Ranking 10 struggling NFL teams that could earn the top 2025 draft pick

cory woodroof

Fri, 8 Nov 2024, 8:00 am·4-min read

Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Germaine Pratt (57) and defensive tackle B.J. Hill (92) pursue Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Gardner Minshew (15) in the first quarter of the NFL Week 9 game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Las Vegas Raiders at Paycor Stadium in downtown Cincinnati on Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024.

We're at the halfway point of the 2024 NFL season, and we're beginning to have a firm grasp on who the real Super Bowl contenders and pretenders are in the league.

As the 2025 NFL Draft will be here soon enough, it's worth asking which team could land next year's first-overall pick.

That pick will most certainly go to a quarterback, with guys like Colorado's Shedeur Sanders, Miami's Cam Ward, Georgia's Carson Beck and Texas' Quinn Ewers all likely declaring this winter.

Let's survey the NFL as it stands, with some help from Tankathon's draft order at present, to figure out which teams could seriously land the first-overall pick.

10. Miami Dolphins

ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 03: Tua Tagovailoa #1 of the Miami Dolphins throws a pass against the Buffalo Bills during the second quarter at Highmark Stadium on November 03, 2024 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images) ORG XMIT: 776151451 ORIG FILE ID: 2182707050

Miami looked absolutely cooked until quarterback Tua Tagovailoa returned from his concussion. While we still don't think the Dolphins will right the ship in time to save the season, they're going to be more competitive with Tagovailoa on the field. Don't count on them for the top pick.

9. Cleveland Browns

Sep 15, 2024; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett (95) celebrates a stop against the Jacksonville Jaguars in the third quarter at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Reper-Imagn Images

The Browns are very mediocre. Quarterback Jameis Winston is going to be the definition of an inconsistent starter the rest of the way out, but the run game and this stout Browns defense should keep them in games. They're probably picking in the top 10, but the first-overall pick is less likely.

8. New Orleans Saints

Sep 29, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr (4) throws a pass against the Atlanta Falcons in the first quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

The Saints are reeling right now and just fired coach Dennis Allen. After losing seven straight, it begs the question if New Orleans can string together some wins. As the team gets healthier, they'll be in a better position to do just that. Maybe not a lot, but enough to remove first-pick potential.

7. New York Giants

New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) warms up prior to the start of the game between the New York Giants and the Washington Commanders at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford on Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024.

The Giants are not a great football team, but the team's excellent defensive front is going to keep them in games this fall. Daniel Jones can be competent enough to win some, too. While New York may want a quarterback next spring, trading up will probably be the best way to get one.

6. Dallas Cowboys

Nov 3, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Cooper Rush (10) throws a pass against the Atlanta Falcons in the fourth quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

The Cowboys are down bad. Losing quarterback Dak Prescott to injury is going to set this team even further back than it already was. The defense is just too banged up to slow anybody down, and the run game can't get going on a consistent basis. Dallas might be more likely here than you think if it can't get healthy.

5. New England Patriots

New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (10) looks down field in the third quarter against The Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024. Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Rookie quarterback Drake Maye has been pretty impressive so far, even if the team around him is not going to contend any time soon. Starting Maye and watching him grow in real time is probably the right play with how he's performing, but losing to the first-overall pick might still be realistic. If New England gets it, expect them to trade down and get a king's ransom in return.

4. Jacksonville Jaguars

Sep 29, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) jogs off the field after a play during the fourth quarter against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images ORG XMIT: IMAGN-880924 ORIG FILE ID: 20240929_tjt_at5_042.JPG

The Jaguars had less of a chance to be this high before word broke of quarterback Trevor Lawrence's injury. If Lawrence can't go and Mac Jones takes his spot, this team will probably keep losing football games. There are good players on this team, and trading down for a lot in return would probably be the play for Jacksonville with a quarterback not one of the team's future needs.

3. Carolina Panthers

Nov 3, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) after a nine yard run in the third qarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

The Panthers are probably going to give quarterback Bryce Young more opportunities to solidify his future in Carolina. If he doesn't come through, it's very possible Carolina could pick first and take yet another quarterback. A lot depends on how Young does and if he can spark some wins. Even if he proves he can be the guy, the talent disparity on this roster alone may land them the top pick.

2. Tennessee Titans

Tennessee Titans quarterback Will Levis (8) heads off the field after throwing a fourth quarter interception against the Indianapolis Colts during their game at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Monday, Oct. 14, 2024.

The Titans beat the Patriots on Sunday, earning their second win of the season. The first win came against a Tagovailoa-less Dolphins. Tennessee is one of the worst teams in football for a reason, and them finding a potential quarterback of the future with the first-overall pick feels very realistic.

1. Las Vegas Raiders

Oct 27, 2024; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) walks off the field after the Raiders were defeated by the Kansas City Chiefs 27-20 at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

The Raiders are floundering in a way we haven't seen in quite some time. Las Vegas does not have its definitive quarterback of the future on the roster. Wins are hard to come by for the Raiders right now. Them picking first in next year's NFL Draft is probably your best bet. Keep Colorado's Sanders in mind as the most likely option if this comes true.

This article originally appeared on For The Win: Ranking 10 struggling NFL teams that could earn the top 2025 draft pick