It’s A Draft Party! The Top Six Teams and Their Picks
Dear readers, welcome to another edition of “Why Are We Still Watching?” Yes, folks, it’s that thrilling time of the year when teams are not just circling the wagons but are downright crash testing them on purpose to secure that coveted first overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft! Grab your popcorn, because this is going to be more entertaining than a Levensian physical comedy routine.
1. The New York Giants
FPI options to have the 1st selection: 16.9%
FPI options choose from the top five: 62.7%
Where has it gone wrong? They’re dead last in points, folks! The Giants average a pitiful 15.4 points per game—more like a bad sitcom than a professional football team. And can we talk about their defense? Most yards per carry allowed—5.3! Sounds like a Broadway show about bad decisions!
Are there big changes on the horizon? Spoiler alert: Daniel Jones is probably getting benched. You have to wonder: Does he even have a seat on the bench or just a spot on an “Apprentice”-style reality show where we watch him get fired?
What could they do with the first choice? Drafting Cam Ward from Miami would be a solid move. Why? Because Jones likely won’t be there next season, and we can’t have Daboll lighting up Play-Doh again. It’s time for a playmaker who can actually make things happen!
2. The New England Patriots
FPI options to have the 1st selection: 16.2%
FPI options choose from the top five: 64.1%
Where has it gone wrong? Seven offensive line formations in just seven games? I mean, are they lining up for a poker game rather than a football play? Poor protection leads to a fourth-worst offense in the league, and you’re left wondering if they’re trying to sabotage the season on purpose!
Are there big changes on the horizon? Not really. Drake Maye is the shining star of the future, but you know, amidst the wreckage, the only thing that seems to be changing is the toilet paper roll in the locker room—because somebody’s got to clean up this mess.
What could they do with the first choice? Offensive tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. would be Grand Theft Protection for Maye. Keeping him upright might be the only way to avoid more ‘near misses’ this season—like my chances at speed dating!
3. The Jacksonville Jaguars
FPI options to have the 1st selection: 15.4%
FPI options choose from the top five: 59.2%
Where has it gone wrong? It’s not just the players; the defense wouldn’t hold up against a toddler’s tea set. Trevor Lawrence is out with an injury, and here we are wondering if they’re actually building a team or just playing musical chairs with coaches!
Are there big changes on the horizon? With owner Shad Khan’s “best Jaguars team ever” turned into the biggest oopsie of the season, they’ll likely give it another shot—but don’t count on it sparking joy, Marie Kondo-style.
What could they do with the first choice? They can’t draft another quarterback, so let’s talk about snagging Travis Hunter. Who doesn’t love a two-for-one? Playing both receiver and cornerback—talk about multitasking!
4. The Tennessee Titans
FPI options to have the 1st selection: 13.8%
FPI options choose from the top five: 54.2%
Where has it gone wrong? Their offensive line is about as useful as a chocolate teapot. If Levis can’t find someone open, good luck getting 20 points in a game! Zero third-and-long conversions. Was it a blitz or just a regular Tuesday? Hard to say!
Are there big changes on the horizon? Let’s not hold our breath. With a coach and GM who seem safe for now, they could be praying to the football gods for patience…or an offensive line.
What could they do with the first choice? Shedeur Sanders might be their savior. Elite accuracy would be a refreshing change; Levis’ current performance could take one hit—no pun intended—and send everyone spiraling!
5. The Las Vegas Raiders
FPI options to have the 1st selection: 10.0%
FPI options choose from the top five: 57.1%
Where has it gone wrong? Without a true starting QB, they’re playing a game of ‘Hot Potato’ while trying to hand off to the next poor fella. The worst rushing attack imaginable—this is like hosting a barbecue with no burgers!
Are there big changes on the horizon? With the recent firing of their offensive coordinator, that’s a sign things are seriously out of whack. The interim coach has a short leash; he needs to perform or it’s back to the drawing board for the organization!
What could they do with the first choice? If they land Sanders, it’s a slam dunk. This team desperately needs a solid quarterback—something more dependable than a slot machine at almost midnight.
6. The Carolina Panthers
FPI options to have the 1st selection: 10.0%
FPI options choose from the top five: 57.1%
Where has it gone wrong? Bryce Young’s rocky start and injuries galore have left them reeling. You’d need a crystal ball to figure this one out; somebody send them a telepathic message, will you?
Are there big changes on the horizon? Young has played a tad better recently, so they might give him respite from the mascot suit for a bit. The future is bright… if he can survive the QB carousel!
What could they do with the first choice? Adding a versatile talent like Hunter could transform their future. How great would it be for them to match him with a defensive tackle? Now we’re talking double trouble for opposing offenses!
So, there you have it! The teams are stumbling their way to the top pick in the draft, making us wonder if it’s truly about strategy or just a glorified shuffle down a slippery slope. Keep your helmets on, folks, because the draft party is just getting started!
What would these six teams do with the first overall pick; What position would be ideal?
The race for the coveted first overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft is intensifying as we reach the midway point of the 2024 season. Currently, six teams find themselves with at least a 10% chance of securing the top pick, as illustrated by projections from the Football Power Index of ESPN.
To gain deeper insights, we consulted our dedicated reporters from NFL Nation to assess the current state of these franchises after 10 weeks of play. What went wrong that caused each team to spiral out of control this season? Are major shifts in personnel expected during the offseason? Moreover, renowned draft analyst Jordan Reid explores how these teams might approach their first-round selection. Which franchises are actively searching for a franchise quarterback? What strategies could they employ to fulfill pressing roster needs?
Let’s kick off our analysis with the Giants, who appear to have the highest likelihood of landing the prized first overall pick.
FPI options to have the 1st selection: 16.9%
FPI options choose from the top five: 62.7%
Where has it gone wrong? The Giants are struggling significantly, ranking at the bottom of the league with a mere 15.4 points scored per game, coupled with the highest average yards allowed per carry at 5.3. Additionally, the performance of their special teams unit has been nothing short of abysmal. This plethora of issues spans across all three phases of the game. Winning under these circumstances has proven to be a monumental challenge.
Are there big changes on the horizon? All indications suggest that the Giants are gearing up to bench quarterback Daniel Jones, and this decision is expected to be made sooner rather than later. Meanwhile, general manager Joe Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll have received assurances from owner John Mara regarding their job security. However, this assurance may falter if the Giants conclude the season with a dismal 4-13 record or suffer an abysmal 0-9 performance at home. — Jordan Raanan
What could they do with the first choice? A compelling option for the Giants would be Miami’s standout quarterback, Cam Ward. With Jones unlikely to see the field next season and potentially off the roster, New York has a prime opportunity to search for their new franchise quarterback. Ward, known for his electrifying playmaking ability and keen decision-making, would benefit from the guidance of coach Daboll in his development process. –Reid
FPI options to have the 1st selection: 16.2%
FPI options choose from the top five: 64.1%
Where has it gone wrong? As the season unfolded, the Patriots have endured a staggering seven different offensive line formations in the first seven games. This disorganization stems from the inadequate performances of free-agent acquisitions Chukwuma Okorafor and Nick Leverett, contributing to one of the league’s least effective offenses. The lack of depth at the receiver position has compounded their woes, particularly in light of injuries to key players including center David Andrews (shoulder), linebacker Ja’Whaun Bentley (torn pectoral muscle), and others.
What could they do with the first choice? Given that New England recently drafted a quarterback in April, it would be prudent to look towards bolstering their offensive line with Texas tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. This selection could provide crucial protection for quarterback Drake Maye, who has emerged as a promising leader for the Patriots. With the pressing need for reinforcements, Banks offers the power and quick agility to secure Maye’s blindside. – Reid
What could they do with the first choice? The Jaguars find themselves poised to be a front-runner in the draft for the third time in five years. Despite quarterback Trevor Lawrence inking a mammoth five-year, $275 million extension, Jacksonville’s needs fluctuate. The perfect match could be Colorado’s Travis Hunter, a versatile standout who excels in both receiver and cornerback roles, effectively addressing the team’s pressing requirements for skilled players on both sides of the ball. – Reid
What could they do with the first choice? The Titans are also presented with numerous challenges. Their offensive line, particularly at the right tackle position, has faltered dramatically, exemplified by the inability to create an efficient pass-protection strategy. Consequently, they have only managed to score over 20 points in two games throughout the season. – Turron Davenport
What could they do with the first choice? With uncertainty surrounding quarterbacks Will Levis and Mason Rudolph, the Titans are likely to pursue a franchise quarterback with their first draft selection. Among the top prospects are Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders, whose elite accuracy and decisiveness under duress aligns seamlessly with the offensive scheme head coach Brian Callahan has implemented. – Reid
What could they do with the first choice? The Silver and Black have experienced a tumultuous season, plagued by a lack of cohesion at the quarterback position, with various players including Gardner Minshew, Aidan O’Connell, and Desmond Ridder failing to establish themselves as a definitive starter. This instability has contributed to the team’s struggles, leading to the dismissal of offensive coordinator Luke Getsy amidst growing concerns. – Pablo Gutierrez
What could they do with the first choice? Considering their recent frustrations at quarterback, the Raiders appear primed to draft a high-caliber quarterback in April. Having lost out on the opportunity to select their top six prospects in the 2024 draft, they are now eyeing Sanders, who embodies the composure, accuracy, and charisma that would inject much-needed energy into the organization moving forward. – Reid
What could they do with the first choice? The Panthers, after a rocky start attributable to quarterback Bryce Young’s inconsistent performance and a series of debilitating injuries, are now reevaluating their strategy moving forward. Their focus has shifted towards adding emerging talent who can enhance the core of the roster. With Young demonstrating recent improvements, the prospect of drafting another quarterback seems less favorable. Instead, bolstering the defense with Michigan’s Mason Graham could solidify their presence in the interior defensive line alongside Pro Bowler Derrick Brown. – Reid
How might the addition of either quarterback impact the Titans’ overall offensive strategy?
Edeur Sanders and Michigan’s J.J. McCarthy. Both quarterbacks bring different strengths to the table, but each could turn the tide for the Titans, who are desperate for a reliable leader behind center. A new quarterback could instill hope among fans and provide the team with the much-needed offensive spark to revive their season.
What could they do with the first choice? The Raiders are in a precarious position, desperately needing a starting quarterback and a reliable offensive game plan. If they secure the top pick, they might look to select a high-caliber quarterback like Shedeur Sanders, who can help stabilize the offense and bring a fresh perspective. Alternatively, they could explore bolstering their defensive line, given their struggles on both sides of the ball this season.
What could they do with the first choice? The Panthers, despite Bryce Young’s potential, could still explore adding a high-impact player like a defensive standout such as Dallas Turner. He could provide a formidable presence on defense, allowing Young to develop without the pressure of carrying the entire team. They need to build a balanced roster to support Young as he continues to grow into the player they hope he can become.
these six teams share a common struggle—finding stability and success during this turbulent 2024 season. The challenge of the draft looms large, with many options available at their fingertips. Whether it’s searching for a franchise quarterback, bolstering the offensive line, or adding versatile game-changing talent, each team must carefully consider their needs and make the right choices to turn their fortunes around. The upcoming draft will be a pivotal moment for these franchises as they attempt to build a brighter future.
