The 2025 NFL Draft is officially over, this year’s draft showcased a blend of elite defensive talent, promising offensive playmakers, and a few unexpected developments that have set the stage for the upcoming NFL season.
First Round Recap
No.1: Tennessee Titans: Cam Ward 
Cam Ward, selected first overall, had an impressive 2024 season at the University of Miami, throwing for 4,313 yards and 39 touchdowns. Over his collegiate career, Washington State and Miami, he set an NCAA record 158 passing touchdowns. Ward’s poise, strong arm, and ability to make plays under pressure makes him a promising franchise quarterback for the Titans.
No.2: Jacksonville Jaguars: Travis Hunter
In a bold move, the Jaguars traded up to acquire Travis Hunter, a versatile two – way player, excelled both as a cornerback and wide receiver at Colorado. In 2024, he recorded 1,258 yards with 15 touchdowns, along with 35 tackles and four interceptions on defense. His exceptional athleticism and playmaking ability earned him the Heisman Trophy.
No.3: New York Giants: Abdul Carter
Abdul Carter showcased his pass – rushing skills at Penn State, registering 43 pressures, and 10 quarterback hits in 2024. His explosive first step and relentless motor makes him a valuable addition to the Giants’ defensive front.
No.4: New England Patriots: Will Campbell
Will Campbell anchored LSU’s offensive line, demonstrating exceptional pass protection and run – blocking skills. His leadership and consistency earned him All – SEC honors, making him a cornerstone for the Patriots’ offensive line.
No.5: Cleveland Browns: Mason Graham
Mason Graham dominated the interior defensive line at Michigan, utilizing his strength and technique to disrupt opposing offenses. His ability to stop the run and pressure the quarterback adds depth to the Browns’ defensive front.
No.6: Las Vegas Raiders: Ashton Jeanty
Ashton Jeanty had a stellar 2024 season, rushing for 2,601 yards, the second most in FBS history and scoring 56 total touchdowns over his college career. His versatility as a runner and receiver, along with his explosive acceleration, make him a dynamic weapon for the Raiders.
No.7: New York Jets: Armand Membou
Armand Membou provided stability on Missouri’s offensive line, showcasing his agility and strength in both pass protection and run blocking. His consistent performance makes him a solid addition to the Jets’ offensive front.
No.8: Carolina Panthers: Tetairoa McMillan 
Tetairoa McMillan led Power four programs in receiving yards (1,319) and receiving yards per game (109.9) in 2025. His impressive season earned him the Polynesian College Player of the Year award. Byrce Young has acquired a much need target, McMillans impressive hands and route running can help Byrce Young’s game improve.
No.9: New Orleans Saints: Kelvin Banks
The New Orleans Saints shocked the draft and fans as most analysts and fans anticipated them to take Sheadur Sanders but instead passed up on him and took Kelvin Banks. Banks was an standout tackle at Texas, allowing one sack in 538 pass blocking snaps in 2024. His performance earned him the Lombardi Award and Outland Trophy, recognizing him as the nation’s top offensive lineman.
No.10: Chicago Bears: Colston Loveland
Colston Loveland emerged as a reliable target for Michigan, combining size and athleticism to create mismatches against defenders. His contributions in both passing and blocking games make him a valuable asset for the Bears’ offense.
No.11: San Francisco: Mykel Williams
Mykel Williams brought consistent pressure off the edge for Georgia, utilizing his speed and technique to disrupt opposing quarterbacks. His addition strengthens the 49ers pass rush and defense as they losskey players in free agency.
No.12: Dallas Cowboys: Tyler Booker
Tyler Booker showcased his power and agility on Alabama’s offensive line, excelling in both pass protection and run blocking, only allowing one sack in 970 pass blocking snaps. His physicality adds depth to the Cowboys’ interior line, and he can try to fill in Zach Martins shoes.
No.13: Miami Dolphins: Kenneth Grant
Kenneth Grant anchored Michigan’s defensive line, using his size and strength to clog running lanes and pressure the quarterback. His presence bolsters the Dolphin’s interior defense.
No.14: Indianapolis Colts: Tyler Warren
Tyler Warren set Penn State records for tight ends with 104 receptions and 1,223 receiving yards in 2024. His versatility, including occasional quarterback duties in wildcat formations add a dynamic element to the Colt’s offense and can help Anothy Richardson improve his game this coming season.
No.15: Atlanta Falcons: Jalon Walker
Jalon Walker demonstrated sideline to sideline range and string tackling skills at Georgia. His instincts and athleticism enhance the Falcons’ linebacker core.
No.16: Arizona Cardinals: Walter Nolen
Walter Nolen disrupted opposing offenses with his quickness and power on the interior line at Ole Miss. His ability to penetrate the backfield strengthens the Cardinals’ defensive front
No.17: Cincinatti Bengals: Shemar Stewart
Shemar Stewart brought relentless pressure off the edge for Texas A&M, combining speed and strength to challenge offensive tackles. His pass rushing skills add depth to the Bengals’ defense as they struggled last year.
No.18: Seattle Seahawks: Grey Zabel
Grey Zabel provided versatility on North Dakota State’s offensive line, capable of playing multiple positions. His adaptability and technique makes him a valuable asset for the Seahawks.
No.19: Tamba Bay Buccaneers: Emeka Egbuka
Emeka Egbuka showcased his route – running and reliable hands at Ohio State, contributing significantly to their passing attack. His skills enhance a stacked Buccaneer’s receiving core.
No.20: Denver Broncos: Jahdae Barron
Jahdae Barron excelled in coverage at Texas, demonstrating quick instincts and ball skills. His addition strengthens the Broncos secondary.
No.21: Pittsburg Steelers: Derrick Harmon
Pittsburg Steeler shocked the draft and fans as they decided quarterback wasn’t there main concerned in the first round, passing up on Shedeur Sanders and selecting Derrick Harmon. Harmon anchored the Oregon Ducks defensive line, using his strength to control the line of scrimmage. His run stopping ability bolsters the Steelers’ interior defense.
No.22: Los Angles Chargers: Omarion Hampton
Omarion Hampton was a workhorse for North Carolina, combining power and vision to consistenly gain yardage. His running style complements the Chargers’ offensive scheme as Jim Harbaugh is known for running the ball.
No.23: Green Bay Packers: Matthew Golden
The Green Bay Packers have selected a receiver for the first time since 2002, Matthew Golden provided a deep threat for Texas, utilizing his speed to stretch defenses. His playmaking ability adds a new dimension to the Packers’ offense.
No.24: Minnesota Vikings: Donovan Jackson
Donovan Jackson showcased his strength and technique on Ohio State’s offensive line, excelling in both pass protection and run blocking. His presence fortifies the Vikings’ interior line.
No.25: New York Giants: Jaxson Dart
The New York Giants with a bold move in the first round by trading back into the round with the Houston Texans. They shocked everyone by passing on Shedeur Sanders and selecting Jaxson Dart. Dart led Ole Miss with poise and accuracy, demonstrating the ability to make plays under pressure. His leadership and arm talent provide depth to the Giants’ quarterback room.
No.26: Atlanta Falcons: James Pearce
The Falcons traded back into the first round with the Los Angeles Rams, selecting James Pearce Jr. Pearce brought consistent pressure off the edge for Tennessee, utilizing his speed and technique to disrupt quarterbacks. Character concerns play a factor on Pearce’s draft stock.
No.27: Baltimore Ravens: Malaki Starks
Malaki Stars patrolled the secondary for Georgia with excellent range and tackling ability. His instincts and coverage skills strengthened the Ravens’ defensive backfield.
No.28: Detroit Lions: Tyleik Williams
Tyleik Williams anchored Ohio’ state defensive line, using his size and strength to clog running lanes. His presence bolsters the Lions’ interior defense and gives depth to the line as the Lions were hit with major injuries to their defensive line.
No.29: Washington Commanders: Josh Conerly
Josh Conerly protected the blind side in Oregon with agility and technique, excelling in pass protection. His addition solidifies the Commanders’ offensive line.
No.30: Buffalo Bills: Maxwell Hairston
Maxwell Hairston is a speedy and instinctive cornerback, Hairston impressed with a 4.28 40 – yard dash. He totaled 87 tackles, six interceptions, and three forced fumbles at Kentucky, offering immediate help to Buffalo’s secondary.
No.31: Philadelphia Eagles: Jihaad Campbell
Jihaad Campbell is a fast rangy linebacker, Campbell led Alabama’s defense with 80+ takcles in 202, including multiple sacks and interceptions. His versatility to cover, blitz, and tackle fits perfectly into the Eagle’s aggressive defensive scheme.
No.32: Kansas City Chiefs: Josh Simmons
Josh Simmions is a powerful and athletic offensive tackle, Simmions anchored Ohio State’s line, allowing very few sacks. The Chiefs see him as a long-term protector for Patrick Mahomes on the Offensive line. The draft was unexpected as players like Shedeur Sanders, Mike Green, Luther Burden, and Donvan Ezeiruaku were mocked to the first round but surprisingly fell out and were selected on day two and three of the draft.
