2025 NFL Draft Order, Primary Tiebreaker And Top Five Positions To Fill

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2025 NFL Draft Order

Here’s a detailed look at the first-round order for the 2025 NFL Draft as we head into Week 13 of the 2024 NFL season, along with the top five positional needs for each team.

The draft order is determined based on team records, with strength of schedule serving as the primary tiebreaker (click here for a complete list of draft-order tiebreakers).

Note that teams currently in playoff contention, if the season were to end today, are denoted with “PL” in the order below. For these teams, the final draft order will ultimately depend on postseason outcomes.

Movement from the prior week’s order is indicated by arrows.

Pick 1: New York Giants (2-9, .528 strength of schedule)

Top Needs: QB, OT, CB, WR, OG
Week 13 Opponent: at Cowboys
Remaining Strength of Schedule: .529 (11th)

If the Giants conclude the season with the first overall pick, it will mark the first time in 60 years they’ve been in this position.

Quarterback remains their most pressing need, and holding onto this pick would give them the opportunity to draft the top passer.

However, the team also has significant issues to address, particularly along the offensive line. While guard is currently a more critical concern than tackle, it’s likely they’ll prioritize this position early on Day 3 of the draft.

Pick 2: Las Vegas Raiders (2-9, .540 strength of schedule)

Top Needs: QB, WR, DT, CB, S
Week 13 Opponent: at Chiefs
Remaining Strength of Schedule: .515 (14th)

Though the Raiders have solid options in Jakobi Meyers and Tre Tucker as WR2 and WR3, they lack a true No. 1 perimeter target.

Additionally, tight end Brock Bowers has been performing at an elite level, but the need for a top-tier wide receiver remains.

Should the Raiders draft a quarterback here, a highly rated wide receiver prospect will likely be on their radar in Day 2 of the draft.

Pick 3: Jacksonville Jaguars (2-9, .581 strength of schedule)

Top Needs: CB, S, WR, OT, DT
Week 13 Opponent: vs. Texans
Remaining Strength of Schedule: .338 (31st)

The Jaguars are poised for potential changes in their safety group heading into 2025.

Starter Andre Cisco’s contract expires in the spring, while backups Andrew Wingard and Daniel Thomas have just one year left on their deals.

Darnell Savage and Antonio Johnson are under contract through 2026, but Jacksonville may target a Day 2 draft pick to bolster the position group.

Pick 4: New England Patriots (3-9, .391 strength of schedule)

Top Needs: OT, CB, WR, Edge, OG
Week 13 Opponent: vs. Colts
Remaining Strength of Schedule: .643 (2nd)

Christian Gonzalez is expected to anchor one cornerback spot in 2025, but Jonathan Jones, his current counterpart, will hit free agency.

Adding another starting-caliber corner within the first three rounds would be a sensible move for the Patriots.

Pick 5: Cleveland Browns (3-8, .463 strength of schedule)

Top Needs: WR, QB, OT, Edge, DT
Week 13 Opponent: at Broncos
Remaining Strength of Schedule: .618 (3rd)

The Browns face uncertainty along their offensive line. Former first-round pick Jedrick Wills was benched earlier this month in favor of Dawand Jones, who is now sidelined for the year with a fractured fibula.

Wills is unlikely to re-sign in free agency, and right tackle Jack Conklin’s durability issues persist, with no full season played since 2019. Cleveland will likely need to draft a swing tackle in the middle rounds.

Pick 6: Carolina Panthers (3-8, .463 strength of schedule)

Top Needs: Edge, WR, C, QB, CB
Week 13 Opponent: vs. Buccaneers
Remaining Strength of Schedule: .530 (T-9th)

Carolina’s defensive line stepped up against Patrick Mahomes with five sacks on Sunday, a stark improvement from their previous five-game total of six.

Nevertheless, fortifying the edge rusher position will be a top priority for the Panthers this offseason.

Pick 7: New York Jets (3-8, .516 strength of schedule)

Top Needs: QB, DT, OT, S, CB
Week 13 Opponent: vs. Seahawks
Remaining Strength of Schedule: .485 (T-19th)

NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported questions about Aaron Rodgers’ future with the Jets.

Even if Rodgers returns, he turns 41 this December, emphasizing the need for the team to draft a quarterback as part of their long-term succession plan.

Pick 8: Tennessee Titans (3-8, .564 strength of schedule)

Top Needs: WR, QB, OT, S, OG
Week 13 Opponent: at Commanders
Remaining Strength of Schedule: .391 (29th)

Nicholas Petit-Frere returned to the starting lineup after being benched earlier this season, but competition at right tackle remains a priority. The Titans are expected to target a mid-round prospect for this position.

Pick 9: Chicago Bears (4-7, .464 strength of schedule)

Top Needs: OG, C, WR, DT, Edge
Week 13 Opponent: at Lions
Remaining Strength of Schedule: .727 (1st)

The Bears need to continue investing in the trenches, especially with a defensive line in flux.

Andrew Billings, currently on injured reserve, and young talents Gervon Dexter and Zacch Pickens are the only interior linemen under contract beyond this season. Drafting additional depth on the defensive line is imperative.

Pick 10: Cincinnati Bengals (4-7, .496 strength of schedule)

Top Needs: CB, WR, OG, TE, Edge
Week 13 Opponent: vs. Steelers
Remaining Strength of Schedule: .493 (18th)

Trey Hendrickson remains one of the league’s top pass rushers, and Sam Hubbard continues to contribute, albeit at a slightly diminished level compared to his earlier seasons.

Both players are set to hit free agency after 2025, which necessitates an infusion of edge-rushing talent sooner rather than later.

Pick 11: New Orleans Saints (4-7, .516 strength of schedule)

Top Needs: Edge, CB, WR, S, DT
Week 13 Opponent: vs. Rams
Remaining Strength of Schedule: .433 (T-26th)

Injuries to Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed have exposed a lack of depth at wide receiver.

While midseason acquisition Marquez Valdes-Scantling has been a reliable option, he will be a free agent in the spring. Drafting a young wideout in the first four rounds would be a smart move for the Saints.

Pick 12: Dallas Cowboys (4-7, .556 strength of schedule)

Top Needs: RB, WR, Edge, DT, CB
Week 13 Opponent: vs. Giants
Remaining Strength of Schedule: .448 (T-24th)

The Cowboys’ edge-rushing unit has been plagued by injuries this season, with DeMarcus Lawrence, Micah Parsons, Marshawn Kneeland, and Sam Williams all missing time.

While getting healthy is the first step to improving the pass rush, drafting another young edge defender could provide valuable depth.

2025 NFL Draft Order

Pick 13: Indianapolis Colts (5-7, .560 strength of schedule)

Top Needs: CB, IOL, Edge, LB, S
Week 13 Opponent: at Patriots
Remaining Strength of Schedule: .298 (32nd)

The Colts must address the cornerback position. While JuJu Brents and Jaylon Jones have shown promise, more depth is required, especially with Samuel Womack stepping in for the injured Brents earlier this season. Adding another outside corner within the first three rounds seems likely.

Pick 14: Miami Dolphins (5-6, .427 strength of schedule)

Top Needs: S, OG, DT, LB, QB
Week 13 Opponent: at Packers
Remaining Strength of Schedule: .433 (T-26th)

Linebacker is a significant area of need for the Dolphins in the 2025 draft.

Tyrel Dodson, recently claimed off waivers, and Anthony Walker Jr. will both become free agents, while former third-round pick Channing Tindall has yet to secure a meaningful role in the rotation.

Pick 15: San Francisco 49ers (5-6, .533 strength of schedule)

Top Needs: DT, CB, OG, LB, OT
Week 13 Opponent: at Bills
Remaining Strength of Schedule: .591 (T-5th)

Fred Warner’s linebacker group could see significant turnover in 2025. Dre Greenlaw, De’Vondre Campbell, and Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles are all impending free agents. Expect the 49ers to address linebacker depth with a middle-round pick.

Pick 16: Los Angeles Rams (5-6, .549 strength of schedule)

Top Needs: OT, CB, WR, LB, QB
Week 13 Opponent: at Saints
Remaining Strength of Schedule: .500 (T-15th)

The Rams face uncertainty in their receiving corps, with free agency looming for Demarcus Robinson, Tutu Atwell, and Tyler Johnson.

Star wideout Cooper Kupp turns 32 in June and has struggled with injuries since his record-setting 2021 season. Adding a reliable young receiver in the draft could help rejuvenate their offense.

Pick 17: Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-6, .597 strength of schedule)

Top Needs: WR, OG, LB, Edge, CB
Week 13 Opponent: at Panthers
Remaining Strength of Schedule: .348 (30th)

Linebacker Lavonte David, a longtime cornerstone for the Buccaneers, turns 35 in January and is set to become a free agent, along with K.J. Britt.

Although SirVocea Dennis showed potential before his shoulder injury, the Buccaneers must bolster their linebacker group if David and Britt depart.

Pick 18: Arizona Cardinals (6-5, .566 strength of schedule)

Top Needs: Edge, WR, OG, CB, DT
Week 13 Opponent: at Vikings
Remaining Strength of Schedule: .463 (23rd)

First-round rookie Darius Robinson has yet to make an impact, but the Cardinals are counting on him to anchor their defensive line in 2025.

With Roy Lopez and L.J. Collier set to enter free agency, Arizona needs to address depth and continuity on their defensive front.

Pick PL: Seattle Seahawks (6-5, .512 strength of schedule)

Top Needs: Edge, LB, OT, DT, OG
Week 13 Opponent: at Jets
Remaining Strength of Schedule: .530 (T-9th)

Pick PL: Atlanta Falcons (6-5, .533 strength of schedule)

Top Needs: C, Edge, S, CB, WR
Week 13 Opponent: vs. Chargers
Remaining Strength of Schedule: .448 (T-24th)

The Falcons need to fortify their offensive line, particularly at center. Improving their pass rush is another priority, as they’ve struggled to consistently pressure opposing quarterbacks.

Additionally, securing depth in the secondary and wide receiver corps will be critical to supporting their young offensive core.

Pick PL: Washington Commanders (7-5, .436 strength of schedule)

Top Needs: WR, Edge, LB, CB, OT
Week 13 Opponent: vs. Titans
Remaining Strength of Schedule: .473 (21st)

Wide receiver remains a key need for Washington, especially with Curtis Samuel’s future uncertain as he approaches free agency.

On defense, the Commanders could use additional help at linebacker and cornerback to solidify their unit.

Pick PL: Denver Broncos (7-5, .481 strength of schedule)

Top Needs: OT, LB, TE, S, RB
Week 13 Opponent: vs. Browns
Remaining Strength of Schedule: .518 (T-12th)

The Broncos’ offensive line remains a concern, particularly at tackle. On the defensive side, they need depth at safety and linebacker.

Adding a playmaking tight end and running back will also help enhance their offensive versatility.

Pick PL: Houston Texans (7-5, .481 strength of schedule)

Top Needs: OG, DT, CB, S, WR
Week 13 Opponent: at Jaguars
Remaining Strength of Schedule: .500 (T-15th)

The Texans’ interior line is an area of focus, with both guard and defensive tackle positions needing upgrades.

A young, dynamic wide receiver would also bolster their offensive potential, complementing their current lineup.

Pick PL: Los Angeles Chargers (7-4, .471 strength of schedule)

Top Needs: Edge, DT, C, TE, WR
Week 13 Opponent: at Falcons
Remaining Strength of Schedule: .485 (T-19th)

The Chargers’ defensive line has lacked consistency, and they’ll need reinforcements at both edge and interior positions.

Finding a reliable center to anchor their offensive line and a young tight end to enhance their passing attack will also be priorities.

Pick PL: Baltimore Ravens (8-4, .522 strength of schedule)

Top Needs: OT, WR, Edge, OG, CB
Week 13 Opponent: vs. Eagles
Remaining Strength of Schedule: .518 (T-12th)

The Ravens could benefit from adding depth at offensive tackle and edge rusher. Wide receiver also remains a critical need, with a focus on adding a young playmaker to support their offense. On defense, cornerback depth should also be addressed.

Pick PL: Pittsburgh Steelers (8-3, .432 strength of schedule)

Top Needs: QB, CB, OT, RB, WR
Week 13 Opponent: at Bengals
Remaining Strength of Schedule: .567 (8th)

The Steelers must solidify their quarterback situation, especially with questions surrounding their long-term plans at the position.

Depth at cornerback and offensive tackle will also be key areas to address, along with finding another reliable playmaker at wide receiver.

Pick PL: Green Bay Packers (8-3, .528 strength of schedule)

Top Needs: CB, Edge, OT, DT, WR
Week 13 Opponent: vs. Dolphins
Remaining Strength of Schedule: .576 (7th)

Green Bay’s secondary could use reinforcements, especially at cornerback. The defensive line also needs attention, with depth at edge and interior positions becoming critical as their stars age. Adding another receiver will help ensure their offense remains dynamic.

Pick PL: Philadelphia Eagles (9-2, .410 strength of schedule)

Top Needs: WR, Edge, TE, LB, OT
Week 13 Opponent: at Ravens
Remaining Strength of Schedule: .471 (22nd)

Wide receiver depth has become a concern for Philadelphia, along with the need for an additional tight end to complement their offense.

On defense, the Eagles need to plan for the future at edge rusher and linebacker positions.

Pick PL: Minnesota Vikings (9-2, .439 strength of schedule)

Top Needs: CB, DT, RB, OG, OT
Week 13 Opponent: vs. Cardinals
Remaining Strength of Schedule: .606 (4th)

The Vikings will need to target their defensive interior, with key contributors nearing free agency.

A reliable young cornerback and a dynamic running back are also top priorities to complement their current roster.

Pick PL: Buffalo Bills (9-2, .484 strength of schedule)

Top Needs: Edge, CB, WR, DT, S
Week 13 Opponent: vs. 49ers
Remaining Strength of Schedule: .426 (28th)

The Bills need to address their pass rush, with aging stars on their defensive front. A young wide receiver could add another dimension to their offense, while safety and cornerback depth are also areas of need.

Pick PL: Kansas City Chiefs (10-1, .488 strength of schedule)

Top Needs: CB, DT, OG, WR, LB
Week 13 Opponent: vs. Raiders
Remaining Strength of Schedule: .500 (T-15th)

Kansas City could benefit from adding depth at cornerback and defensive tackle. On offense, finding another reliable wide receiver and bolstering the interior offensive line are essential to maintaining their dominance.

Pick PL: Detroit Lions (10-1, .488 strength of schedule)

Top Needs: Edge, CB, WR, OG, DT
Week 13 Opponent: vs. Bears
Remaining Strength of Schedule: .591 (T-5th)

The Lions’ defense still has room for improvement, particularly at edge rusher and cornerback.

A young wide receiver and an interior offensive lineman could further enhance their balanced offensive attack.

This ends the analysis of the 2025 NFL Draft’s first-round order and team needs heading into Week 13 of the 2024 NFL season.

By Michael Smith

Hi. Hailing from Manila, I am an avid consumer of anime, gaming, football and professional wrestling. You can mostly find me either writing articles, binging shows or engaged in an engrossing discussion about the said interests.

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