NFL draft order: Browns move up, expected to move up again in Week 18

Week 17 is in the books for all but 2 teams which puts the top of the NFL draft order in place for the Browns

The Cleveland Browns played the Miami Dolphins in Week 17 of the 2024 NFL regular season but really all that mattered was the continued march to the top of the NFL draft. Or, as we’ve coined it, the “Race to the Bottom.” All our coverage after the loss was great:

• A great running recap
• Grades
• Brownies & Frownies (Winners & Losers)

Yet, besides the quality work from the DBN staff, there was little reason to focus on the game instead of the NFL draft order. Cleveland saw some good luck earlier in the day with the New York Giants getting their third win and the Jacksonville Jaguars getting their fourth (someone had to win in their matchup with the Tennessee Titans even though a tie would have been better for the Browns).

Now, with just Monday Night Football left to play, the top 10 picks in the 2025 NFL draft are coming into focus. Here is the current NFL draft order along with each team’s record and Strength of Schedule (the primary tiebreaker):

1. New England Patriots: 3-13, .469
2. Tennessee Titans: 3-13, .513
3. Cleveland Browns: 3-13, .540
4. New York Giants: 3-13, .551
5. Jacksonville Jaguars: 4-12, .472
6. New York Jets: 4-12, .496
7. Carolina Panthers: 4-12, .502
8. Las Vegas Raiders: 4-12, .544
9. Chicago Bears: 4-12, .554
10. New Orleans Saints: 5-11, .507

According to ESPN’s projection, the Browns are expected to select second overall behind the Patriots:

Cleveland is a huge underdog to the Baltimore Ravens in Week 18 due to the home team fighting for the AFC North while New England plays the Buffalo Bills who have already clinched their playoff spot and should be resting players. The Titans play the Houston Texans who are also locked into their playoff seed and could be resting their key starters.

Given the motivation of the opponents, the Browns have a real shot of leaving Week 18 with the top overall pick in the 2025 NFL draft.