Of all the storylines in the NFL heading into the 2024 season, one of the most intriguing is the race for the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. The NFL may be balanced at the top of the league, but the bottom of the league is filled with teams that aren’t good enough to get close to the playoffs. The problem is, it’s a realistic possibility that some of the teams near the bottom could surprise many by making the playoffs late in the season.
Some Those.
Other teams near the bottom have already been plummeting to the top of the draft before the season has even begun. These teams have their eyes on the season and the draft class of 2025. These five teams are some of the worst teams in the NFL and have a chance to land the top pick in 2025.
Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders baffle me. I want to believe in their defense (new free agents Christian Wilkins and Maxx Crosby are a fearsome duo and CB Jacques Jones could be a very interesting development on the outside), but their offense leaves a lot to be desired at the most important position in the sport. Gardner Minshew was named the starter, but that’s like putting a school bus driver behind the wheel of a muscle car. I like the complementary styles of WR Davante Adams and Jakobi Myers, and rookie TE Brock Bowers can be placed anywhere on the offense, but it’s all for naught if the QB can’t hit anyone. Minshew has earned a reputation as a safe hand that doesn’t turn the ball over, but his 42% success rate is a disappointment. Summer Sports This puts him in the league of hallowed QBs like Kenny Pickett and Mac Jones. His backup, Aidan O’Connell, had a lower success rate than him. No matter how good the supporting cast is, that’s not the plan for success in Las Vegas. Add in an offensive coordinator in Luke Getzy, who may not be all that good at his job, but the combination is perfect for a top draft pick.
New York Giants
Ah, where do I begin? The Giants’ offense is a mix of a poor offensive line, redundant receivers, and a quarterback who turns into a pumpkin. Up front, the Giants have had multiple offensive line coaches, but have yet to build a unit that can consistently protect QB Daniel Jones or push him in the run game. On the rare occasions that Jones has had time to throw the ball, he hasn’t played as well as his contract says he should. His total EPA on non-pressure passes was -1.78, 39th among 42 quarterbacks who made at least 100 passes last year, according to Sports Information Solutions. He didn’t push the ball vertically, and his interception rate on non-pressure passes was among the highest in the NFL. I haven’t even mentioned the receivers yet. Aside from rookie wide receiver Malik Neighbors, this group is unremarkable and redundant. Jalin Hyatt works better on free release or in the slot. Darius Slayton isn’t a bad outside receiver, but he’s a much better slot player. Wan’Dale Robinson is 5’8″ and definitely not cut out to be an outside receiver. In summary, you have a poor OL, a timid QB just returning from an ACL injury, and a receiver room full of slot guys.
See you in April.
Carolina Panthers
I believe in the Panthers’ long-term goals and think they might be better than last year, but I don’t see them getting anywhere in the NFC this year. I’m seriously worried about their ability to pressure after trading EDGE Brian Barnes. DT Derrick Brown is a rising star, but EDGE Jadeveon Clowney is more of a win-win-win-win-with-stunts-and-artificial-pressure guy than by winning on his own. Behind him are K’Lavon Chaisson, DJ Johnson, and Ek Leota. Good luck. Offensively, they should be better, but I still have questions about their consistency as receivers. Wide receiver Diontay Johnson should be a good addition, but I’m worried about their consistency at other positions. Adam Thielen will be 34, and rookie Xavier Leggett may have a limited route tree at first. Their offense could improve, but I don’t think their defense is good enough to win many games.
New England Patriots
Oh, no.
Oh my goodness.
First off, I want to say that the Patriots have one of the best defenses in the league. Even after trading EDGE Matthew Judon and losing DT Christian Barmore to a blood clot, I believe their defense is still good enough. As for the offense… well, the offensive line is weak and the lack of pass protection will seriously hinder the offense. The wide receiver corps is slowly developing, especially with rookie wide receivers Jalyn Polk and Javon Baker gaining experience in the one-point shot. Jacoby Brissett will start the season under center, but it’s only a matter of time before rookie QB Drake Maye takes his place. But the season may be long over by then, and the Patriots may be looking to the 2025 draft to bolster their rookie QB.
Washington Commanders
First off, I think the Commanders have a vision for what they want this team to be, both offensively and defensively. The problem is, I don’t think that vision is very good right now. There are still a lot of question marks on the offensive line, especially at left tackle if rookie Brandon Coleman starts. The middle of the OL is crowded, and I don’t know how long they’ll be able to use rookie QB Jayden Daniels if Andrew Wylie still starts. Oh, and they also hired Kliff Kingsbury as their offensive coordinator. That’s about it.
Defensively, I think the secondary will struggle a lot. CB Emmanuel Forbes had a rough rookie season, and Michael Davis seems like a stop-gap at the other CB position. Up front, Dan Quinn will likely bring some pressure, but using Jamin Davis at EDGE and trying to get anything out of him is going to be problematic. I want to believe in this team, but I just can’t.
