The NFL merits tanking with a high draft pick in next year’s draft.
That’s why uncompetitive teams would rather lose their remaining games once they realize that the NFL playoffs are a distant dream.
Second-stringers start to have more playing time, and the starters are suddenly out due to confusing injuries.
They undergo this trouble to get a player that, hopefully, can help turn the franchise’s fortunes around.
With one game left in Week 9, here is your updated 2022 NFL Draft order pic.twitter.com/1DFY8dxctO
— Trevor Sikkema (@TampaBayTre) November 8, 2021
While there is no guarantee that the prospect will pan out, the success rate throughout NFL history is high.
Since 2000, only seven number one draft picks did not become a Pro Bowler, an All-Pro, or a league MVP.
However, the verdict is still out on Joe Burrow and Trevor Lawrence, who went back-to-back in 2020 and 2021.
That said, here are the teams that have the best shot of clinching the first overall selection next year.
3. Miami Dolphins
The Miami Dolphins had high hopes coming into the 2021 season after finishing with 10 victories last year.
Unfortunately, trouble started after their opening day win against the New England Patriots.
Tua Tagovailoa got injured, and their offensive line manifested problems that brought them to a six-game losing streak.
They won again recently, but it came against the Houston Texans, who are a messier franchise than they are.
Sad times for #MiamiDolphins fans. Hoping for better days ahead. But it seems obvious it’s time to get back to basics and revisit the drawing board. #MIAvsBUF #totalrebuild
— Larry Csonka (@Larry_Csonka39) October 31, 2021
At 2-7, it would be difficult for the Dolphins to gain a Wild Card spot or even finish with a winning record.
Still left on their schedule are games against the Patriots, Baltimore Ravens, New Orleans Saints, and Tennessee Titans.
To add insult to injury, they won’t benefit from the early draft pick because their spot will go to the Philadelphia Eagles.
Therefore, tanking has no merit because it will help Philadelphia address one of its concerns by selecting a top prospect.
2. Houston Texans
Getting Tyrod Taylor back is good news, but they still lost.
The only victory they have so far is their opening day win over the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Since then, they’ve been a model of futility with eight straight losses.
Worst, they failed to score a touchdown in five of their defeats.
Houston Texans fans win Halloween.
A bunch of Texans fans showed up to the stadium dressed up as empty seats! pic.twitter.com/kMwg360CGa
— NFL Memes (@NFL_Memes) October 31, 2021
They take the field as if they have no intention to win.
The Texans are on a steep fall from grace for a team that won the AFC South title two seasons ago.
All indications lead to the Texans rebuilding next season, and getting the top overall pick will help them return to relevance.
Trading Deshaun Watson away will also add to their draft capital.
1. Detroit Lions
They’ve had bitter losses that came via last-second field goals and game-ending interceptions.
However, those outcomes do not sugarcoat the reality that they remain winless.
The Detroit Lions changed principal owner and head coach, but they still look like the Lions of old.
They also hoped that Jared Goff could help turn things around, but he continues to regress.
The Detroit Lions are celebrating Halloween by dressing up as a professional football team. pic.twitter.com/nPo6oGJiCb
— NFL Memes (@NFL_Memes) October 31, 2021
As a consolation, some of their starters, like cornerback Jeff Okudah, linebacker Romeo Okwara, and center Frank Ragnow are on injured reserve.
But the Lions are still in danger of finishing with their second winless season.
It’s an infamous distinction that will give them the top pick of the 2022 draft.
Sadly, they need more than the top overall choice to bury their losing culture.
They got their pick right, though, after that 0-16 2008 season by choosing Matthew Stafford.
NEXT: 3 Contenders That Are Perfect Fits For Odell Beckham Jr.
