Many NFL fans pointed out that Week 18 wasn’t particularly important for the playoffs. On Sunday Night Football, the NFC North title game was between the Minnesota Vikings and the Detroit Lions, and the NFC South title game was between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Atlanta Falcons. Additionally, the AFC had wild card ramifications. Regarding the order of the 2025 NFL Draft, however, there remained a great deal more to settle.
Even though they lost by a wide margin to the Ravens on Saturday, the Cleveland Browns still had a shot at snagging the first selection in the 2025 NFL Draft; however, they were eliminated from that race when they knocked out the Giants. The outcome between the New England Patriots and the Tennessee Titans would determine the Browns’ fate.
All of this points to the fact that Week 18’s outcomes would significantly impact the 2025 NFL Draft’s kickoff. Plus, in their last game of the regular season, the Patriots were sure to cause a stir. First, we’ll take a look at the revised order of the 2025 NFL Draft, and then we’ll forecast the top ten picks in a mock draft to see where things stand.
Revised draft order for 2025 NFL season following Week 18
Here are the Tennessee Titans, Cleveland Browns, New York Giants, and New England Patriots record as of the current season:
Jets (4-12) at. Jacksonville Jaguars (4-13)
The Raiders of Las Vegas (4-12)
The Panthers of Carolina (4-12)
Saints of New Orleans (5-12)
Kansas City Chiefs (5-12)
Score: 6-10 San Francisco 49ers
Texas Longhorns (7-10)
San Diego Cardinals (7-9)
Jacksonville Jaguars (8-9) Miami Dolphins (8-8) Individuals from Atlanta Falcons (8-9)
The following teams have a losing record: Green Bay Packers (11-6), the Los Angeles Chargers (10-6), the Washington Commanders (12-5), the Houston Texans (10-7), the Pittsburgh Steelers (10-7), the Denver Broncos (10-7), the Cincinnati Bengals (9-8) and the Seattle Seahawks (9-7).
The following teams have a winning percentage: Baltimore Ravens(12-5), Philadelphia Eagles(14-3), Buffalo Bills(13-4), Minnesota Vikings(14-2), Detroit Lions(14-2), and Kansas City Chiefs (15-1).
With the exception of Josh Allen, the Buffalo Bills rested their starters for New England’s victory, which caused some confusion at the top of the draft order. The Titans’ “tanking” against the Texans took care of their own business; now they may choose their quarterback from among a pool of candidates.
The Browns, meanwhile, moved up the draft board to the #2 overall choice, which opens up yet another quarterback position. However, the Giants are marginalized to some extent. Given that the vast majority of draft experts predict a two-quarters quarterback class, the G-Men, who are in dire need of a quarterback, will most likely have to look into free agency or hold out for a second-day choice if they want any hope of drafting a quarterback.
With the No. 1 overall pick in their possession, the Patriots could have sought to trade for a king’s ransom. However, they are still in a fantastic position, although a less beneficial one. You have to give the squad credit for trying, even though it wasn’t meant to be. Since it is difficult to tell players not to attempt, the term “tanking” is used in quotations above. New England deserves credit for starting Joe Milton instead of Drake Maye.
Predicting the Top 10 Picks in the 2025 NFL Draft Using the Current Draft Order by Team
NFL Predictions for the Mock Draft
1. Tennessee Titans
Dolphins quarterback Cam Ward
- The Browns of Cleveland
Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders
third-place New York Giants
Texas Tech running back Travis Hunter
- The Patriots of New England
William Campbell, offensive tackle for LSU
- The Jaguars of Jacksonville
DT Graham, a Michigan native
The New York Jets
Penn State’s EDGE Abdul Carter
- The Raiders of Las Vegas
Will Johnson (CB) from Michigan
- The Panthers of Carolina
Arizona wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan
No. 9: Saints of New Orleans
EDGE, Georgia’s Jalon Walker
The Chicago Bears; 10.
Oklahoma Sooner Kelvin Banks Jr.
As previously stated, the Titans emerged victorious from Week 18’s outcomes, securing the first overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. They have the option to choose Cam Ward as the successor for Will Levis. Although I have a soft spot for Shedeur Sanders—who the Browns pick in my mock draft—I think Ward’s physical tools and mobility make him a more attractive prospect. It would provide the Titans with a solid foundation upon which to grow. Next, Cleveland receives the identical treatment from Coach Prime’s son.
The Giants, who were short on quarterback talent in 2025, selected Travis Hunter, the top overall pick, because they had no other good choice. The two-way Colorado star could certainly fill New York’s more pressing need for a top-tier cornerback, but the opportunity to team Hunter and Malik Nabers at receiver with a seasoned quarterback or a second-round quarterback is certainly too good to pass up. After falling to fourth place, the Patriots had to decide whether to arm Drake Maye or keep him safe with Will Campbell. However, Campbell was selected because I have a strong preference for the free agent receiver class.
Which defensive tackle position is most pressing for Jacksonville? In no world. However, the Jaguars are in dire need of a defensive game-changer, and pairing Travon Walker with the phenomenally talented Mason Graham could be the key. By the way, Abdul Carter is exactly the kind of unique talent the Jets are looking for. Thanks to Aaron Rodgers, the New York Jets’ offseason is full of unknowns, but they could get a franchise-caliber edge rusher and rest easy.
Finally, in the top ten, we have another Raiders squad that is in desperate need of a quarterback but has been left out in the cold. Fortunately, they have taken their medicine and added stud cornerback Will Johnson to their roster. Despite dropping in the draft order after Week 18, the Panthers still have a chance to acquire an outstanding weapon for Bryce Young by drafting McMillan. Jalon Walker, an explosive edge rusher, joins the Saints defense in New Orleans, and Kelvin Banks Jr., an expected addition to the Bears’ offensive line, fixes their long-standing problems.
