Race to the Bottom: Giants and Raiders Vie for 2025 NFL Draft's Top Pick
As the 2024 NFL season nears its thrilling conclusion, a unique contest unfolds at the opposite end of the standings. The New York Giants and the Las Vegas Raiders find themselves locked in a fierce struggle—not for playoff contention, but for the coveted No. 1 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Both teams are suffering through abysmal seasons, each sharing a 2-12 record. This puts them at the forefront of the pursuit for the top draft selection, a position massively influential for rebuilding franchises longing for a fresh spark under center. With glaring needs for a franchise quarterback, both organizations might find salvation among promising prospects like Shedeur Sanders from the Colorado Buffaloes and Cam Ward from the Miami (FL) Hurricanes.
The Giants' Struggle
The New York Giants, clinging to a 38.6% chance based on simulation models, historically have experience navigating the top of the draft. In the past, they secured the No. 1 selection in 1951 and 1965, drafting notable players like Kyle Rote and Tucker Frederickson. This year, their trajectory for another top pick seems plausible, considering their nine-game losing skid and the daunting schedule ahead. The remaining matchups against the Atlanta Falcons, Philadelphia Eagles, and Indianapolis Colts will test the mettle of the Giants, who have faced substantial quarterback instability. Injuries to key players like Tommy DeVito and Drew Lock may push Tim Boyle into action, underscoring the team's desperate need for a new quarterback.
The Raiders' Desperation
Across the country, the Raiders endure an even more prolonged agony, burdened by a ten-game losing streak. Their campaign, which showed promise with a 2-2 start, has unraveled remarkably. Confronted by challenging opponents such as the Jacksonville Jaguars, New Orleans Saints, and Los Angeles Chargers, the Raiders hold a 20.31% chance of snagging the No. 1 pick, according to forecasts. Quarterback uncertainty has plagued the franchise, with Desmond Ridder potentially stepping up amid the uncertainty of Aidan O’Connell's knee injury, emphasizing the ongoing turmoil under center since the JaMarcus Russell era following their last No. 1 selection in 2007.
Other Contenders
While the Giants and Raiders are prominently placed in the race, they aren't alone. Five other teams maintain a fragile hope of landing the top pick, including the New England Patriots, Carolina Panthers, Cleveland Browns, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Tennessee Titans, each with a 3-11 record. These teams trail closely behind, hoping for a series of outcomes that might vault them into first place. Among them, the Cleveland Browns, with a calculated 13.32% chance, stand out with intriguing quarterback decisions. They've opted to start Dorian Thompson-Robinson against the Cincinnati Bengals, choosing to bench veteran Jameis Winston in a bold move indicating a focus on potential future talent rather than short-term performance.
The Outlook
While simulation models predict both the Giants and Raiders may end the season with three victories, securing the No. 1 pick is far from a straightforward affair. The intense competition at the league's basement underscores the broader challenges facing these beleaguered teams. The pursuit of a transformational draft pick, ideally a franchise quarterback, could redefine the path forward for these storied teams. The stakes are undeniably high.
As the season ticks down, all eyes will be on how these final games unfold and which franchise ultimately finds itself in prime position to reshape its future come the next NFL Draft. These teams, teetering on the precipice of potential rebirth, remind us that sometimes, the most compelling battles aren’t measured in playoff victories but in opportunities for new beginnings.