Patriots squander chance at No. 1 pick in 2025 NFL Draft, will pick fourth after beating Bills
FOXBORO – Much to the disappointment of many of their fans, the New England Patriots defeated the Buffalo Bills on Sunday at Gillette Stadium. As a result, the Patriots will not have the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft and will instead draft fourth overall.
Patriots lose No. 1 pick
New England needed a loss in the final week of the season to seal the top pick. Instead, they beat the Bills, 23-16, as Buffalo had nothing to play for with the No. 2 playoff seed already wrapped up entering the game.
Following the win, combined with losses by the Tennessee Titans and New York Giants, New England's draft fate was officially sealed.
"I'm the head coach of the football team. Anytime we step foot on the field, we want to win," head coach Jerod Mayo said after the game.
Who will have the No. 1 pick?
Following Sunday afternoon's action, the Titans will hold the No. 1 pick in the draft. The Cleveland Browns and Giants will also draft before the Patriots.
The good news for the Patriots is the Titans, Giants, and Browns are all likely in the market for a quarterback, while the Patriots are not. New England should have a chance to add talent at a position of need, even without the No. 1 pick.
The Browns guaranteed their spot in the top three of the draft with a loss to the Baltimore Ravens, with former Patriots quarterback Bailey Zappe throwing two interceptions in the defeat.
Heading into Sunday's game, it was unclear how much Maye would play. He played the first series, then watched the rest of the contest from the sidelines as his fellow rookie took over and played well with his first professional opportunity.
Where is the 2025 NFL Draft?
This year's NFL Draft is scheduled for Thursday, April 24 through Saturday, April 26.
The draft will take place this year at Lambeau Field, home of the Green Bay Packers.
