This is a look at the first-round order for the 2025 NFL Draft heading into Week 17 of the 2024 NFL season, along with the top five needs for each team. 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 would make the playoffs if the season ended today are marked as PL (short for playoffs) in the order below. The draft order for playoff teams is determined by the results of postseason play.
Arrows reflect movement from last week's order.
Biggest needs: QB, OT, CB, OG, TE
Remaining opponents: vs. Colts (7-8), at Eagles (12-3)
The Giants' 10th straight loss, in combination with the Raiders' win over the Jags, strengthened New York's hold on the first pick -- in Round 1 and every subsequent round of the 2025 NFL Draft. This means that after the team presumably selects its new franchise QB on April 24, it will be in position to then address issues along its offensive line at the start of Days 2 or 3.
Biggest needs: OT, CB, Edge, WR, IOL
Remaining opponents: vs. Chargers (9-6), vs. Bills (12-3)
The Patriots gave the Bills a good run in Buffalo on Sunday afternoon, but in dropping their fifth consecutive game, they remain in the hunt for the No. 1 overall pick. New England's SOS is well below New York's, meaning if both teams finished with the same record, the Pats would comfortably win the tie-breaker. Whether they are picking first, second or some place else in the top five, though, New England must target an elite OL prospect who can start on Day 1. The unit has been a disaster this season and needs an instant infusion of talent and depth.
Biggest needs: CB, S, WR, IOL, QB
Remaining opponents: vs. Titans (3-12), at Colts (7-8)
Mac Jones will be a free agent this offseason, but even if he weren't, his play in relief of the injured Trevor Lawrence hasn't wowed enough to warrant retaining him as the team's No. 2 signal-caller. Jacksonville could find its new backup in the draft, using some extra Day 3 capital the team has acquired via trades to move up the board (perhaps in Rounds 3 or 4) for a promising prospect.
Biggest needs: Edge, OT, WR, QB, RB
Remaining opponents: vs. Dolphins (7-8), at Ravens (10-5)
Dorian Thompson-Robinson's first start of the season did not go well on Sunday, so I think it’s fair to say the Browns will still be looking for an alternative to Deshaun Watson at quarterback this offseason. Cleveland should be thoroughly evaluating the 2025 QB class.
Biggest needs: WR, QB, Edge, OT, S
Remaining opponents: at Jaguars (3-12), vs. Texans (9-6)
I wouldn't expect Tennessee to spend its first-round pick on a safety, but the back-end of the defense could definitely use an upgrade. Look for the Titans to address the position in free agency and in the middle rounds of April's draft.
Biggest needs: QB, WR, CB, DT, RB
Remaining opponents: at Saints (5-10), vs. Chargers (9-6)
I doubt any of the Raiders players who were involved in Sunday's victory over the Jags were concerned the W cost them several spots in the 2025 draft order. But the win could have significant long-term implications for the franchise. In dropping from No. 2 overall to No. 6, and with an SOS much higher than the other three-win teams, Vegas might have to trade up if it wants to secure one of the top two passers in the 2025 class. While all the attention is justifiably on who will be the Raiders' next QB, the team also has to address its CB room, with multiple veterans entering free agency or contract years.
Biggest needs: QB, DT, OT, S, CB
Remaining opponents: at Bills (12-3), vs. Dolphins (7-8)
First-round pick Olu Fashanu was carted off the field with a foot injury in the Jets' loss to the Rams on Sunday. It's unclear when the promising rookie will next be available, but whenever he's healthy, he's earned the right to bookend the O-line. The answer at the other tackle spot is far less certain, though. With Morgan Moses and Tyron Smith both due to hit free agency this spring, the Jets' new leadership could let former fourth-rounders Carter Warren (2023) and Max Mitchell (2022) compete at right tackle. But I suspect the team will target a starter-quality lineman in the 2025 draft and/or pay an established veteran in free agency.
Biggest needs: Edge, WR, C, DT, QB
Remaining opponents: at Buccaneers (8-7), at Falcons (8-7)
A revitalized Bryce Young looks like the top candidate to lead the team in 2025, but he might need a new center. The Panthers lost starter Austin Corbett to a ruptured biceps tendon in early October, and he and backup Cade Mays both have expiring contracts. Unless both are re-signed, the team must find another pivot in the middle rounds of the draft.
Biggest needs: OG, C, OT, Edge, WR
Remaining opponents: vs. Seahawks (8-7), at Packers (11-4)
The Bears should leave no stone unturned this offseason to bolster the offensive line, but they will also have to invest again in their WR room. DJ Moore and 2024 first-rounder Rome Odunze will be Caleb Williams' main targets in the pass game in 2025, but Keenan Allen is due to hit free agency after the season and 2023 fourth-rounder Tyler Scott has totaled only one catch for five yards this year. Slot receivers should be among the Bears' most sought-after prospects this spring.
Biggest needs: Edge, WR, CB, S, TE
Remaining opponents: vs. Raiders (3-12), at Buccaneers (8-7)
Juwan Johnson is an impending free agent, while Foster Moreau and Taysom Hill, who suffered a season-ending knee injury on Dec. 1, both only have one year left on their respective deals. Finding a pass-catching tight end must be a priority for the team on Day 3 of the draft -- if not earlier.
Biggest needs: CB, OG, DT, LB, OT
Remaining opponents: vs. Lions (13-2), at Cardinals (7-8)
The 49ers' defense has missed Javon Hargrave since he suffered a triceps injury in September and the team will need to address the defensive tackle spot this offseason. San Francisco traded for impending free agent Khalil Davis in November, which highlighted the squad’s lack of young talent up front, something that should be rectified late on Day 2 or early on Day 3 of the 2025 draft.
Biggest needs: S, OG, DT, LB, QB
Remaining opponents: at Browns (3-12), at Jets (4-11)
The Dolphins should either re-sign or sign at least one veteran linebacker in March, but another LB should be selected in the draft. Anthony Walker, Tyrel Dodson and Duke Riley are ticketed for free agency, and 2022 third-round pick Channing Tindall has just four tackles in nine games this season.
Biggest needs: CB, WR, OT, RB, TE
Remaining opponents: vs. Broncos (9-6), at Steelers (10-5)
Considering Ja'Marr Chase will be entering a contract year in 2025, it might be tough to pay impending free agent Tee Higgins his market value, although Joe Burrow recently said he’s confident the Bengals will bring Higgins back. I wouldn’t be surprised if the team picks a receiver in the first three rounds should Higgins depart.
Biggest needs: RB, DT, CB, OG, LB
Remaining opponents: at Eagles (12-3), vs. Commanders (10-5)
Given that Jourdan Lewis, Israel Mukuamu and Amani Oruwariye could depart in free agency, the Cowboys may need to pick up another nickel or outside corner in April. DaRon Bland will be in the last year of his deal next fall, too.
Biggest needs: CB, IOL, TE, LB, S
Remaining opponents: at Giants (2-13), vs. Jaguars (3-12)
Zaire Franklin is signed long-term, but he needs one or two partners to fill out the depth chart at linebacker for the Colts. Starter E.J. Speed, who missed Week 16 with a knee injury, is due to become a free agent in 2025, as is Grant Stuard.
Biggest needs: Edge, WR, OG, DT, OT
Remaining opponents: at Rams (9-6), vs. 49ers (6-9)
The Arizona defensive front will need reinforcements in the offseason with first-round pick Darius Robinson still acclimating to the pros after missing most of the season due to injury. D-linemen Roy Lopez and L.J. Collier are among the team’s impending free agents.
Biggest needs: LB, QB, OG, OT, DT
Remaining opponents: at Bears (4-11), at Rams (9-6)
The Seahawks will need to address the offensive line in 2025. Starting left guard Laken Tomlinson is due to hit free agency after the season. Recent draft picks Christian Haynes, Sataoa Laumea and Anthony Bradford will likely find another rookie joining the competition for snaps at guard.
Biggest needs: WR, OG, LB, Edge, OT
Remaining opponents: vs. Panthers (4-11), vs. Saints (5-10)
Tampa Bay can build around Calijah Kancey and Vita Vea on the interior, but the team would undoubtedly benefit from adding more explosiveness off the edge. Joe Tryon-Shoyinka and Anthony Nelson are headed to free agency, so 2024 second-round pick Chris Braswell and another middle-round pick could join Yaya Diaby to form a rotation on the outside.
Biggest needs: C, S, CB, Edge, WR
Remaining opponents: at Commanders (10-5), vs. Panthers (4-11)
Biggest needs: LB, TE, WR, S, OT
Remaining opponents: at Bengals (7-8), vs. Chiefs (14-1)
Biggest needs: OG, DT, CB, WR, OT
Remaining opponents: vs. Ravens (10-5), at Titans (3-12)
Biggest needs: Edge, DT, C, S, WR
Remaining opponents: at Patriots (3-12), at Raiders (3-12)
Biggest needs: OT, CB, WR, LB, OG
Remaining opponents: vs. Cardinals (7-8), vs. Seahawks (8-7)
Biggest needs: Edge, OT, WR, LB, CB
Remaining opponents: vs. Falcons (8-7), at Cowboys (7-8)
Biggest needs: QB, CB, RB, WR, OT
Remaining opponents: vs. Chiefs (14-1), vs. Bengals (7-8)
Biggest needs: OT, WR, Edge, OG, CB
Remaining opponents: at Texans (9-6), vs. Browns (3-12)
Biggest needs: CB, OT, DT, C, Edge
Remaining opponents: at Vikings (13-2), vs. Bears (4-11)
Biggest needs: WR, Edge, LB, TE, OG
Remaining opponents: vs. Cowboys (7-8), vs. Giants (2-13)
Biggest needs: Edge, DT, WR, CB, S
Remaining opponents: vs. Jets (4-11), at Patriots (3-12)
Biggest needs: CB, DT, RB, OG, OT
Remaining opponents: vs. Packers (11-4), at Lions (13-2)
Biggest needs: Edge, CB, WR, OG, DT
Remaining opponents: at 49ers (6-9), vs. Vikings (13-2)
Biggest needs: CB, WR, DT, OG, OT
Remaining opponents: at Steelers (10-5), at Broncos (9-6)
