NFL Draft order for 2024: The Patriots need some assistance to move back up to the top-3
The team’s prospects for the draft declined as soon as rookie kicker Chad Ryland split the uprights from 56 yards out to secure an upset victory over the Denver Broncos on Christmas Eve. They dropped two spots in the standings after starting Week 16 in second place, only ahead of the Chicago Bears (who own the Carolina Panthers’ 2024 first-round pick).
The Patriots are currently 4-11, one game behind the 3-12 Arizona Cardinals and the 4-11 Washington Commanders, who currently hold the third overall pick because of their weaker schedule. Furthermore, the victory over Denver gave some other clubs a chance to close the gap on New England.
After all, the only team in the current top-7 to win this weekend was the Patriots.
As opposed to Sunday night, when the Patriots defeated the Broncos, not much had changed regarding the draft order. The strength of the schedule standings was, however, somewhat impacted by the Monday night games: the Cardinals and Commanders, who were at.564 and.520, respectively, before Christmas, are now at.560 and.518.
The current competition for the top spots is so close that even small differences could have a significant impact on draft day. This is especially true given that it appears likely that two or more teams will finish with identical records behind the Bears, who are projected to be the first pick.
This is demonstrated by taking a look at the schedules for the teams at the top, including those who are currently 5-10:
The NFL is a constant reminder that anything is possible. But as those schedules and the current rankings above demonstrate, the Patriots will require some assistance to get back into the top-3. Additionally, they no longer have any leeway to even finish in the top 4.
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