The 2025 NFL Draft has officially kicked off, and the excitement surrounding Day 1 indicates it may go down as one of the most captivating drafts in recent history. With only two quarterbacks selected in the first round, the spotlight was notably absent from Colorado's Shedeur Sanders, who will have to wait until Friday to find his new team after numerous franchises opted to pass on the talented signal caller.
This year marked a significant moment for the Tennessee Titans, who held the No. 1 overall pick for the first time since 1978. They chose Miami quarterback Cam Ward, igniting mixed reactions among analysts. Following closely was Travis Hunter, a dynamic wide receiver/cornerback from Colorado, who was snagged by the Jacksonville Jaguars at No. 2 after a blockbuster trade with the Cleveland Browns. The New York Giants made headlines by selecting Abdul Carter, a pass rusher from Penn State, at No. 3—an expected move that underscored their commitment to fortifying their defense.
For those eager to delve deeper into the first-round selections, here are detailed evaluations of each pick:
1. Titans: Cam Ward, QB, Miami - Grade: B-While Ward is a solid quarterback, passing on a generational talent like Hunter raises questions. The Titans could have opted to wait another year for their signal caller.
2. Jaguars (from Browns): Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado - Grade: A+This was a bold and necessary move for the Jaguars. Hunter is the best player in this draft, and acquiring him could pay significant dividends for the franchise.
3. Giants: Abdul Carter, EDGE, Penn State - Grade: ABy selecting the best pass rusher in the draft, the Giants have reinforced a crucial position. This decision aligns with their historical success in rushing the passer during their Super Bowl runs.
4. Patriots: Will Campbell, OT, LSU - Grade: B-Campbell's potential as a left tackle is uncertain; however, securing protection for their young quarterback was a necessary priority for New England.
5. Browns (from Jaguars): Mason Graham, DT, Michigan - Grade: C+While Graham offers assistance to the Browns' defensive line, concerns about his size may limit his impact at the professional level.
6. Raiders: Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State - Grade: B+Opting for the best running back in the draft signifies the Raiders' commitment to a strong ground game, a much-needed strategy for their offense.
7. Jets: Armand Membou, OT, Missouri - Grade: B-Membou fills a critical gap on the Jets' offensive line, although his raw talent may require time to develop.
8. Panthers: Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona - Grade: CThis pick raises eyebrows, as many believed Matthew Golden would have been a better choice to support quarterback Bryce Young.
9. Saints: Kelvin Banks, OT, Texas - Grade: B+By selecting Banks, the Saints have shored up their offensive line, addressing a significant need as they navigate their quarterback situation.
10. Bears: Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan - Grade: ALoveland, recognized as the top tight end in the draft, is poised to be a valuable asset in the Bears' offensive scheme.
As the draft continues into Days 2 and 3, teams will have more opportunities to reshape their rosters. The choices made in the upcoming rounds could significantly affect Super Bowl odds and team dynamics. Fans and analysts alike should stay tuned for real-time updates on player selections, trade rumors, and analysis throughout the weekend.
For comprehensive tracking of available prospects, picks, and grades, be sure to check out our draft tracker. Refresh this page regularly to keep up with the latest developments and insights as the 2025 NFL Draft unfolds.
