NFL Draft Recap: Reviewing the 1st Round of the 2025 NFL Draft

The main off-season event of the NFL season will be taking place on April 24th, 2025 in Green Bay. I will be recapping the 1st round of this year’s draft. 

1. Titans - Cam Ward (QB)

      As expected, the Tennessee Titans have selected Miami’s former star quarterback, Cam Ward. Ward threw for 158 passing touchdowns in his collegiate career, a division 1 record. The 2nd year head coach, Brian Callahan, now has a star quarterback to work with. I believe that his dual-threat ability as a running and passing quarterback will fit in great in the NFL. While he is not being labeled as a ‘generational talent’, he will still be a great quarterback. 

2. Jaguars (via Browns) - Travis Hunter (WR/CB)

      This is the 1st time since 1997 that a team has traded up to a top 2 pick and selected a non-quarterback. The Jags received the 2nd overall pick, a fourth rounder (104) and a sixth rounder (200). The Browns got the 5th overall pick, 2nd round pick (36), a fourth rounder (126) and a 2026 1st rounder. Jacksonville selected the 2024 Heisman Trophy Winner, Travis Hunter. Hunter is heading to Duval, and I expect him to play both wide receiver and cornerback. 

3. Giants - Abdul Carter (EDGE) 

      The Giants have selected one of the most dynamic players in this year’s draft, Abdul Carter. Carter is known for his explosive pass rush, as his ability to quickly slide through the B-gap. He also has an unstoppable spin move, and has an amazing amount of raw athleticism. He is already joining a stacked defensive line, and I expect him to be a game changer from day 1 in the Big Apple. 

4. Patriots - Will Campbell (OT) 

      The Patriots had a glaring need at offensive tackle, and they addressed that big time. He has very heavy hands, which helps him get a good grip of the pass rusher. Campbell has started 38 games, which have all been played at tackle. The main worry with him is his size. I think that since he might not have long enough arms to play tackle at the NFL level, he could shift over to guard, and I expect him to shine there. 

5. Browns (via Jaguars) - Mason Graham (DT) 

      A Michigan football star will be calling Ohio his new home. Mason Graham was a star at Michigan, leading them to a National Championship in 2023. I really like this trade for the Browns. They were able to get an extra second this year, and another 1st next year. They were also able to get a top-3 pass rusher in the draft, who should pair very nicely with Myles Garrett. 

6. Raiders - Ashton Jeanty (RB)

      It took a full season, but the Las Vegas Raiders have been able to find a replacement for Josh Jacobs. The Boise State running back is known for his unique stance, where he just stands up straight. He is very elusive, and is able to bounce off tackles very easily. Jeanty was the Heisman runner-up a year ago, and I think that he will be used a ton in this offense, as they have one of the most old-school coaches, Pete Carroll. 

7. Jets - Armand Membou (OT) 

      The New York Jets have decided to beef up their offensive line in this year’s draft, with Armand Membou. One of the biggest concerns with Membou is his height. He is below average for height as an NFL tackle. He started 12 games at right tackle for Missouri last year. I don’t really like this pick, and expect him to be traded within 2-3 years of his career. 

8. Panthers - Tetariola McMillan (WR) 

      Tetariola (Tet) McMillan will be the newest member of the Carolina Panthers. McMillan will be Bryce Young’s newest target, as Dave Canellis is doing all he can to support him. This marks the second year in a row where the Panthers have taken a Wide Receiver in the 1st round of the draft. Tet flew under the raider a bit, at Arizona, but he has put up north of 1,300 yards in the last 2 seasons. 

9. Saints - Kelvin Banks Jr. (OT) 

      Derek Carr has got himself a tackle. Kelvin Banks Jr. will be heading to New Orleans, and I expect him to be great. I think he will be able to play tackle in the league, but if he struggles, New Orleans will be able to shift him to guard. He is very good at shifting on his assignments, and withstanding a shed block. He has quick feet, which comes from his past in basketball. 

10. Bears - Colston Loveland (TE) 

      The first tight end is off the board. Ben Johnson and the Chicago Bears have selected Colston Loveland with the final top 10 pick in the 2025 draft. Loveland should be a nice complement to Cole Kmet, and should give Johnson options. Expect the Bears to run a lot of 12 personnel, as Johnson did a lot of that over in Detroit. I like this pick, and expect him to end up as the main Bears’ tight end. 

11. 49ers - Mykel Williams (EDGE)

      Nick Bosa has found himself a great complement to him on the other side of the defensive line. After Leonard Floyd departed in free agency, there was a big hole on the right side of the line, and that line will be filled by Mykel Williams. With Robert Salah returning to this team as the defensive coordinator, I expect Williams and Bosa to wreak havoc on opposing quarterbacks this season. 

12. Cowboys - Tyler Booker (OG) 

      Out of the last 4 drafts, the Dallas Cowboys have selected an offensive lineman in the 1st round in 3 of them. Tyler Booker is the 3rd ‘Tyler’ on the Cowboys offensive line. He has a lot of upper body power, which should carry over to the NFL. He is one of the smartest offensive lineman in recent history, and I think that should keep him for Illegal Man Downfield penalties. 

13. Dolphins - Kenneth Grant (DT) 

      The 3rd Michigan player in the top 13 has been selected. When talking about game-wreckers from the University of Michigan, you hear the name Kenneth Grant. Grant was one of the best players in this draft for pass rushers, and I like this for Miami. Their pass rush was almost non-existent, and I hope that he will be big for them this year. 

14. Colts - Tyler Warren (TE) 

      Tyler Warren can do it all. He can block, run, catch, and he even threw a touchdown pass last season on a trick play. He was an amazing baseball player, and a former high school quarterback. Warren is one of the most athletic players in this draft, and I expect that he will be the rookie of the year. He is super explosive, and if the Colts can use him right, he will be an absolute beast. 

15. Falcons - Jalon Walker (LB) 

      Walker is an extremely versatile player in this year’s draft. Kirby Smart is extremely good at developing young talent, and getting his defensive players NFL ready. Walker is an off-ball linebacker, who is very good in the pass rush department. He needs to work on his run support, but he is able to be a very solid player for this Atlanta defense. 

16. Cardinals - Walter Nolan (DT) 

      “Nobody questions how talented he is and how hard he plays. Super twitched up and really explosive.” That is what an NFC national scout had to say about Walter Nolan. He has a very good shed move, and has very quick hands. He was honored as a first team All-American and a first team All-SEC. The Cardinals have got themselves a great defensive tack this year. 

17. Bengals - Shemar Stewart (EDGE) 

      The Bengals needed defense and addressed it. Shemar Stewart is usually all over the field, and seems to never run out of energy. Trey Hendrickson may not be staying with the Bengals, so they have now drafted his potential replacement. However, I believe he will sign an extension with Cincinnati, and these 2 will be able to play together on the offensive line. 

18. Seahawks - Grey Zabel (OG) 

      Grey Zabel is your overall utility guy for the offensive line. He is mainly a guard, but will be able to play tackle or even center. He started as a left guard at North Dakota State, but shifted to left tackle for the Senior Bowl. He is the highest drafted lineman in FCS history, and he looks good. Sable should be good, and I expect a good rushing attack from Seattle this year. 

19. Buccaneers - Emeka Egbuka (WR) 

      After winning the National Championship, Egbuka will head to Tampa Bay. This marks the 4th year in a row that an Ohio State wide receiver has been drafted in the 1st round of the draft. Egbuka decided to go back to Ohio State for another year, rather than entering the draft last year. I really like this pick as Baker Mayfield has one of the best supporting casts in the NFL. He may even be in the MVP conversation when the season rolls around. 

20. Broncos - Jahdae Barron (CB) 

      It took until the 20th overall pick, but a primarily defensive back (Travis Hunter also plays receiver) has been selected in this year’s draft. He has above-average size, and is a great outside cornerback. However, he really needs to work on not getting beat on man-coverage. And, while he has good size, he has short arms, which may hurt him in a 1-on-1 matchup. 

21. Steelers - Derrick Harmon (DT) 

      Why not Shedeur Sanders. That is what every Pittsburgh Steelers fan is thinking. The only plausible explanation would be that the Steelers are extremely confident that Aaron Rodgers will be wearing black and gold when fall comes. However, they get a stud defensive tackle, Derrick Harmon. Harmon went to college at Oregon, and I expect this pass rush (as usual) to be one of the best in the league. 

22. Chargers - Omarion Hampton (RB) 

      The Chargers have themselves a running back. Omarion Hampton is the 2nd running back off the board this draft, and he is known for being a powerful running bag. This works really well with Jim Harbaugh, who is very old-schooled and loves a good power back. He has an amazing physique, and I think that he will have over 1,000 rushing yards this year. 

23. Packers - Matthew Golden (WR) 

      The wait is finally over for the Packers. Matthew Golden is the 1st Green Bay Packer wide receiver to be drafted in the first round. The draft was held in Green Bay, and the crowd exploded into “Go Pack Go” as soon as he was announced. Golden ran a 4.29 40 yard dash, and he will be a problem for defenses. Golden will be wearing green and gold when the NFL season gets started. 

24. Vikings - Donovan Jackson (OG)

      Donavan Jackson was part of the National Champion Ohio State Buckeyes, and now he will be protecting his former rival, JJ McCarthy. Jackson started off at left guard for Ohio State, but had to shift over to left tackle due to injuries on the offensive line. He was able to hold his own at tackle, but expected him to be inside at guard to start the season. 

25. Giants (via Texans) - Jaxson Dart. 

      The Giants have traded back into the 1st round, giving Houston a 2nd round pick (34), a 3rd rounder (99) and a 2026 3rd rounder. In exchange, they got the 25th overall pick. They selected Jaxson Dart out of Ole Miss. He will most likely be in a quarterback competition with Russel Wilson. When they traded back up, the question was Jaxson Dart or Sheduer Sanders. I personally prefer Dart over Sanders, and Sanders only looked decent when being coached by his dad, and Dart gets better over time, and is more coachable. 

26. Falcons (via Rams) - James Pearce Jr. (EDGE)

      The Falcons have also traded back into the first round pick, doubling down on the pass rush in the first round. The Falcons gave up a 2025 2nd rounder (46), a 2025 7th rounder (242) and a 2026 1st round pick. They got the 26th overall pick and a 3rd rounder (101) in this year’s draft. Pearce played at Tennessee, and was a solid pass-rusher. The Falcons have completely changed their mindset by trading back up and getting Pearce, as they are now in win-now mode.

27. Ravens - Malaki Starks (S)

      Starks is your over-the-top safety, who can play in the nickel, but I expect him to play a lot on the opposite side of Kyle Hamilton. The Ravens need to tighten up their defense, and I think Malaki will help them in a big way. I expect him to get 3+ interceptions this year, and I think that Baltimore might be starting Starks when the playoffs arrive, and their defense will be tested. 

28. Lions - Tyleik Williams (DT) 

      The Detroit Lions have addressed their need for a defensive tackle, by drafting Tyleik Williams with the 28th overall pick of this year’s draft. I usually think that Dan Campbell knows what he is doing, but I don’t like this pick. Williams has weaker hands than the average NFL player, and has short arms, which will affect his pass rushes. I think that Williams would have been better as a Day 2 pick. 

29. Commanders - Josh Conerly Jr. (OT) 

      The Commanders have selected a nice complement to Laremy Tunsil on the other side of the offensive line. I think Conerly Jr. will be starting at right tackle for the Commanders on Day 1 or training camp. I like how Dan Quinn is investing in his star quarterback, and helping get him pass protection for this coming season. I expect Daniel’s to put up another MVP caliber year behind this offensive line. 

30. Bills - Maxwell Hairston (CB)

      The Buffalo Bills did not trade with the Chiefs this year. Instead, they got help in their secondary by selecting Maxwell Hairston. Maxwell is the fastest player in this year’s draft class, running a 4.28 40 yard dash. I think he will play in the slot a lot in his rookie year. I can’t wait for when the Chiefs and the Bills will inevitably match up in the postseason, and we can see Maxwell Hairston matchup against Xavier Worthy.

31. Eagles (via Chiefs) - Jihaad Campbell (LB)

      The Philadelphia Eagles have traded up one pick, swapping 2025 1st round picks (31 and 32), and gave the Chiefs the 164th overall pick. Nothing is new for the Philadelphia Eagles. They almost always seem to have an Alabama player or a Georgia player fall into their possession. Campell is very versatile, but he needs to work on his pass rush moves. If he can do that, this Philadelphia Eagles defense will be unstoppable. 

32. Chiefs (via Eagles) - Josh Simmons (OT)

     Josh Simmons will be going from protecting Will Howard, to protecting Patrick Mahomes. The Chiefs traded back 1 pick, and were able to pick up a 5th round pick. He is still recovering from a torn patellar tendon, so he won’t be an immediate starter. I think that if you sit him behind Jaylon Moore for a year, he may be ready to take over in 2026. 

The 1st round of the draft has come to a close. This draft had a lot of surprises, but not bigger than Sheduer Sanders falling out of the first round. With 6 more rounds to go, we will see what surprises are left in the 2025 draft.