The NFL's Week 18 drew attention not just for the playoffs but also for the teams hoping to secure the top spots for the 2025 NFL Draft. With the regular season closing, the Tennessee Titans, Cleveland Browns, and New York Giants emerged with the top three picks of the draft order, setting the stage for important decisions as they look to bolster their rosters.
After the dust settled on the final games, the Titans clinched the coveted No. 1 overall pick, finishing their season with a 3-14 record. Despite their struggles throughout the season, the Titans now have the opportunity to select their future franchise quarterback.
"The Titans are on the clock for the first overall pick since 2016," noted analysts, highlighting the franchise's position to drastically improve through the draft. Their last time picking first overall brought them Hall of Famer Earl Campbell back when the franchise was still the Houston Oilers. This time, they hope for another transformative player to lead them forward.
Week 18 saw four teams tied for the worst record, but the Titans' victory over the strength of schedule tiebreaker edged them to the front. The Browns secured the second pick and the Giants the third after their own disappointing seasons, each also standing at 3-14.
With quarterbacks being the primary focus of teams at the top of the order, the Titans will likely be weighing their options between the draft's standout quarterback prospects, Shedeur Sanders of Colorado and Cam Ward of Miami. The Giants and Browns, both vying for the same position, might also look to address their needs under center, depending on who remains available when their picks come up.
Adding to the competitive narrative, the New England Patriots played their way out of the top pick, beating the Buffalo Bills 23-16. The Patriots' win was bittersweet; it lifted their record to 4-13, but it also pushed them back to the fourth overall pick. Rookie quarterback Joe Milton III made his mark by throwing for two touchdowns, which helped clinch the unexpected victory.
"Milton showed great potential during his debut, but it was not the outcome the Patriots needed for the draft," said experts. The expectation is now for the Patriots to refocus their efforts on building around their existing quarterback, Drake Maye, taken just last year.
Teams like the Jacksonville Jaguars also took advantage of the Week 18 results, securing the fifth pick, and keeping their eyes on key additions. With numerous positional needs—including defensive reinforcements—teams are eager to find the next game-changing player.
Draft analysts predict the first few picks will be heavily contested, particularly among the Titans, Giants, and Browns. The impact of players like Travis Hunter—and potentially others—will create excitement as teams strategize their selections.
"All top three teams are potentially eyeing elite talent, making for a thrilling offseason," said one NFL commentator. The competitive nature of this year's draft class adds another layer to what is already shaping up to be an exciting lead-up to the 2025 NFL Draft.
The final order as it stands is:
- Tennessee Titans (3-14)
- Cleveland Browns (3-14)
- New York Giants (3-14)
- New England Patriots (4-13)
- Jacksonville Jaguars (4-13)
With the draft rapidly approaching, teams are preparing for the decisions they need to make. For the Titans, their pick could redefine their future. It will surely be interesting to see how this draft class materializes and which franchise finds their new cornerstone player.