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So much for the 2025 NFL draft starting off in a straightforward manner.
While many forecasted the first round to unfold with little mystery at the top, it didn’t take long for things to get a little crazy in Green Bay, Wisconsin. After the Titans kicked things off with the widely expected pick of Cam Ward at No. 1 overall, the Jacksonville Jaguars delivered a bombshell with their blockbuster trade with the Cleveland Browns to secure Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter. Things didn’t settle down from there, with several other teams swinging deals – including the New York Giants moving up for quarterback Jaxson Dart – to nab their desired targets. And after all the action, one of the draft’s most notable figures in Shedeur Sanders was left to wait until Friday to learn his landing spot.
With the first 32 picks in the book, here’s a look back at our grades for every selection:
2025 NFL draft grades: Every pick in first round
1. Tennessee Titans: Cam Ward, QB, Miami (Fla.) – Grade: B+
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No shenanigans to start off the night. Though president of football operations Chad Brinker briefly had people wondering whether the Titans would target Travis Hunter or Abdul Carter after saying in January that the team wouldn’t pass on a “generational talent,” resolving the untenable outlook at quarterback took priority. While it’d certainly be a stretch to describe Ward as a “generational” prospect – and maybe Tennessee didn’t view Hunter or Carter at that level, either – he gives the organization new life and a chance to move on from the many missteps of Brian Callahan’s first year at the helm. Now the pressure is on the coach to ensure the dynamic playmaker strikes a balance between attacking downfield and being willing to take what the defense gives him, which he too often eschewed throughout his college career. But with savvy and creativity both inside and out of the pocket, Ward could return the revitalized Titans to relevance in the AFC South in short order.
2. Jacksonville Jaguars (from Cleveland Browns): Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado – Grade: A-
Well, how’s that for a shake-up? After no trades involving a first-round pick materialized in the months leading up to the draft, Day 1 got a major infusion of drama in the form of the Jaguars moving from No. 5 to No. 2 for Hunter. How Jacksonville plans to use the electric Heisman Trophy winner will be fascinating, as the two-way threat could either be the answer at boundary cornerback opposite Tyson Campbell or team with Brian Thomas Jr. to form one of the league’s most dynamic receiving duos. Hunter, of course, will want to pull double duty at both spots. The cost is at least approaching prohibitive for a non-quarterback, with Jacksonville giving up both a second-round selection this year and first-rounder next year. But in landing a player whom many – including us – ranked as the top overall player in this class, new general manager James Gladstone and coach Liam Coen have taken a major step toward fulfilling their goal of getting more explosive. Now, with their pick haul depleted, the pressure is on Gladstone to unearth the mid-to-late-round gems who helped keep the Los Angeles Rams – with whom the 34-year-old spent nearly the last decade – in top form.
3. New York Giants: Abdul Carter, DE/OLB, Penn State – Grade: A
Big Blue’s pick seemed to be trending this way for some time, but it still feels a bit strange to see the team exhibit some restraint around quarterback considerations given the desperation that has colored the rest of the offseason plans for the position. In terms of maximizing pure value, there was no real alternative to Carter at this slot. An absolute wrecking ball off the edge, the 6-2, 250-pounder offers a Pro Bowl-caliber package of athletic tools that he should wield even more comfortably as he grows more accustomed to full-time work rushing off the edge. File the question of how New York will utilize its newest disruptor alongside Brian Burns and Kayvon Thibodeaux under the category of good problems to have.
4. New England Patriots: Will Campbell, OT, LSU – Grade: B-
The first pick of Mike Vrabel’s tenure might feel like somewhat of a letdown to some, especially to anyone who was trying to manufacture a slide for Hunter or Carter. But with a seemingly steep dropoff in talent at this juncture, New England made an understandable pivot to filling the void for Drake Maye’s blindside protector. Campbell’s value here likely hinges on his ability to hang at left tackle amid concerns about whether his subpar length will allow him to handle rangier pass rushers, as using this much capital on an eventual guard wouldn’t be a great use of resources. But the consensus All-American’s composure and refinement in pass protection suggests he should be an asset in the effort to make Maye feel more at ease in Year 2.
5. Browns (from Jaguars): Mason Graham, DT, Michigan – Grade: B-
Cleveland appears to be steeling itself for a painful 2025 before embracing a true overhaul in 2026, when it will have two first-rounders – both potentially very early ones – and be able to fully split from Deshaun Watson. So why not then try to move back again? Maybe there wasn’t sufficient interest from a team wanting to jump up for someone like Ashton Jeanty, but this still feels like settling a bit. Graham’s quickness and motor should help him make a mark quickly, but he might not constitute the true building block this franchise desperately needs. But he’s at least a step in the right direction for a defense trying to re-establish its former dominance with Myles Garrett back in the fold.
6. Las Vegas Raiders: Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State – Grade: B
The Raiders had long been linked to Jeanty, but it appeared the Jaguars – or another team willing to trade up – could leapfrog them. But the draft dominoes allowed the Silver and Black to make a massive move to transform the league’s last-ranked rushing attack. Can Jeanty do it alone, though? The Heisman Trophy runner-up has an immaculate ability to create yardage by slipping past would-be tacklers or bouncing off them, but we’ve long seen the limitations that even elite running backs can face when not surrounded by proper support. Las Vegas has a long way to go in building out its line, receiving corps and defense to make this pick pay off.
7. New York Jets: Armand Membou, OT, Missouri – Grade: B+
The Aaron Glenn era is in full swing, and the Membou pick has a distinct Detroit feel. For a new regime focused on stability and accountability, the powerful and composed right tackle should step in and be an immediate tone-setter with his rugged play. Proper protection for Justin Fields and a better push in the run game will go a long way toward making what could be a turbulent transition a little less rough.
8. Carolina Panthers: Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona – Grade: C
The Panthers finished last in the NFL in yards per play and scoring defense, with the team also ranking 31st in ESPN’s pass-rush win rate metric. And then … the team grabs another receiver after trading up to take Xavier Legette at No. 32 last year. Dave Canales spoke about wanting to give Bryce Young another major weapon as the former No. 1 overall selection enters a critical third year. But he also vouched for Legette, saying he can be “that guy” for the team. McMillan should help Young out on quick-hit and intermediate throws right away, but there’s a significant question as to whether he can be the same kind of downfield threat he was for the Wildcats. Most importantly, even in a deep class at edge rusher, Carolina will be hard-pressed to find the premier defensive difference-maker it could have had here with someone like Jalon Walker.
9. New Orleans Saints: Kelvin Banks Jr., OT, Texas – Grade: B-
Despite the uncertainty surrounding Derek Carr’s status for 2025, it never made much sense for New Orleans to force a quarterback selection here. Instead, Mickey Loomis goes with a more tried and true method of building along the lines. With New Orleans declining the fifth-year option for Trevor Penning, the Saints could have their tackle tandem in place with Banks and 2024 first-rounder Taliese Fuaga, although the former might be able to see the field earlier by working in at guard initially. Banks can too often get out of sorts in the run game, but the organization at least has something of a foundation as it stares down a reset.
10. Chicago Bears: Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan – Grade: B+
Since last fall, Loveland has been measured against Tyler Warren, Penn State’s breakout tight end who figured to leapfrog his Big Ten counterpart in the first round. Now, the two will assuredly be linked for some time after Loveland was taken first in one of the draft’s most notable early surprises. New coach Ben Johnson surely knows how to take advantage of a tight end who can create mismatches in the passing game, though his new 6-6, 248-pound target is a much different kind of player than Sam LaPorta, whom Johnson put to immediate use in Detroit. But it’s hard to argue with giving Caleb Williams a major weapon down the seam with a massive catch radius, especially with the quarterback now set up to have better protection in 2025.
11. San Francisco 49ers: Mykel Williams, DE, Georgia – Grade: B
When John Lynch spoke this week about the importance of “setting a firm edge,” he might as well have been discussing Williams. The 6-5, 260-pounder is plenty powerful and stout against the run, making him a sensible fit to occupy the spot opposite Nick Bosa. He still has plenty of developing to do as a pass rusher, but there’s few better places to do that than under defensive coordinator Robert Saleh. San Francisco still has more work to do to firm up its defensive line, but it can return to a deep defensive tackle class on Day 2.
12. Dallas Cowboys: Tyler Booker, G, Alabama – Grade: C
New coach Brian Schottenheimer spoke earlier this month of his belief in building a team outside in, with a focus on cornerbacks, wide receivers, defensive ends and offensive tackles. But this is Jerry Jones’ show, so the boss gets his road-grading offensive guard. The 6-5, 321-pounder can be a force in amplifying Dallas’ ground game, but passing up on both wide receiver Matthew Golden and tight end Tyler Warren is going to once again leave Dak Prescott with an unstable receiving corps outside of CeeDee Lamb.
13. Miami Dolphins: Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan – Grade: C
A magnet for double teams and a force against the run, the 6-4, 331-pounder will certainly make his presence felt for a Dolphins team needing to create more of a push up front. But Grant still has substantial work to do to harness his considerable athleticism in pass-rushing scenarios, and he might never be a prolific playmaker in the backfield. That makes this pick a little rich in a class that’s long on interior defenders who can hold the point of attack.
14. Indianapolis Colts: Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State – Grade: A
This pick seemed like a natural pairing in early mock drafts. Then, most prognosticators assumed Warren was ticketed for the top 10. But somehow the hard-charging, do-everything target lands in Indianapolis’ lap, giving general manager Chris Ballard a no-brainer here. As a master of racking up yards after the catch, Warren should make his mark early on as someone who can ease the pressure on either Anthony Richardson or Daniel Jones.
15. Atlanta Falcons: Jalon Walker, OLB, Georgia – Grade: A-
Behold, Atlanta’s long-awaited splash investment in its maligned pass rush. Even with the defense showing a little juice down the stretch, the Falcons had to do something to create the pressure that has been missing for long stretches over the years. Walker no doubt figures to be an electric presence as a blitzer, though defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich will have to utilize the 6-1, 243-pounder to unlock his disruptiveness while still bringing him along as an off-ball linebacker.
16. Arizona Cardinals: Walter Nolen, DT, Ole Miss – Grade: B+
Monti Ossenfort is going all in on his defensive front in 2025. After adding edge rusher Josh Sweat and defensive linemen Dalvin Tomlinson and Calais Campbell in free agency, Arizona kept pushing by bringing on Nolen. A massively disruptive but still inconsistent interior penetrator, Nolen can ease into work and learn behind a fine mentor in Campbell, the 38-year-old who can help him unlock his full potential.
17. Cincinnati Bengals: Shemar Stewart, DE, Texas A&M – Grade: B
As the Trey Hendrickson drama lingers, Cincinnati affords itself some flexibility on the edge for both the short and long term. Regardless of whether the Bengals move the NFL’s reigning sack king, the defense needed to create more pressure. Stewart can certainly do that, and the 6-5, 267-pounder certainly fits the bill of what the organization looks for at defensive end with his imposing build and athleticism. But can he actually develop a finishing touch? Usage issues were partially responsible for Stewart’s shortage of production, but he also has to figure out a way to play with more control when he gets a quarterback or ball carrier in his sights.
18. Seattle Seahawks: Grey Zabel, G/C, North Dakota State – Grade: B-
The selection that seemed to make too much sense to happen really came to fruition. Zabel has been seen for some time as the perfect fit for offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak’s scheme and a necessary salve for Seattle’s woes on the interior. This also marks John Schneider’s full retreat from his previous stance that the guard market was out of whack. But Zabel also could also be in for a rough introduction to the pros when he faces off against much more athletic defensive linemen who will try to jolt him backward.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State – Grade: B
With Mike Evans entering his age-32 season and the final year of his contract, the Buccaneers are at least giving themselves options for the long term. No one will confuse the 6-1, 202-pound Egbuka with the supersized six-time Pro Bowler, but the Buckeyes’ all-time leader in receptions can make life easier for Baker Mayfield in a different manner with his easy separation and ability to settle into the soft spots against zone coverage. It’s a bit surprising for him to be taken ahead of the more explosive Matthew Golden, but Egbuka has his own distinct way to win against a variety of defenders.
20. Denver Broncos: Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas – Grade: B+
Almost everyone assumed a back would be the call here given Sean Payton’s insistence that the team build out its backfield. But with an abundance of options later on, Denver can circle back on Day 2 and instead look to extract the most overall value here. It’s easy to see why the Broncos would gravitate toward Barron, an extremely versatile coverage piece who has a knack for finding the ball in an array of scenarios. Barron can take over the nickel role and help reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year Patrick Surtain II and Co. counter the likes of Patrick Mahomes and Justin Herbert for years to come.
21. Pittsburgh Steelers: Derrick Harmon, DT, Oregon – Grade: B+
Mike Tomlin’s selection will be widely viewed through the lens of the choice he didn’t make, namely taking Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders. Pittsburgh, however, apparently wasn’t bluffing with its long-running relaxed attitude toward its uncertainty behind center. Harmon’s forcefulness should make him a fast favorite of Tomlin, and he can help a wobbly defense not rely so heavily on Cam Heyward, who will turn 36 next month.
22. Los Angeles Chargers: Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina – Grade: B-
You can always count on Jim Harbaugh to lean into his identity. The Bolts continue to zig when the rest of the league zags, taking a battering ram of a ball carrier to power his ground game despite signing Najee Harris this offseason. That’s a lot of brute force in one backfield. With Harris on only a one-year deal, the 6-0, 220-pound rookie doesn’t have to take on a full workload right away. But with the Chargers turning down other options here to fortify a receiving corps that has leaned heavily on Ladd McConkey, Los Angeles might only be able to go as far as its running backs can carry it.
23. Green Bay Packers: Matthew Golden, WR, Texas – Grade: B+
Mark Murphy certainly knows how to send the home crowd into a frenzy. The Packers president took great amusement in announcing that his team would be selecting a wide receiver in the first round for the first time since 2002. But this was more than a fun moment. Golden fits the bill of what Matt LaFleur had been in search of: a speedy pass catcher who can beat man coverage to create easier looks for Jordan Love. Between LaFleur’s creativity as a playcaller and Love’s aggressive mentality, he could make a sizable splash right away.
24. Minnesota Vikings: Donovan Jackson, G, Ohio State – Grade: B
With Minnesota entering the draft with a league-low four picks, this spot seemed ripe for a trade. Nevertheless, Kwesi Adofo-Mensah sticks with his first choice and continues to bolster his interior front after adding Will Fries and Ryan Kelly in free agency. Jackson might have been a somewhat surprising candidate to complete the effort, but the 6-4, 320-pounder showed off impressive pass protection skills when he kicked out to left tackle due to Josh Simmons’ injury to power the Buckeyes’ national title run.
25. Giants (from Houston Texans): Jaxson Dart, QB, Mississippi – Grade: C+
With the Giants sitting behind the Browns in the second round, a deal up into the first for a quarterback seemed inevitable. But it’s difficult to have much confidence that Dart definitively can be the kind of passer who will save Brian Daboll and Joe Schoen’s jobs after the current regime was put on notice by co-owner John Mara after last season. A talented intermediate passer who can confidently attack defenses when in rhythm, he at least offers a path forward if Russell Wilson falters. But given rampant concerns about how he will hold up against pressure and manage getting beyond his first read, things could get dicey if he’s forced into an unfavorable spot as a rookie.
26. Falcons (from Los Angeles Rams): James Pearce Jr., DE, Tennessee – Grade: C+
On one hand, Atlanta deserves credit for going all out to invigorate its pass rush. Pearce is a blur off the edge, and he has as much upside as any edge rusher outside of Abdul Carter in this class. But a non-playoff team parting with its 2026 first-rounder to get into the late first this year is tough to square. The Falcons might have the mentality that they’re merely receiving their Day 1 choice a year early, but this is a high-risk, high-reward move.
27. Baltimore Ravens: Malaki Starks, S, Georgia – Grade: B
In my penultimate mock draft, I wrote Starks “looks like a Raven, plays like a Raven, feels like a Raven.” Now, he is a Raven – and I regret not sticking with my selection. Eric DeCosta famously doesn’t place positional considerations ahead of overall value, but he stressed this offseason how much adding another safety alongside Kyle Hamilton would do for the defense. If Starks can avoid short-circuiting in coverage the way he occasionally did in his final campaign with Georgia, he should help put the secondary in a more secure place.
28. Detroit Lions: Tyleik Williams, DT, Ohio State – Grade: C+
Dan Campbell and Brad Holmes certainly have a type along the defensive line. Williams is a powerful presence who will command the line of scrimmage and stuff the run consistently. He might not fit the profile of a typical first-round defensive tackle given he looks unlikely to ever become a prolific pass rusher, but he can afford some flexibility to a group that is waiting on Alim McNeill to come back from a torn anterior cruciate ligament suffered in December.
29. Washington Commanders: Josh Conerly Jr., OT, Oregon – Grade: B
Many had pegged an edge rusher for Washington, but the Commanders passed up a few notable candidates there to take Conerly. Still, it’s understandable that a team looking to safeguard Jayden Daniels and answer for the Eagles‘ unrelenting pass rush would want to keep adding top talent up front after trading for Laremy Tunsil earlier this offseason. Conerly can be eased in at right tackle before later taking over for Brandon Coleman or Andrew Wylie, with the latter not signed beyond 2025.
30. Buffalo Bills: Maxwell Hairston, CB, Kentucky – Grade: B
After watching Patrick Mahomes pick on Kaiir Elam in the AFC championship game once Christian Benford was lost to a concussion, Buffalo couldn’t simply run things back in the secondary. Elam was dealt, and Hairston now steps in to handle the spot opposite Benford while Taron Johnson occupies the slot. Hairston could be a somewhat volatile entity in crunch time, as his aggressive and physical approach could lead to penalties or long gains when he bites on fakes. But if the 6-0, 183-pounder can get strong enough to hold up at the catch point and in press coverage, he’ll be a formidable matchup thanks to his ball skills and recovery speed.
31. Philadelphia Eagles (from Kansas City Chiefs): Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama – Grade: B+
Did Howie Roseman do it again? The architect of the defending champs might have netted another defensive difference-maker who slipped past the point many expected him to be drafted. Campbell might not make the immediate impact that Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean did, but his extensive range and ample athleticism point to him becoming Roseman’s latest hit.
32. Chiefs (from Eagles): Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State – Grade: B+
A torn patellar tendon suffered in October threw Simmons’ stock into a state of uncertainty throughout the pre-draft process. But a player who otherwise checked every box for a high-end pass blocker still ended up securing a Day 1 spot. After signing Jaylon Moore, the Chiefs can slow-play Simmons’ arrival in the lineup while still having peace of mind that the long-term protection plan for Patrick Mahomes is in a solid spot.
