Robert Kraft and the Patriots lost out on the No. 1 overall pick of the 2025 NFL draft by winning Sunday’s game. Ownership also deserves criticism for Jerod Mayo being a one-and-done head coach. The Patriots fired him after Sunday’s loss, despite knowing he was a rookie coach inheriting the worst roster in the league.

The cost of the New England Patriots' Week 18 win was the loss of a No. 1 pick. Joe Milton III went 22-of-29 for 241 yards with two total touchdowns on

The New England Patriots entered Sunday with a strong chance to earn the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NFL draft. Hosting the Buffalo Bills (who openly planned to rest their starters) at Gillette Stadium, the Pats just needed to lose one more time this year in order to have their pick of all the top prospects.