So, Week 17 happened. And boy, did it throw a wrench into what we thought we knew about the 2025 NFL Draft order. The Colts, who looked like they had the No. 1 pick wrapped up tighter than Aunt Edna’s Christmas fruitcake, somehow lost and fell out of playoff contention. But the real kicker? The Giants pulled off a win, sliding themselves from the top pick all the way down to No. 4. It’s chaos. Delicious, draft-order-shattering chaos.
And now, here we are. With the draft order in limbo and Week 18 promising even more upheaval, let’s dive into what the Top 5 might look like and, more importantly, how two quarterbacks—yes, two—might sneak into the coveted Top 5. Spoiler alert: we’re talking Shedeur Sanders from Colorado and Cam Ward from Miami. Buckle up, folks. This one’s wild.
1. Arizona Cardinals: Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado
Kyler Murray who? Okay, that’s harsh, but hear me out. Arizona’s new regime is clearly in rebuild mode, and Shedeur Sanders is the guy to build around. Deion Sanders’ son (yep, Coach Prime’s boy) has been nothing short of spectacular at Colorado. Poised, accurate, mobile—he’s the full enchilada.
Arizona’s front office probably sees this pick as a way to hit the reset button in a big way. Plus, the buzz around Shedeur makes him the kind of player who sells tickets and jerseys. And, let’s face it, Arizona could use some butts in seats.
2. Chicago Bears: Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State
Let’s get one thing straight: Justin Fields isn’t the problem. The Bears have a quarterback; what they don’t have is a generational wide receiver. Enter Marvin Harrison Jr. The son of an NFL legend, this kid is so good he might as well come with a gold jacket pre-tailored.
Fields-to-Harrison could become the next great QB-WR duo, and the Bears desperately need a playmaker who can turn those 50/50 balls into highlights. Chicago might consider a QB here, but my money says they’re smart enough to build around Fields.
3. New England Patriots: Olu Fashanu, OT, Penn State
Bill Belichick might finally hang it up after this season, but whoever takes over will have the same glaring problem: no offensive line. Mac Jones, Bailey Zappe, or whoever they roll out at quarterback needs protection. Enter Olu Fashanu, the best tackle in the draft.
This pick isn’t sexy, but it’s necessary. And let’s be real, the Patriots aren’t exactly known for making splashy draft-day moves. Fashanu will keep the next QB upright—assuming the Patriots don’t decide to grab one later in the draft.
4. New York Giants: Cam Ward, QB, Miami
This is where things get spicy. The Giants shocked everyone by winning in Week 17, but that doesn’t mean they’re set at quarterback. Daniel Jones? Yeah, no. The ship has sailed. Enter Cam Ward, who has skyrocketed up draft boards after a stellar season at Miami.
Ward is the perfect blend of arm talent and athleticism, and he’s got that “it factor” that Giants fans will rally behind. The pressure cooker of New York media could be a concern, but Ward seems unflappable—exactly what the Giants need to lead their rebuild.
5. Denver Broncos: Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
Wait, a running back in the Top 5? Yup. Sean Payton loves himself a versatile offensive weapon, and Ashton Jeanty fits the bill. Jeanty is a do-it-all back who can run, catch, and block. Think Alvin Kamara 2.0.
The Broncos’ offense needs a spark, and Jeanty provides exactly that. Russell Wilson isn’t getting any younger, and Jeanty’s ability to take over games could extend Russ’s career—or set the table for the next QB in Denver.
The Rest of the First Round?
The rest of the draft order is still shaking out, but one thing is clear: Week 18 is going to create even more chaos. With matchups like Patriots-Bills and Giants-Eagles, we might see even more movement in the Top 10. And don’t forget about wildcard teams like Jacksonville and Las Vegas, who keep winning their way out of premium picks.
This year’s draft is shaping up to be a quarterback-heavy affair at the top, but the real intrigue lies in the ripple effects. Will teams like Arizona and New York commit to a rebuild with new QBs? Can Denver’s offense be revitalized by a game-changing running back? And how much higher can players like Cam Ward and Ashton Jeanty climb?
We’ll find out soon enough. For now, though, all we can do is speculate, argue, and overanalyze every move. Isn’t that the best part?
P.S. If you’re betting on the draft order, don’t. My cousin tried it last year and ended up owing $200 to his barber. True story.
P.P.S. Do you think Marvin Harrison Jr. calls his dad “Marv” or “Dad”? Asking for a friend.