What needs to happen for the Tennessee Titans to get the first overall pick in 2025 NFL Draft

NASHVILLE — The Tennessee Titans dropped a fourth consecutive game on Sunday, falling to the division rivals Indianapolis Colts by a final score of 38-30. But in doing so, the Titans inched a little bit closer to the first overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. They even got some help from around the league […]

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The Tennessee Titans General Manager Ran Carthon, left, and Head Coach Brian Callahan introduce first-round draft pick JC Latham at the teams Ascension Saint Thomas Sports Park facility in Nashville, ... Denny Simmons / The Tennessean-USA TODAY NETWORK
Denny Simmons / The Tennessean-USA TODAY NETWORK

NASHVILLE — The Tennessee Titans dropped a fourth consecutive game on Sunday, falling to the division rivals Indianapolis Colts by a final score of 38-30.

But in doing so, the Titans inched a little bit closer to the first overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. They even got some help from around the league that could prove to be massive for the future of the franchise.

The Las Vegas Raiders defeated the Jacksonville Jaguars and picked up their third win of the season on Sunday. The Carolina Panthers also pulled out an upset victory in overtime over the Arizona Cardinals. With a loss, Tennessee jumped both of those teams in the potential draft order for the 2025 NFL Draft and now, the path to the first overall selection is clear.

In order to get the number one overall pick in the 2025 draft, the Titans need three things to happen the rest of the way.


1. Lose Out

It goes without saying, but if the Titans want any chance at the top draft spot, they'll need to lose out and finish 3-14. That's just two more games, but next week's matchup against the Jaguars is one to watch.

The Jaguars are also 3-12. As things currently sit, they are one of three teams drafting ahead of the Titans. But with the two teams still set up to play once more, the Titans would jump the Jags with a loss next weekend.


2. Patriots win

The New England Patriots are another team currently sitting at 3-12 with two games left to play. Unfortunately for Tennessee, the tiebreaker for draft selection is strength of schedule and the Pats have one of the easier SOS's in the league.

If the Titans want to jump New England, the Patriots will need to pull out a win before the end of the season. That's a big ask with the Chargers and Bills closing out their schedule. 


3. Giants win

The New York Giants are 2-13 and playing the worst football of any team in the NFL right now. Drew Lock has thrown four interceptions in his last three games and three of those interceptions have been returned for a touchdown. 

But even with a 2-13 record, another win would put the Giants behind the Titans in the projected 2025 NFL Draft order. Due to strength of schedule, Tennessee would win that tiebreaker. 

The Giants' best shot and winning a game comes next week when the Indianapolis Colts roll into MetLife Stadium. You just never know when Anthony Richardson is going to give a football game away. 

If by some miracle all three of these things happen before the end to the regular season, the Titans will have the first overall pick in the upcoming draft and be in a prime position to get a franchise quarterback. These next few weeks may not seem like they matter. But I'd argue they are the most important games the Titans have played since the AFC Divisional loss to the Bengals.