The New England Patriots’ surprising loss to the New York Jets is good news for Atlanta Falcons fans, and not just because it means losing in the divisional round was the cool thing for No. 1 seeds to do this year. Because of the way the NFL Draft order works, this actually gives the Falcons a slightly better spot.
Since the Patriots have the best record of any team that lost in the divisional round, they’ll pick No. 28. The Falcons would’ve had that spot if the Pats had won, but now they’ll get to pick No. 27. That’s set in stone unless Thomas Dimitroff elects to trade that pick away.
It doesn’t make a whole lot of difference, but it’s at least something more to work with. The most disappointing playoff run possible at least ends with the best possible result for April.
Here’s a draft order that could use an update to account for playoff losses. We’ll have a completely redone draft order tomorrow, I believe.