New England Patriots Slide to Fourth in NFL Draft Order
The New England Patriots have experienced a significant shift in their position in the NFL draft order. After securing two wins in the past three weeks, Bill Belichick’s team has fallen from a potential No. 1 pick to the fourth spot, just behind the struggling Washington Commanders. This change may complicate matters for the Patriots if they were hoping to acquire a new quarterback for the future. It’s worth noting that Bailey Zappe, who has played a role in their recent victories, could be a potential candidate.
On the other hand, the Chicago Bears are just one loss away from solidifying the top pick through a trade with the Carolina Panthers. The Panthers currently hold an advantage over the Arizona Cardinals in the draft’s strength-of-schedule tiebreaker. Both the Washington Commanders and the New England Patriots are now two losses behind the Panthers.
Here is the current order for Round 1 of the NFL draft based on playoff seeding:
16. Arizona Cardinals (from HOU, 8-7)
Remaining schedule: TEN, at IND
Remaining schedule: at SEA, at BAL
Remaining schedule: at KC, CLE
Remaining schedule: LV, HOU
Remaining schedule: PIT, at ARI
Remaining schedule: at NYG, at SF
Remaining schedule: NE, at MIA
Remaining schedule: DET, at WAS
Remaining schedule: NYJ, at CIN
Remaining schedule: NO, at CAR
Remaining schedule: CAR, at TEN
Remaining schedule: CIN, at LAC
Remaining schedule: at DAL, MIN
Remaining schedule: at BAL, BUF
Remaining schedule: ARI, at NYG
Remaining schedule: at WAS, LAR
Remaining schedule: MIA, PIT
It’s important to note that the strength of schedule tiebreaker will determine the final draft order for teams with the same record. The Carolina Panthers currently have the advantage in this tiebreaker.
For more in-depth coverage of the NFL draft and prospects, check out our article: “2024 NFL Draft Bowl Preview: One Prospect to Watch on Each Bowl Team.”
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