NFL Draft Order: Week 17 Saturday Picture

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Post on Dec 29, 2024

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NFL Draft Order: Week 17 Saturday Picture

The NFL season is winding down, and with Week 17 underway, the picture for the 2024 NFL Draft order is becoming clearer. While some teams have secured their playoff spots, others are battling for positioning, and a few are already looking towards next year. This article breaks down the current standings and potential scenarios affecting the draft order after Saturday's games.

Understanding the Draft Order

The NFL Draft order is primarily determined by regular season records. Teams with the worst records pick first, and the order continues down to the team with the best record, picking last. Tiebreakers exist and become increasingly important as teams finish with similar records. These tiebreakers can involve strength of schedule, division records, and even coin flips in extreme cases.

Saturday's Impact on the Draft Order

Saturday's games held significant implications for several teams vying for better or worse draft positions. A win could mean a drop in the draft, while a loss could solidify a higher pick. The following teams were particularly impacted:

Teams Fighting for Higher Picks

• Team A: A loss for Team A would secure them a top-five pick, strengthening their chances at a franchise quarterback. Their performance on Saturday will be pivotal in determining their exact draft slot.
• Team B: Currently holding a high draft position, Team B needs to carefully manage the risk/reward of playing starters in the final game. A loss further cements their position, but an injury to a key player could significantly hinder their future prospects.

Teams Hoping to Improve Their Position

• Team C: Team C is on the cusp of the playoffs and needs a win to secure their spot. A victory would unfortunately drop them slightly in the draft, but the potential rewards of playoff football far outweigh a higher draft pick.
• Team D: Team D’s playoff chances are slim, but a strong finish could help them improve their draft position. The focus is on developing young talent and finishing the season strong, setting a positive tone for next year.

Key Factors Affecting the Final Draft Order

Beyond Saturday's results, several other factors will contribute to the final draft order:

• Tiebreaker Scenarios: As mentioned, tiebreakers will play a significant role. Teams with identical records will see their ranking decided through a complex system of tiebreaker criteria.
• Playoff Results: While the regular season record determines the initial draft order, playoff success for lower-seeded teams doesn't affect draft position.

Predicting the Top 10

Predicting the exact draft order is difficult even after Week 17, but based on current standings and likely outcomes, we can offer a potential Top 10:

1. Team X: Almost certainly locking in the first overall pick.
2. Team Y: Currently holding a strong position for a high pick.
3. Team Z: Their record suggests a top-three pick.
4. Team A: Their final game drastically impacts their final placement.
5. Team B: Sitting comfortably in the top 5 unless they unexpectedly win.
6. Team E: Likely to fall within the top 10.
7. Team F: Their draft position depends largely on the performance of several other teams.
8. Team G: A team that could rise or fall several spots depending on Week 17 results.
9. Team H: On the edge of the Top 10.
10. Team I: Currently positioned for a top ten pick but their final game could change that.

Disclaimer: This is a projected order based on current standings and probabilities. The actual draft order may differ significantly depending on Week 17's final results and tiebreaker scenarios.

Conclusion

The 2024 NFL Draft order remains fluid until the final whistle of Week 17. Teams fighting for playoff positions are playing for more than just a postseason berth; their performance directly impacts their draft position and long-term plans. The upcoming week promises exciting football, with the added intrigue of a fluctuating draft order that will influence the future of many NFL franchises. Keep checking back for updates as the final standings become clear.