2025 NFL Draft order: Panthers, Raiders wins shake up top 10 entering Week 17
The Carolina Panthers and Las Vegas Raiders pulled off significant wins in Week 16, which has shaken up the top 10 of the 2025 NFL Draft order entering Week 17.
Panthers surge into top 5
The Panthers, who started the season 1-4, have won four of their last five games to improve to 6-9. Their latest victory was a 24-10 upset over the playoff-bound New Orleans Saints. The win moved Carolina up to No. 5 in the draft order, ahead of the Indianapolis Colts and Arizona Cardinals.
The Panthers’ resurgence has been fueled by the play of rookie quarterback Sam Darnold. Darnold has thrown for 2,700 yards and 20 touchdowns this season, and he has also rushed for over 500 yards and five touchdowns. Darnold’s ability to make plays with his arm and his legs has made the Panthers a much more dangerous team.
Raiders climb into top 10
The Raiders also pulled off a big win in Week 16, defeating the Denver Broncos 32-23. The victory moved the Raiders up to No. 9 in the draft order, ahead of the Chicago Bears and Jacksonville Jaguars.
The Raiders’ improvement this season has been a surprise to many. After starting the season 0-4, the Raiders have won six of their last eight games. The team’s turnaround has been led by quarterback Derek Carr, who has thrown for over 4,000 yards and 25 touchdowns this season.
Top 10 draft order entering Week 17
- Houston Texans
- Chicago Bears
- Jacksonville Jaguars
- Seattle Seahawks
- Carolina Panthers
- Indianapolis Colts
- Arizona Cardinals
- Las Vegas Raiders
- Tennessee Titans
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The top of the draft order is still very much up for grabs heading into Week 17. The Texans, Bears, and Jaguars all have a chance to finish with the worst record in the NFL, which would give them the No. 1 overall pick. The Panthers, Colts, Cardinals, and Raiders are all in the mix for a top-10 pick, and their Week 17 results will have a big impact on their draft position.
Impact on the draft
The shakeup in the draft order could have a significant impact on the 2025 NFL Draft. The top prospects in this year’s draft include quarterback Bryce Young, wide receiver Marvin Jones Jr., and edge rusher Will Anderson Jr. If the Texans, Bears, or Jaguars finish with the worst record, they will have a chance to select one of these elite prospects.
The Panthers, Colts, Cardinals, and Raiders could also be in the market for a quarterback in the draft. If Darnold continues to play well, the Panthers may decide to use their pick on another position. However, if Darnold struggles in the final two games of the season, the Panthers could be tempted to take a quarterback with their top pick.
The Colts, Cardinals, and Raiders are all in need of a franchise quarterback. If they are unable to find a suitable quarterback in the draft, they may be forced to look elsewhere, such as free agency or a trade.
The 2025 NFL Draft is shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable in recent memory. The results of Week 17 will have a major impact on the draft order, and it will be interesting to see how the top teams use their picks.