed. Meanwhile, the Titans (3-13) face off against the Houston Texans, who are locked at No. 4 and have secured their playoff berth.
Recent results indicate significant shifts at the top end of the 2025 NFL Draft order. The Patriots command the top spot, followed by the Titans and Browns, all of whom recorded dismal seasons. If the Patriots lose to the Bills and the Titans are defeated by the Texans, the Browns could find themselves picking first overall. Conversely, if the Patriots come out victorious against Buffalo, they would secure their position at the No. 1 pick.
The end of the regular season marks the first time since 2005 where three teams with three or fewer wins triumphed in the same week during Week 17 or later, according to CBS Sports. This unprecedented series of outcomes complicates the Browns' aspirations for the top draft position, as the draft order is expected to fluctuate based on these week-18 results. Experts from various media outlets, including CBS Sports and Yahoo Sports, are closely monitoring how the final games will impact potential draft positions.
Given their current needs, the Browns are likely to focus on several key areas during the draft. Positions requiring attention include quarterback, offensive tackle, wide receiver, running back, defensive line, and edge rusher. The upcoming decisions are pivotal as they venture toward rebuilding. The Browns’ fate could rest on precise maneuvers during the draft, where they may be inclined to trade down if they don’t secure the top spot. Their free agency plans will also factor heavily, as monumental decisions loom on whether to retain existing players like quarterback Jameis Winston and star running back Nick Chubb, both of whom are set to become free agents.
If the Patriots lose or the Titans stumble, the Browns could climb to their advantageous position, allowing them to get back on track. The NFL Draft is more than just numbers; it holds the potential for teams to turn around their fortunes significantly. How the draft plays out next spring will depend on the performances of these pivotal final games.
For the fans, this period is one of hope wrapped tightly with the anticipation of change. Changes are set to happen on the roster, and the excitement surrounding the prospects of next season starts with this pivotal draft. The countdown has begun, and everyone involved with the Browns is holding their breath as the moments tick away toward the new beginning, which the 2025 NFL Draft could represent. The success or failure of this monumental offseason begins with how they tackle this upcoming draft.