2025 NFL Draft order: 16 of top 18 picks locked in entering Vikings-Lions clash on Sunday night

This is a look at the first-round order for the 2025 NFL Draft as it stands at the end of the 2024 regular season. The order is determined by record, using strength of schedule as the first tiebreaker (click here to see a full list of the draft-order tiebreakers). Keep in mind — teams that have advanced to the postseason are marked as PL (short for playoffs) in the order below. While the draft order for Picks 1-18 is locked in, the order for playoff teams is determined by the results of postseason play.

Arrows reflect movement from last week’s order.

NOTE: Strength of schedule numbers and the records for the Lions and Vikings were updated after Sunday night’s game.

3-14
·
.522 (strength of schedule)

Biggest needs: QB, WR, Edge, OT, S

The Titans vaulted into the top spot with a loss to the Texans and the Patriots’ win over the Bills in Week 18. Tennessee’s need at quarterback grew more glaring as the season progressed. Will Levis lacked accuracy and did not handle pressure well.

3-14
·
.536

Biggest needs: Edge, OT, WR, QB, RB

Imagine the Browns defense with an elite edge rusher playing opposite 2023 Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett. The attention Garrett commands from offenses will make a rookie edge rusher’s life easier.

3-14
·
.554

Biggest needs: QB, OT, OG, CB, S

The Giants are yet another team in need of a quarterback with the Daniel Jones era officially ending earlier this season. The next QB1 should love throwing to Malik Nabers, but the team has to improve the rest of the supporting cast, including the mediocre offensive line.

4-13
·
.471

Biggest needs: OT, IOL, WR, Edge, CB

The Patriots must address the offensive line this offseason. Injuries exacerbated their lack of talent at tackle going into the year and guards will also be needed if Cole Strange stays at center next season.

4-13
·
.478

Biggest needs: CB, S, WR, IOL, QB

Andre Cisco is ticketed for free agency in 2025, while Ronald Darby, Montaric Brown and Andrew Wingard are all entering contract years in ’25. So, I’m expecting the team to bring in multiple rookies to compete in the secondary.

4-13
·
.540

Biggest needs: QB, WR, RB, CB, DT

Two late-season wins took the Raiders out of the hunt for a top-five pick, but they still need to find a franchise quarterback in the draft or free agency (in addition to adding talent at running back and receiver).

5-12
·
.495

Biggest needs: QB, DT, OT, S, CB

The Jets have their share of question marks, with the future at quarterback among the most glaring. They must decide whether they can find a long-term answer in this year’s draft.

5-12
·
.498

Biggest needs: Edge, DT, WR, C, QB

The Panthers’ primary draft focus should be improving one of the league’s worst defenses. Big bodies are needed to support star Derrick Brown when he returns from injury and the team’s ineffective pass rush could use a difference-maker.

5-12
·
.505

Biggest needs: Edge, WR, CB, S, TE

The Saints should, once again, be looking for edge defender help early in the draft. Chase Young might find a new home in free agency, the team declined the fifth-year option on former first-round pick Payton Turner and Cameron Jordan turns 36 years old this summer.

5-12
·
.554

Biggest needs: OG, C, OT, Edge, WR

Caleb Williams must take some share of blame for taking so many sacks this season, but the Bears offensive line needs upgrades at left tackle and right guard, as well as a new center if Coleman Shelton leaves via free agency.

6-11
·
.564

Biggest needs: CB, DT, Edge, LB, OG

The 49ers could use more depth behind Nick Bosa and a (hopefully) healthy Javon Hargrave in 2025. I’m expecting to see turnover in the secondary, as well, with the contracts for Charvarius Ward and Isaac Yiadom expiring.

7-10
·
.522

Biggest needs: RB, OG, DT, CB, LB

Improving the run game in 2025 via the draft must be a priority. Dallas released Ezekiel Elliott late in the season and Rico Dowdle is an impending free agent, so I’m expecting the Cowboys to pick a running back early on.

8-9
·
.457

Biggest needs: IOL, TE, CB, LB, S

Ensuring Anthony Richardson has a top-notch tight end as a safety valve and a solid interior offensive line (if center Ryan Kelly does not return) should help him take the next step.

8-9
·
.519

Biggest needs: Edge, S, CB, C, WR

Arnold Ebiketie had a productive finish to his third season (five sacks in his last six games) but the Falcons might need to replace impending free-agent edge rushers Matthew Judon and Lorenzo Carter this offseason.

9-8
·
.478

Biggest needs: WR, TE, OT, CB, OG

Joe Burrow had an MVP-caliber season, carrying a team that has pressing needs on both sides of the ball. Focusing on skill positions early in the draft will be necessary if receiver Tee Higgins and tight end Mike Gesicki are not re-signed.

10-7
·
.498

Biggest needs: OG, QB, LB, DT, OT

Geno Smith is entering the final year of his contract. However, the team’s most pressing need is on the offensive line. Recent draft picks Sataoa Laumea, Christian Haynes and Anthony Bradford have yet to impress, and starter Laken Tomlinson is due to hit free agency this offseason.