As soon as rookie kicker Chad Ryland split the uprights from 56 yards out to secure a New England Patriots upset over the Denver Broncos on Christmas Eve, the team’s draft outlook took a tumble. Originally having entered Week 16 in second position behind only the Chicago Bears (who own the Carolina Panthers’ 2024 first-round pick), they dropped two spots in the standings.
Now at 4-11, the Patriots find themselves behind the 3-12 Arizona Cardinals and 4-11 Washington Commanders; the latter own the third overall pick at the moment due to their worse strength of schedule.