Now that the dust has settled from the 2025 NFL Draft, it’s time to take a closer look at the significant developments and surprising outcomes from the event. The draft brought about major changes for several teams, including the Tennessee Titans securing a new franchise quarterback, the Jacksonville Jaguars trading up to land Travis Hunter at No. 2 overall, the Las Vegas Raiders acquiring standout running back Ashton Jeanty, and the Atlanta Falcons aggressively adding two pass rushers during the opening night.
Draft experts had some accurate predictions, such as Abdul Carter going No. 3 overall to the New York Giants and Will Campbell being selected No. 4 by the New England Patriots. Insights into the rising stock of Georgia defensive end Mykel Williams, who was picked No. 11 overall by the San Francisco 49ers, and the buzz surrounding Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart were also validated. Moreover, analysts anticipated cornerback Will Johnson falling out of the first round and knew that quarterback Tyler Shough would be drafted higher than expected. However, not everything unfolded as anticipated. Let's delve into five of the biggest surprises from the 2025 NFL Draft.
One of the most talked-about events was Shedeur Sanders' shocking drop in the draft, which will likely be remembered as one of the most infamous draft slides in history. Ranked as CBS Sports' No. 28 overall prospect and the No. 2 quarterback, Sanders fell to No. 144 overall in the fifth round, making him the sixth quarterback drafted, behind Dillon Gabriel, who was selected by the Cleveland Browns. This marked a historic moment, as it was the first time since 1971 that two quarterbacks were taken by the same team in the first five rounds.
While questions about Sanders' potential as a prospect persisted, no one anticipated him falling this far. The primary reason for his drop appears to be off-field issues, particularly negative feedback from interviews, as noted by CBS Sports NFL insider Jonathan Jones. As a result, Sanders now finds himself in an unusual quarterback room, raising eyebrows across the league.
As the draft approached, it seemed a foregone conclusion that the Cleveland Browns would select Travis Hunter with the second overall pick. However, the Jacksonville Jaguars executed a bold move by trading up to seize Hunter instead. This trade involved a first-round swap (moving from No. 2 to No. 5), a second-round pick for this year, a first-round pick for the following year, and a fourth-round pick swap that sent a sixth-rounder back to Jacksonville.
Although the trade didn't initially appear seismic, it raised eyebrows, particularly regarding the Browns' willingness to part with the top player in the draft. Ultimately, the Jaguars ended up with Hunter and additional picks, while the Browns acquired Mason Graham, a second-round pick, and several other selections.
With buzz surrounding Jalen Milroe leading into the draft, many believed his skills as a running quarterback could secure him a first-round spot. However, Milroe surprisingly fell to No. 92 overall in the third round, becoming the fourth quarterback selected. The Seattle Seahawks proved to be a fitting landing spot, especially since Sam Darnold was not given a long-term contract after his standout season with the Minnesota Vikings.
As Milroe aims to refine his passing accuracy, his unexpected drop raises questions about the evaluations made leading up to the draft.
Many anticipated Donovan Ezeiruaku would be a first-round selection, especially given his impressive track record. However, he fell to No. 44 overall, where the Dallas Cowboys scooped him up. Ezeiruaku was a significant favorite to be drafted in the first round, but circumstances surrounding the draft led to his unexpected slide.
Despite this, the Cowboys may have found a hidden gem, as Ezeiruaku had an outstanding collegiate season, tying a program record with 16.5 sacks and earning ACC Defensive Player of the Year honors. His performance in his final collegiate game, where he recorded 3.5 sacks and 17 pressures, further showcased his talent.
Another surprise from the draft was the selection of Tyler Warren as the first tight end off the board. While many speculated on various prospects, Warren's rise to prominence highlights the shifting dynamics of team needs and player evaluations during the draft process.
As we reflect on the 2025 NFL Draft, it's clear that surprises can define the trajectory of franchises. The decisions made during this event will have lasting implications for the teams involved and their fanbases, setting the stage for the upcoming season.
