NFL Week 7 has wrapped up, giving us a good idea of where teams stand in the 2025 season. As we look ahead to the upcoming NFL Draft, there are four teams that are currently in the running for the number one pick. The Patriots, Browns, Panthers, and Titans, all sitting with just one win each, are likely to be vying for that top spot. While the Patriots have their franchise quarterback in Drake Maye, the other three teams will likely be on the lookout for a signal-caller.
Additionally, the Giants and Raiders, both with 2-5 records, are also expected to be aggressive in their search for a quarterback. CBSSports.com has taken a look at the potential draft order after Week 7, considering each team’s pending free agents and possible needs based on those who may be leaving. The draft order, provided by Tankathon.com, is determined by win-loss record, with tiebreakers based on strength of schedule. Team needs are a mix of current requirements and future considerations.
The Patriots, holding a 1-6 record, have identified needs at offensive tackle, interior offensive line, wide receiver, edge rusher, and cornerback. Among their projected 2025 free agents are key players like cornerback Jonathan Jones and quarterback Jacoby Brissett. The Panthers, Browns, and Titans all have similar needs at quarterback, with key free agents like DeAndre Hopkins and Amari Cooper on the horizon for those teams.
Moving on to the Jets, Saints, Jaguars, Raiders, and Giants, all with 2-5 records, their team needs range from offensive tackle and wide receiver to edge rusher and cornerback. Key free agents like Haason Reddick and Chase Young could impact their draft strategies. The Dolphins, Rams, Bengals, Cardinals, and 49ers are also teams to watch, each with their own set of needs and potential free agents to consider.
Further down the draft order, the Chiefs, Lions, Vikings, Texans, Packers, Steelers, Commanders, Ravens, Bills, Seahawks, Colts, Broncos, Falcons, Bears, and Buccaneers are all looking ahead to the draft and considering their team needs based on their current performance.
As the NFL season progresses, these teams will continue to compete, both on the field and in their pursuit of top talent in the upcoming draft. The race for the number one pick is heating up, and each team will need to carefully consider their strategy moving forward to secure the players they need to succeed in the future. The NFL Draft is always an exciting time for teams and fans alike, as new talent enters the league and teams look to build a strong foundation for the seasons to come.