The 2025 NFL Draft is officially in the books, and here are the 32 first-round picks.
The Tennessee Titans held the first overall pick this year in the draft, in desperate need of a quarterback. To no surprise, the Titans drafted University of Miami quarterback, Cam Ward. Ward was second in the NCAAF for passing yards with 4,313 and was also a Heisman Trophy finalist for this past 2024 season. After passing for 39 touchdowns and only 7 interceptions, Ward is expected to start for this upcoming season, and the Titans have hoped to have found their next franchise quarterback.
The Cleveland Browns held the second pick up until actual draft night but ended up trading the second pick to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Again, to no surprise, Heisman Trophy winner from the University of Colorado, Travis Hunter, went second overall. Hunter is doing something nobody in the NCAAF or the NFL has ever seen before: playing on both sides of the ball as a wide receiver (offense) and a cornerback (defense). Hunter ended his season at Colorado with 1,820 receiving yards and 19 total touchdowns and is expected to make an immediate impact on the team, especially trying to play both sides of the football.
The New York Giants had the third pick in the draft. During free agency, the Giants picked up two quarterbacks: Russel Wilson and Jameis Winston. They ended up drafting Abdul Carter, an edge at Penn State. Carter was the number one prospect in this draft and his stats prove it. He gathered 43 solo tackles, 23.5 tackles for loss, and 23 sacks. Carter will hope to make a huge impact on the Giants’ defense since their defense was ranked 27 in the league in their underwhelming 2024 season.
The New England Patriots held the fourth overall pick, selecting an offensive lineman to protect Drake Maye. They selected Will Campbell from LSU. Campbell had the second-best broad jump out of the offensive linemen. The Patriots needed an offensive lineman, considering they were 31st in pass block win rate last season (50.1%). He will fit right in with blocking Drake Maye.
The Cleveland Browns traded down to the fifth pick after holding the second. They ended up selecting defensive tackle Mason Grahm out of University of Michigan. He totaled 45 tackles last season, and with Myles Garrett on the end, these two will make a great duo trying to benefit the Browns’ defensive line.
Holding the sixth overall pick, the Las Vegas Raiders selected running-back Aston Jeanty. Jeanty had a huge breakout season at Boise State, rushing for 2,601 yards, which is the second most in NCAAF history for a single season, behind Barry Sanders. He also led all FBS running backs in receiving yards with 569 in 2023. Being another Heisman Trophy finalist, Las Vegas will do a lot more run option plays and hopefully climb the ranks of contending teams.
The seventh pick belonged to the New York Jets. After grabbing Justin Fields in free agency, a quarterback was not their top priority. They drafted offensive tackle Armand Membou out of University of Missouri. The Jets needed a stellar offensive lineman to protect Justin Fields.
The first receiver off the board was taken with the eighth pick: Tetairoa McMillan, out of Arizona. The Carolina Panthers drafted Bryce Young two years ago. McMillan produced 1,319 receiving yards and 8 touchdowns, ensuring he will be a dual threat for Bryce Young to throw to.
Another offensive tackle was taken with the ninth pick to the New Orleans Saints. Kevin Banks Jr. out of Texas was selected. Starting 42 games in his career at Texas, the Saints decided to grab him, he will help their offensive line to block their quarterback for the upcoming season.
The Chicago Bears held the 10 pick in the NFL draft. After selecting Caleb Williams last year, a quarterback was not their priority. They selected Colston Loveland, tight end out of Michigan. Racking up 582 receiving yards and five total touchdowns for the 2024 season. Uneventful picks plagued the middle of the first round, but some more highlights included:
Giants selecting Jaxson Dart, quarterback out of Ole Miss with the 25th pick.
The hometown Baltimore Ravens selecting Malaki Starks, safety, out of the University of Georgia.
Highly anticipated selection Shedeur Sanders, out of the University of Colorado, and son of NFL Legend Deion Sanders, was shockingly passed on until the 5th round after many believed he’d be drafted in the Top 20.
Now that the draft is over, we look forward to seeing all the first-round picks succeed.
In addition, some more important dates to watch out for:
5/2/25-5/12/25: All rookies report to mandatory minicamps
5/14/25: NFL Schedule release for all 32 teams
7/31/25: The kickoff to NFL Preseason, Hall of Fame game. All Hall of Fame nominees will be inducted into the Hall of Fame. This game is between the Chargers and Lions.
The NFL Season’s first benchmark has officially passed, and now it’s a race to Opening Kickoff. Will the Titans take advantage of their Number 1 pick? Will Sanders prove he was drafted far too late, or fall to the pressure of his father’s legacy?