As the 2024 NFL season heads toward its final stretch, the 2025 NFL Draft order is beginning to take shape, especially after a pivotal Week 14. The Jacksonville Jaguars, with a crucial victory, have made waves in the draft conversation, particularly influencing the race for the top picks. With only a few weeks left in the regular season, teams that are currently struggling will be looking to position themselves for the top prospects in next year’s draft class. For teams at the bottom of the standings, Week 14 has provided some clarity on where they stand in the battle for the coveted No. 1 pick.

In this article, we will break down the current state of the 2025 NFL Draft order, examining which teams are vying for the top spot, the impact of Jacksonville’s victory, and how the final weeks of the season will affect draft positioning.

The Battle for the No. 1 Overall Pick

As of Week 14, two teams are firmly in the race for the No. 1 overall pick: the Las Vegas Raiders and the New York Giants. Both teams are having disappointing seasons, and while their fanbases may not be thrilled with their performance, they could be in prime position to secure a future star in the 2025 draft. The first overall pick provides a unique opportunity to select a franchise-altering player, and teams in the bottom five will be hoping to claim that selection.

Las Vegas Raiders

The Raiders are currently in the driver’s seat for the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Despite making significant moves during the offseason, including hiring a new head coach, the team has struggled to find consistency throughout the year. The Raiders’ quarterback situation has been tumultuous, and their inability to establish a solid foundation on both sides of the ball has left them at the bottom of the standings.

Las Vegas fans have been frustrated with the team’s performance, but the silver lining is the potential to grab a top-tier prospect. With quarterback concerns at the forefront, the Raiders could be looking to select a new franchise quarterback, especially with an impressive class of signal-callers expected to enter the draft. The Raiders’ position in the draft could offer them the chance to pick a player who could completely reshape the future of the franchise.

New York Giants

Much like the Raiders, the New York Giants have found themselves in a tailspin in 2024. Despite high hopes at the start of the season, injuries, inconsistent play, and offensive struggles have plagued the Giants. Their quarterback, Daniel Jones, has faced criticism for his performance, and the team’s inability to establish a consistent offensive rhythm has made them one of the worst teams in the NFL.

With the Giants positioned near the bottom of the standings, they are also in line for a top draft pick. Depending on the remaining games of the season, they could be in a race with the Raiders for the No. 1 spot. The Giants will likely be targeting a quarterback or other key position players in this draft, and their front office will need to carefully evaluate which players can provide the best long-term value.

The Giants’ struggle with their quarterback situation has led to speculation that they may look to secure one of the top quarterback prospects available, such as a highly-touted young star capable of revitalizing their offense.

Jacksonville Jaguars’ Week 14 Victory

In Week 14, the Jacksonville Jaguars secured a victory that impacted the 2025 NFL Draft order. The Jaguars’ win, though significant for their playoff hopes, has reverberated throughout the draft standings, particularly for teams in the top five. The Jaguars had previously been in the mix for the No. 1 pick, but with the win, they have moved out of the conversation for the very first selection.

The Jaguars are now positioned in the mid-to-late first-round range, potentially picking between No. 10 and No. 15 overall, depending on the final results of the season. This is a far cry from their earlier draft positioning, where they were seen as a team that could add to a growing rebuild with another top selection. Their victory in Week 14 has shifted the dynamic for other teams still battling for draft position.

While Jacksonville’s win was crucial for their playoff aspirations, it means less opportunity for other struggling teams to climb the draft order in search of premium talent. For teams like the Raiders and Giants, Jacksonville’s rise could make it more difficult to secure the top picks.

Other Teams in the Mix

While the Raiders and Giants are in prime position for the No. 1 overall pick, there are a few other teams that could still factor into the conversation as the season winds down. These teams, while currently not in the top two spots, are in contention for a high first-round draft pick.

Arizona Cardinals

The Arizona Cardinals have been in rebuild mode throughout the 2024 season. While their performance has been inconsistent, they have shown flashes of potential. The Cardinals currently sit near the bottom of the standings and could end up in the top five in the draft order. Arizona will likely focus on selecting a quarterback, especially if they believe they can find a long-term solution to their position, or they may look to bolster other key areas of need, such as their offensive line or defense.

Chicago Bears

The Chicago Bears are another team that has struggled throughout the season. The Bears’ inconsistency, especially on offense, has raised questions about their long-term direction. With a young quarterback in Justin Fields, the Bears are still looking for a supporting cast to help him reach his potential. The 2025 NFL Draft provides them with a chance to add critical pieces to their roster, whether in the form of another high-profile quarterback or talented players in positions of need.

Washington Commanders

The Washington Commanders have also been underperforming, with a lackluster offense and defensive struggles. As the season continues, they find themselves in position for a mid-to-late first-round pick. Washington may look to use the draft to build around their quarterback or reinforce their defensive front, depending on their evaluation of the roster in the coming weeks.

The Final Weeks of the Season: Impact on Draft Position

As the final weeks of the 2024 NFL season unfold, the draft positioning will continue to shift. Teams that are already eliminated from playoff contention will look to secure the highest possible draft pick to help build for the future. The top picks will be crucial, as they are expected to feature several generational talents, particularly at the quarterback position.

The Raiders and Giants will keep a close eye on the performance of other teams battling for top draft selections, hoping to maintain their positions for the No. 1 pick. However, late-season games often have surprising outcomes, and teams who are seemingly out of contention can make unexpected runs, potentially altering the draft order.

Conclusion: A High-Stakes Race for the No. 1 Pick

As the 2024 NFL season enters its final stretch, the battle for the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft is heating up. With the Raiders and Giants in prime position, the next few weeks will determine which team ultimately secures the coveted top pick. Jacksonville’s victory in Week 14 has shifted the draft order, but several other teams remain in the hunt for high draft selections. As always, the last few weeks of the season will be crucial for teams aiming to secure their future stars through the draft.

For fans of struggling teams, the 2025 NFL Draft represents hope—a chance to rebuild, rethink, and reimagine their future. As we move closer to the draft, teams at the bottom of the standings will be closely watching each other’s performance as they fight for the future of their franchises.