Drew Lock doesn’t care one bit about the No. 1 pick in the draft. As the quarterback for the New York Giants, his focus was solely on securing a win against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 17. And win they did, in a thrilling game that saw the Giants emerge victorious with a stunning 45-33 scoreline at MetLife Stadium. This was not just any win; it was New York’s first home victory of the season and a performance that showcased Lock’s talent, as he threw for 309 yards, four touchdowns, and even added a rushing score.
Giants’ morale boost at a cost
While the victory was a much-needed boost for the Giants’ morale, it came with significant implications for their future. Entering the game, the Giants were in the driver’s seat to claim the No. 1 pick in the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft, needing to lose their final two games to secure that coveted selection. However, with this win, they not only celebrated on the field but also knocked themselves out of the top spot in the draft order.
Head coach Brian Daboll expressed his happiness for the players and coaches after the game, stating, “It’s a tough season. It’s good to see results, it’s good to see smiles on their faces.” This sentiment resonates with fans who have endured a challenging season. But as the Giants celebrated, they had to grapple with the reality that their victory altered the draft landscape.
The draft order shake-up
So, what does this mean for the NFL Draft order? With New York’s unexpected win, they now find themselves in a four-way tie with three other teams, all boasting three wins this season. The race for the No. 1 pick has become more competitive, and the implications are significant for the franchises involved.
Following the Giants’ triumph, the New England Patriots now hold the top pick in the draft, thanks to their own struggles this season. The Patriots fell to a disappointing 3-13 record after a blowout loss to the Chargers, but their strength of schedule gives them the tiebreaker over the Titans, Browns, and, of course, the Giants.
Current draft order heading into Week 18
As we look ahead to Week 18, the draft order is shaping up to be quite intriguing. The Patriots sit at No. 1, followed closely by the Titans at No. 2 and the Browns at No. 3. The Giants, who once seemed poised to secure the top pick, have now dropped to the fourth position. This shift in the draft order is a reminder of how quickly fortunes can change in the NFL.
Here’s a breakdown of the current draft order, according to the latest standings:
| Pick | Team | Record |
| 1 | Patriots | 3-13 |
| 2 | Titans | 3-13 |
| 3 | Browns | 3-13 |
| 4 | Giants | 3-13 |
| 5 | Jaguars | 4-12 |
| 6 | Jets | 4-12 |
| 7 | Panthers | 4-12 |
| 8 | Raiders | 4-12 |
| 9 | Bears | 4-12 |
| 10 | Saints | 5-11 |
| 11 | 49ers | 6-9 |
| 12 | Colts | 7-9 |
| 13 | Cowboys | 7-9 |
| 14 | Cardinals | 7-9 |
| 15 | Dolphins | 8-8 |
| 16 | Bengals | 8-8 |
| 17 | Falcons | 8-7 |
| 18 | Seahawks | 9-7 |
| 19 | Texans | 9-7 |
| 20 | Broncos | 9-7 |
| 21 | Buccaneers | 9-7 |
| 22 | Chargers | 10-6 |
| 23 | Rams | 10-6 |
| 24 | Commanders | 10-5 |
| 25 | Steelers | 10-6 |
| 26 | Ravens | 11-5 |
| 27 | Packers | 11-5 |
| 28 | Eagles | 13-3 |
| 29 | Bills | 13-3 |
| 30 | Lions | 13-2 |
| 31 | Vikings | 14-2 |
| 32 | Chiefs | 15-1 |
What’s next for the Giants?
As the Giants reflect on their win, they must now consider the implications of their performance on their draft strategy. Will they continue to build on this momentum, or will they shift their focus back to the future? With only one game left in the season, the stakes are high, and every decision counts.
The NFL Draft is just around the corner, and the Giants will need to weigh their options carefully. Will they prioritize immediate needs or look to secure a franchise player? The excitement of the draft season is palpable, and for fans, it’s a time of hope and speculation. The Giants’ unexpected victory has certainly added a twist to the narrative, and as the season winds down, all eyes will be on how it unfolds.
