With two weeks to go, six NFL teams have formally clinched their playoff spot while eight teams (Seahawks, Giants, Bears, Panthers, Texans, Lions, Jets, and Jaguars) have been mathematically eliminated. Somehow, there is still a path for the 6-9 Washington Football Team to make the postseason, even though they’re currently slated to pick No. 9 overall in April.
For non-playoff teams, the draft order will be determined by the inverted 2021 standings, plus a series of tiebreakers, starting with strength of schedule. For playoff teams, the order is determined by their postseason outcome and regular season record.
As we close out the calendar year and the 2021 regular season, here’s a look at the currently projected 2022 NFL Draft Order:
1. Jacksonville Jaguars: 2-13
2. Detroit Lions: 2-12-1
3. Houston Texans: 4-11
4. New York Jets: 4-11
5. New York Giants: 4-11
6. New York Jets (via Seahawks)
7. Carolina Panthers: 5-10
8. New York Giants (via Bears)
9. Washington Football Team: 6-9
10. Atlanta Falcons: 7-8
11. Denver Broncos: 7-8
12. Minnesota Vikings: 7-8
13. New Orleans Saints: 7-8
14. Cleveland Browns: 7-8
15. Pittsburgh Steelers: 7-7-1
16. Los Angeles Chargers: 8-7
17. Las Vegas Raiders: 8-7
18. Baltimore Ravens: 8-7
19. Philadelphia Eagles (via Dolphins)*
20. Philadelphia Eagles: 8-7*
21. Miami Dolphins (via 49ers)*
22. New England Patriots*
23. Philadelphia Eagles (via Colts)*
24. Arizona Cardinals: 10-5*
25. Buffalo Bills: 9-6*
26. Cincinnati Bengals: 9-6*
27. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 11-4*
28. Detroit Lions (via Rams): 11-4*
29. Tennessee Titans: 10-5*
30. Dallas Cowboys: 11-4*
31. Kansas City Chiefs: 11-4*
32. Green Bay Packers: 12-3*
* = Playoffs
GPG
The Jets have loaded up with good draft picks, and the team should be looking up. Don’t forget that two of their free agent signings along the edge were not available at all this year. It’s a slow process to improve a team like that.
However…I still personally have a LOT of questions about Zach Wilson. Granted, it’s his rookie season and the Jets have been an offensive wasteland the last few years, but the team seems to have a solid foundation for success that is very tied to his development. Right now, he really does not look good, and there hasn’t been much improvement. The Jets did miss out by not bringing in a veteran QB for the whole season for Wilson to consult with, along with a relatively inexperienced offensive staff.
If Wilson can get it together, the Jets have the opportunities to have success long term. They need to hit on those picks, and get Wilson on track.
For the Jets, it’s going to come down to whether or not they actually learned anything from the Darnold experiment…which was a textbook example of how to botch a QBs development.
Maybe they’ll shock the world and swap Wilson (+ picks) for Wilson.
That would be so dumb of the Jets. The picks are more valuable to them than an aging QB with a massive contract. They could have two top 6 picks. They need to spend those wisely and build the team. Trading those picks for Russell Wilson would just turn them into the 2021 Seahawks, aka a bad team.
I wasn’t being completely serious, nor was I suggesting that the picks be the 2 top 10 either. I believe there are still 7 rounds in the draft, and I also have a hunch the Jets have at least 1 non-first rounder that **could** be used in a hypothetical deal. Heck, it could even involve Seattle sending back a lower/lesser pick, like the Pats always seem to land in deals they make.
I feel like the thing with the Jets is they take these QBs and the expectation almost becomes they’re going to save the franchise, but that franchise has been an absolute mess for years. Credit where it’s due, there are potentially a few bright spots there now… but there is some ways to go yet.
I’m not entirely sure Wilson is their guy, but not ready to say he won’t be either. He needs more time and help.
Curious to see who ends up as the Giants GM.With 5 picks in the top 100,a lot of holes can be filled.Protecting Jones should be top priority,along with edge rushers.This draft is deep with talent
Agreed. I hope the GM is hired rom the outside instead of Abrams. And not only top 100, but those 5 are in the top 85.
Knowing Mara, he’s already sent out for Abrams’ nameplate and is furnishing the GM office for him.
Why don’t they fact check before posting so called facts This is not the correct order The Ravens hold the 16th pick via the NFL office website
The NFL website is wrong, then. The Ravens have the 18th pick. It’s based on head-to-head matchups and strength of schedule.
At one time it seemed the Eagles would have 2 or 3 top ten picks. As the Colts picked moved from a second round pick to a 1st round pick the improved play of the Eagles , Dolphins and Colts has their 3 picks move further and further away from the top ten. Glad to see the Eagles playing better but we can only hope Howie doesn’t overthink the draft in 2022. Take the best players available period.
heck with that. this team needs some beefing up on the defense. dont need to fret too much over where, but I think best player available leaves open the possibility of taking, say, a WR or RB, which really shouldn’t be this team’s priority in R1.
I think drafting Wilson or Olave if they are available would be a smart move. Having a skill position group of Smith, Wilson/Olave, Goeddert, Sanders is championship level quality. Combine that with a pass rusher and maybe a safety, cornerback, or offensive lineman and you have a fantastic first round.
If two of the three 1st rounders are lineman out of the SEC, I’ll be happy. Build from the line out.
As a Cowboys fan I hope Philly drafts for need. The worst way to draft PERIOD.
Howie is going to show the rest of the league how brilliant he is by swapping picks 19 and 20.
Prepare yourself to lose all 3 picks in a package for Watson. Not what I would want, but I can’t envision Howie NOT doing it.
Seattle sucks
When is the last time they had a 1st round pick??