The 2025 draft is in the books. It was a relatively underwhelming class so doing well in this draft is akin to getting a participation trophy. Teams had to play, so they ate their vegetables and made the following picks
 | 1. Cam Ward QB - Miami (FL) | He’s the best QB in the draft but would have been QB5 last year. He’s confident and experienced with mobility and a strong arm. Think Jayden Daniels Lite. The Titans have needed a franchise quarterback for a long time, and it seems as though they’ve finally found one. He’s just not elite. He will be constantly dogged by – should they have waited until next year and taken Travis Hunter. |
 | 2. Travis Hunter WR/CB - Colorado | And the fireworks start! Jacksonville gave up a 2nd and 4th round pick this year plus a 1st round next year to move up five spots and take Hunter. A risky move, especially for a non quarterback. But he is the best player in the draft and a unique talent. There’s never been a player like Hunter who can be elite at two positions. He has has a legit chance to be a big-impact player at two positions. Hunter gives Trevor Lawrence another big-time playmaking option. There’s nothing more important for the Jags than helping Lawrence reach his immense potential. And Hunter can play on defense too—helping bolster a major position of need at corner. The Jags paid a steep price for Hunter but it will likely payoff. |
 | 3. Abdul Carter DE - Penn State | If Hunter is the best player in the draft, Carter is a close second. Even with needs all over the roster, you don’t pass on an elite pass rusher. You can never have too many talented pass rushers, especially in a division with Jalen Hurts and Jayden Daniels Lining him up with Brian Burns, Dexter Lawrence, and Kayvon Thibodeaux will let the Giants field one of the best defensive fronts in the league. When the Giants won Super Bowls, they rushed the passer. The G-Men return to their old identity. |
 | 4. Will Campbell OT/G - LSU | The Patriots made this offseason about building around QB Drake Maye after a fantastic rookie season. In free agency, New England added WR Stefon Diggs, center Garrett Bradbury and RT Morgan Moses. Campbell completes the Patriots’ front five by taking over Maye’s blind side. Campbell has elite tape and athleticism. In fact, prior to the 2025 NFL Draft Scouting Combine, only two offensive linemen recorded his level of athleticism: Trent Williams and Tristan Wirfs. Their has been much discussion about his lack of arm length and that the team may end up moving him to the inside. Plenty of offensive linemen with short arms have thrived over the years. He’ll be a fixture in Beantown for many years. |
 | 5. Mason Graham DT - Michigan | The Browns were able to extract a second round this year and a 1st round next year from the Jags and only moved back three picks. But here is where the weakness of the draft starts to arise. Cleveland desperately needs a QB but wisely passed on one here. So they took a good but not great DT. Graham is powerful but undersized. Graham had only nine sacks across three seasons, lacks elite length with 32-inch arms Still, It’s hard to find defensive tackles with pass rush potential and he’s has that. Lining up next to Myles Garrett will give him opportunities to get to the QB |
 | 6. Ashton Jeanty RB - Boise State | No doubt, Ashton Jeanty is a great running back prospect, but he’s not on an elite level like Saquon Barkley or Christian McCaffrey. Jeanty boasts elite contact balance and lower body strength. He combines speed with his compact 5' 8½" and 211-pound frame. The Raiders and Pete Carroll want to run the football, so they took the best back in the draft. Taking him as a Top 10 pick is a bit of a stretch though |
 | 7. Armand Membou - OT Missouri | Think Will Campbell but with size. Membou allowed zero sacks and quarterback hits this past season. With LT Olu Fashanu coming off a stellar rookie season at left tackle, Armand can stay at his natural position at RT. The Jets have their bookend tackles for the next 3-4 years and one of the best young OLs in the league. . |
 | 8. Tetairoa McMillan WR - Arizona | I know the Panthers want to give Bryce Young some weapons but they are in bigger need on defense, the worst in the league. McMillan isn't even the best WR prospect left. That would be Matthew Golden. McMillan is talented but has concerns about work ethic. Not something you want to hear about your Top 10 pick. He'll be more of a complementary threat than a true No. 1. |
 | 9. Kelvin Banks OT/G - Texas | Ryan Ramczyk retired, so the Saints desperately needed to find a blind-side protector. Enter Banks, a unanimous All-American and the reigning Outland Trophy winner as the nations best interior lineman. Tallies Fuaga was drafted as the blind side protector last year, but he’ll move to right tackle, which is his more natural spot. Banks will help protect the injury prone Derek Carr this year and whomever the Saints have at QB the following year. |
 | 10. Colston Loveland TE - Michigan | Did the Bears even know that Tyler Warren was available? Why would they draft the second-best player at the position when the best one was there for the taking? Loveland showed the ability to get separation, important in today’s pass happy offenses. Loveland wasn’t much of a tackle breaker in college, which could limit his run-after-the-catch upside. And he lacks elite rush blocking strength. Ben Johnson may be thinking he’s getting another LaPorta but not quite. |
 | 11. Mykel Williams - DE Georgia | Williams isn’t the most explosive pass rusher, but he’s solid in run defense and complements Nick Bosa's aggressive style of play. He and Bosa could form a dynamic edge-rusher duo one day, but Williams isn’t quite there yet. He was hobbled by an ankle injury in 2024 but is one of the youngest players in the draft and is incredibly athletic. A good pick from a needs perspective, but it would have made more sense if the 49ers didn’t have Jalon Walker or Tyler Warren available. |
 | 12. Tyler Booker G - Alabama | He's not future Hall of Famer Zack Martin who retied this offseason, biut he is a great road-grader and a player who starts for a decade. Tyler Smith and Booker should be one of the best, young guard duos in the league. Booker is a high-character player, but he was one of the worst-testing players at the combine. His agility was very low, so he could be a liability on pass protect. It looks like Dallas is going to go back to power football and looking to be blowing defensive lines off the ball with a heavy run game and play action shots off of it. The Cowboys are best when they play this style of game. |
 | 13. Kenneth Grant DT - Michigan | The Dolphins were simply awful in run defense last year allowing 4.4 yards per carry, up over a half yard from 2023. They needed a stud u the middle to plug things up. Grant won’t always fill up the box score with his play, but he’s a 330-plus-pound nose tackle who can devour blockers with his size and strength, but has light feet and plenty of quickness to do more than just push the pocket or lean into the block. Grant has the potential to be a wall in the middle of their defense and provides some toughness along the Dolphins' interior. |
 | 14. Tyler Warren TE - Penn State | Tyler Warren to the Colts was pretty obvious as soon as Colston Loveland was taken by the Bears. A modern-day ‘Slash” for the Penn State, Warren lined up all across the formation, even as a quarterback on designed read plays. His best role is probably as a big slot player. He’ll need to improve as an in-line blocker, but the athleticism and skill set should help him make an impact early, This is a steal, and it fills a big need. |
 | 15. Jalon Walker DE - Georgia | For the first time ever, the Falcons have taken a Georgia player in the first round! Never in a million years did they imagine that Jalon Walker was available. This is incredible value and fills a need. Atlanta hasn’t had a pass-rusher register at least 10 sacks since 2016 Walker is havoc personified. He is a strong tackler and good athlete who is consistently diagnosing plays quickly. He can run, chase and has no issues taking on and shedding climbing offensive linemen, and has the athleticism to be a plus-player in coverage. Walker can start right away and do a multitude of things for a defense that needs help everywhere - especially in the pass rush. |
 | 16. Walter Nolen DT - Mississippi | Nolen is one of the most talented players in this class. He has insane upside, but there are some questions about his work ethic. He flashed his potential during his two seasons with the Texas A&M Aggies, but he didn't emerge as a full-blown force until last season at Ole Miss. The defensive tackle registered a career-high 14 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks. More importantly, Nolen looked the part as a future game-wrecker. His quickness and lateral legibility make him a top-shelf run-stuffer, and he's able to win as a pass-rusher when working up and down the line of scrimmage. This would have been a risky pick if inside the top 10 with so many other great prospects available, but Nolen was the best player left on the board. |
 | 17. Shermar Stewart DE - Texas A&M | Stewart is this years workout wonder. He tested incredibly well at the NFL combine but wasn't at all productive at Texas A&M. He had just 4.5 sacks and 11 tackles for loss in his entire college career. The Bengals really wanted to trade down, but couldn’t find a buyer. So, they made the same mistake they made in 2023 when the drafted Myles Murphy. He was also a high-upside player with no production, and a bust. The Bungles just drafted his clone, |
 | 18, Grey Zabel G - North Dakota State | Seattle was gifted Zabel by Cincinnati bungling the raft. Zabel has good film, was incredible in the Senior Bowl and blew up the combine. Zabel played tackle at North Dakota State but projects as a guard or center in the NFL Seattle has been rebuilding its offensive line in recent years and he could go a long way to replicating the line the Seahawks had in the early 2010s when they were perennial contenders. |
 | 19, Emeka Egbuka WR - Ohio State | With so many other needs (the defense is atrocious), this pick was a bit of a puzzler, The Buccaneers not only have Mike Evans, they re-signed Chris Godwin and drafted Jalen McMillan last year. Do the really need another WR? Egbuka is good, really good. He got overshadowed last year by the freshman Jeremiah Smith's amazing year but he still managed to have two 1,000-yard seasons. He is the best route-runner in this year's class. and the most pro-ready receiver in this year's class. Great player picked by the wrong team. |
 | 20. Jahdae Barron CB - Texas | With players like offensive stars like Ashton Jeanty, Colston Loveland and Tyler Warren off the board, the Broncos added to their secondary with Texas CB Jahdae Barron. He's the first corner taken in the draft and can line up anywhere on the field. Barron may be primarily a slot defender and will allow star CB Patrick Surtain to shut down one side of the field. This pick will give Kansas City some nightmares as the Broncos now have a crazy trio of cornerbacks. Pat Surtain, Riley Moss and Jahdae Barron could be the best cornerback room in the league and will create a true “no-fly” zone for opposing quarterbacks. |
 | 21. Derrick Harmon DT - Oregon | Classic Steelers pick. Harmon isn’t a flashy player, but he’s a steady defensive player who can impact the pass Harmon fits right in as an eventual Cam Heyward replacement. He’ll now get the opportunity to learn from the four-time first-team All-Pro and will form a strong duo with Keeanu Benton on the interior for the long term. |
 | 22. Omarion Hampton RB - North Carolina | Jim Harbaugh wants to run the ball, so it should come as no surprise that he drafted a running back. The Chargers did sign RB Najee Harris in free agency, but Hampton is far more explosive than him. Don't be surprised if Hampton gets the majority of carries in 2025. Omarion Hampton is a talented back but taking a non elite RB in the first round is a mistake. The Bolts don’t have the offensive line to be a power running team and there is some concern about the wear and tear Hampton undertook this season. |
 | 23. Matthew Golden WR - Texas | Golden is the first wide receiver taken in the first round by the Packers since 2002. The Packers have a ton of receiving depth but are still looking for a star. The Texas WR adds a speed element to the Packers' receiving corps after Christian Watson's ACL injury late in the 2024 season could sideline him for all of 2025. .Golden brings not only speed but also elite ball tracking skills. |
 | 24. Donovan Jackson G - Ohio State | Minnesota has gone all out to improve their offensive line. After adding C Ryan Kelly and G Will Fries from the Colts in free agency, the Vikings add another interior lineman in Donovan Jackson. Jackson is a guard by trade and a real good one. But his senior performance at Ohio State exemplified the importance of positional versatility. The first-team All-Big Ten selection started 31 straight games before bumping out to left tackle after Josh Simmons suffered a season-ending torn patellar tendon. Jackson didn't miss a beat, to the point where some started to wonder if he could be an NFL left tackle. He'll likely move back to guard in the NFL and can be a high-level starter on the inside. Minnesota’s offensive line overhaul is now complete. |
| | 25. Jaxson Dart QB - Mississippi | A huge whiff by the G-Men, They traded their 2nd round pick and 2 3rd round picks to the for a QB that long way to go before he’s ready for big-time NFL action. He does have a good arm and his running ability will give defenses fits but he is not a first-round prospect. The Giants shouldn’t have traded up for him but rather be more patient. Dart could have easily fallen to them in round 2. |
| | 26. James Pearce DE - Tennessee | The Falcons weren't content with adding just Jalon Walker in round 1, then then traded their second-round pick and a first-round pick in 2026 to go get Tennessee edge rusher James Pearce Jr. Pearce was an all-SEC defender in 2024 and may be the best speed rusher in the draft class but trading a first-round pick for him is patently absurd. No doubt he is a quality pass rusher, but giving up this much for him just makes absolutely no sense. I guess the Falcons must believe they can win now with Michael Penix Jr. under center and it’s time to take full advantage of all the talent they feature on offense. Atlanta is in win-now mode, given how bad the NFC South is. |
 | 27. Malaki Starks S - Georgia | The Baltimore Ravens standing pat and landing an elite talent is completely on brand. This is such a perfectly Ravens pick. a falling player who was highly sought after all season up until the draft. Starks might have been the best defensive player remaining. So of course he went to the Ravens. He and Kyle Hamilton are an incredibly versatile safety duo that can lock down the slot and the deep middle of the field and will keep the Ravens playing elite defense for the near future. The two-time first-team All-American is an elite talent and playmaker along the back end. Three years of high-end performance in the nation's toughest conference, including starting as a true freshman, shows he's more than deserving of being a first round pick. |
 | 28. Tyleik Williams DT - Ohio State | The Detroit Lions have a type. Ohio State’s Tyleik Williams fits the mold. Williams can start his career working behind DJ Reader before taking over in the near future. Reader is turning 31 in July and is entering the final year of his contract. Williams consistently ate up blocks, reset the line of scrimmage in the run game and provided some interior pass-rush presence. The consensus All-American has the flexibility to play 3-technique, as he proved at Ohio State. Detroit may have Alim McNeill in place but he can contribute as part of the Lions' defensive line rotation and provide quality depth along the interior. It's nice to have a talented roster like the Lions. |
 | 29. Josh Conerly Jr. DT - Oregon | After Daniels took the league by storm in 2024, making the offensive line a strength was the next priority in D.C. SO the Skins traded for Laremy Tunsil to play left tackle, and then added a right tackle in Oregon's Josh Conerly. The first-team All-Big Ten selection should immediately compete with Andrew Wylie on the right side for Washington and eventually take over as the long-term option. Conerly is as solid as they come at left tackle, winning with balance and agility on the edge. He can block in zone systems or provide the power to move his man on run plays. |
 | 30. Maxwell Hairston CB - Kentucky | Buffalo needed to get better at cornerback ahead of 2025 so they added former first-round pick Tre'Davious White in the offseason and then traded picks #32 and #164 to swap picks with the Chiefs and drafted Hairston. Hairston could and should start right away. He was the fastest player at the NFL combine and a stellar CB prospect. He has the ability to cover anyone in the league. The ding on him is that as a tackler, far too often Hairston ends up grasping for air as the runner comes at him. He definitely isn't a fan of getting physical. |
 | 31. Jihaad Campbell LB - Alabama | Another draft and another top SEC defender falls into the Eagle's lap. Jihaad Campbell was considered the best linebacker in the draft, so of course he's going to Philly. , Campbell can do myriad things for the Eagles defense right away and can be used as a situational pass rusher. He can play both linebacker and edge, much like Haason Reddick. He's great value at No. 31, especially at the cost of a fifth-round pick for moving up just one spot. Campbell could have easily gone in the teens. |
 | 32. Josh Simmons OT - Ohio State | After watching the Super Bowl it was obvious that the Chiefs needed to help on the OL. They have lost two Super Bowls because their offensive line couldn’t protect Mahomes. They started by bringing in Jaylon Moore this offseason, but he’s never been a full-time starter in the NFL. So they took a risk and drafted Simmons. Simmons tore his patella tendon, an injury that has ended many NFL careers. Before the injury he was considered a top-10 lock. . If Simmons can get back to full strength, he should legitimately be one of the best tackles in the NFL |
