The Thanksgiving NFL games not only provide entertainment but also significantly influence the draft order for the upcoming season. For several teams, a disappointing season can lead to a valuable silver lining: securing a high draft pick. As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, teams like the New York Giants, Chicago Bears, and Jacksonville Jaguars are already eyeing top picks to rebuild their rosters.

2025 NFL draft order
2025 NFL draft order

Key Teams in the Spotlight

New York Giants

The New York Giants entered Thanksgiving in pole position for the No. 1 overall pick, and their loss to the Dallas Cowboys only solidified their status as the front-runner. With a 2-10 record and a .522 strength of schedule (SOS), the Giants are likely to secure the coveted first selection unless another bottom-tier team goes on an unexpected winning streak. This pick could be transformative for the franchise as they aim to rebuild after a disappointing season.

Dallas Cowboys

Despite securing a win against the Giants, the Dallas Cowboys remain in an uncertain position. The loss of Dak Prescott to a hamstring injury earlier in the season has left the team leaning on backup options. With a 5-7 record, they find themselves in the middle tier of the draft order. Owner Jerry Jones, however, is focused on winning games, even at the expense of securing a higher draft pick, as the team clings to slim postseason hopes.

Chicago Bears

The Bears are in the midst of a six-game losing streak, positioning them firmly within the top-10 draft range. Despite the hopes of fans that rookie Caleb Williams could lead the team to a postseason berth, the reality has been far grimmer. With a 4-8 record and a .507 SOS, Chicago is likely to target another cornerstone player in the draft to bolster their roster and improve their long-term competitiveness.

Full 2025 NFL Draft Order (Post-Week 13)

Here is the comprehensive draft order after Thanksgiving games, factoring in current records and strength of schedule (SOS) to break ties:

  1. New York Giants: 2-10; .522 SOS

  2. Jacksonville Jaguars: 2-9; .478 SOS

  3. Las Vegas Raiders: 2-9; .536 SOS

  4. New England Patriots: 3-9; .482 SOS

  5. Carolina Panthers: 3-8; .456 SOS

  6. Cleveland Browns: 3-8; .464 SOS

  7. New York Jets: 3-8; .516 SOS

  8. Tennessee Titans: 3-8; .563 SOS

  9. Chicago Bears: 4-8; .507 SOS

  10. Cincinnati Bengals: 4-7; .492 SOS

  11. New Orleans Saints: 4-7; .520 SOS

  12. Miami Dolphins: 5-7; .456 SOS

  13. Dallas Cowboys: 5-7; .522 SOS

  14. Indianapolis Colts: 5-7; .558 SOS

  15. San Francisco 49ers: 5-6; .540 SOS

  16. Los Angeles Rams: 5-6; .548 SOS

  17. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 5-6; .595 SOS

  18. Seattle Seahawks: 6-5; .508 SOS

  19. Atlanta Falcons: 6-5; .537 SOS

  20. Arizona Cardinals: 6-5; .563 SOS

  21. Washington Commanders: 7-5; .431 SOS

  22. Denver Broncos: 7-5; .481 SOS

  23. Houston Texans: 7-5; .489 SOS

  24. Los Angeles Chargers: 7-4; .472 SOS

  25. Baltimore Ravens: 8-4; .526 SOS

  26. Pittsburgh Steelers: 8-3; .433 SOS

  27. Green Bay Packers: 9-3; .518 SOS

  28. Philadelphia Eagles: 9-2; .416 SOS

  29. Minnesota Vikings: 9-2; .441 SOS

  30. Buffalo Bills: 9-2; .476 SOS

  31. Kansas City Chiefs: 10-1; .488 SOS

  32. Detroit Lions: 11-1; .482 SOS

Analysis of Lower Picks

Kansas City Chiefs (31st)

The Chiefs, once again dominant at 10-1, have shown little need for high draft picks. However, they could look to bolster their depth at wide receiver or offensive tackle to sustain their dynasty.

Detroit Lions (32nd)

At 11-1, the Lions are on a league-leading pace, thanks to their improved defense and steady offensive production. They could use their late pick to target a defensive back or wide receiver to complement their core.

Philadelphia Eagles (28th)

With one of the easiest SOS records among top teams (.416), the Eagles may continue focusing on building a younger defense, especially at linebacker or cornerback.

Green Bay Packers (27th)

The Packers have rebounded impressively after a shaky start to the season. A late first-round pick could help reinforce their offensive line or secondary.

Players to Watch in the 2025 NFL Draft

As the draft approaches, the focus shifts to the top prospects expected to make an impact at the professional level. Teams in the top 10 will be particularly keen on evaluating the following players:

1. Caleb Williams, QB, USC

The reigning Heisman Trophy winner has drawn comparisons to Patrick Mahomes for his mobility, arm talent, and improvisation. Teams like the Giants and Patriots, desperate for quarterback stability, may see Williams as their franchise savior.

2. Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado

The son of NFL legend Deion Sanders, Shedeur has emerged as a legitimate top-five prospect. His poise under pressure, accuracy, and leadership make him a compelling option for teams looking to rebuild around a young quarterback.

3. Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State

Arguably the best wide receiver prospect in years, Harrison Jr. is a game-changer. Teams like the Bears, who already have Caleb Williams, may prioritize pairing him with an elite target to maximize offensive potential.

4. Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia

Bowers is a versatile tight end who can dominate as both a receiver and a blocker. His skillset would be invaluable for teams needing a reliable pass-catcher and playmaker, such as the Raiders or Titans.

5. Olu Fashanu, OT, Penn State

Fashanu, a premier offensive tackle, is projected to anchor an NFL offensive line for years. Teams with struggling offensive lines, like the Jets or Browns, may use their picks to secure protection for their quarterbacks.

The Importance of Strength of Schedule (SOS)

The strength of schedule continues to play a crucial role in determining draft positioning, particularly for teams with similar records. For example:

  • New York Giants (.522 SOS) have faced tougher opponents than the Jacksonville Jaguars (.478 SOS), which may help the Jaguars secure a slightly better draft position if their records align.
  • The Carolina Panthers (.456 SOS), despite their struggles, could see their relatively easier schedule push them further down the draft order.

These nuances make the final weeks of the season critical as teams evaluate whether to play for wins or strategically position themselves for better draft outcomes.

Potential Trades and Draft-Day Drama

High picks often spark intense trade activity, especially when multiple teams are in dire need of a quarterback. Here's a look at some possible scenarios:

1. New York Giants Trade the No. 1 Pick

If the Giants believe in Daniel Jones or prefer to address other roster needs, they could trade down. A team like the Patriots or Raiders might offer a package of picks to secure Caleb Williams.

2. Teams Targeting Marvin Harrison Jr.

A wide receiver of Harrison’s caliber could entice a team like the Chicago Bears to move up in the draft, especially if they see him as the perfect complement to Caleb Williams.

3. Quarterback Shuffle

With several quarterback-needy teams in the top 10, a bidding war could erupt for Shedeur Sanders or Michael Penix Jr., especially if Caleb Williams is off the board early.

Looking Ahead: Key Dates and Storylines

The road to the 2025 NFL Draft is packed with milestones that could shift the draft order and team strategies:

  • End of Regular Season (Week 18): Final draft positions will be determined after the last week of games.
  • NFL Combine: Teams will closely evaluate top prospects to determine their physical and mental readiness for the league.
  • Free Agency: Moves made in free agency may affect draft priorities. For example, a team signing a veteran quarterback may pivot to targeting other positions.

Conclusion

The Thanksgiving games not only impacted the playoff race but also brought clarity to the 2025 NFL Draft picture. As teams like the Giants, Bears, and Jaguars eye top-tier talent to reshape their futures, the stakes remain high in the weeks ahead. Whether it’s Caleb Williams leading the next generation of NFL stars or a surprise prospect climbing the boards, the draft will be a pivotal moment for these struggling franchises.

Stay tuned for more updates as the regular season concludes and the focus shifts to the offseason, where every decision could alter the trajectory of a franchise. For now, the 2025 NFL Draft order reflects both the challenges of this season and the hope for a brighter future.

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