Written by

Jonas Aranda

16–24 minutes

2025 NFL Draft Round 1 Recap: Jags Make A Splash, Raiders Improve Run Game, Puzzling Trades Late

The 2025 NFL Draft was always meant to be full of surprises as many prospects outside of the top few reportedly had a wide range of grades across the league, and many of the premier players in this class were at positions that aren’t perceived as premium positions. Trades were made, players went higher and lower than expected, and even some of the chalk selections took a rollercoaster ride of their own. We are here to recap and break down the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft in order of each pick and trade.

1. Tennessee Titans: QB Cam Ward, Miami

Ever since free agency, everyone has known Cam Ward would be selected to be the man leading the huddle for the Tennessee Titans in the 2025 season, and hopefully, far beyond. Ward started garnering buzz as a potential day 2 pick heading into the 2024 Draft, but opted to go back to school and transferred to Miami, where he ultimately played himself into the top spot of the 2025 NFL Draft. After investing in the offensive line heavily the last few seasons, Brian Callahan and the Tennessee Titans get a QB who has top 10 QB potential and is a good scheme fit.

2. Jacksonville Jaguars (via CLE): WR/CB Travis Hunter, Colorado

Travis Hunter has been mocked at this pick for weeks, but to the Cleveland Browns, and not the Jacksonville Jaguars. Cleveland acquired the 5th overall pick, the 36th overall pick, the 126th overall pick and Jacksonville’s 2026 1st round pick for the 2nd overall pick (Travis Hunter), the 104th overall pick and the 200th overall pick. GM James Gladstone, who came over to Jacksonville from an ultra-aggressive Rams team, instantly dug into his roots and took a huge swing in the first draft for the Coen/Gladstone regime. HC Liam Coen finds himself a dynamic weapon on the outside to pair with Brian Thomas Jr., and Hunter can also fill in on some defensive snaps. No wasted time in Duval as they make a splash for a truly generational prospect.

3. New York Giants: EDGE Abdul Carter, Penn State3. New York Giants: EDGE Abdul Carter, Penn State

The Giants simply need blue chip players, as they only have a few on their roster, and Abdul Carter fits that bill. Carter is a real difference maker off the edge with his elite getoff, bend, motor and ability to convert speed to power. The Giants have one of the best EDGE groups in the league now with Carter, Burns and Thibodeaux. All 3 of those players get to attack the edge while All-Pro DT Dexter Lawrence pushes the pocket. This Giants defensive front is scary and has the chance to win a few games by themselves.

4. New England Patriots: OL Will Campbell, LSU4. New England Patriots: OL Will Campbell, LSU

A lot has been made of whether Campbell is a guard or a tackle, but two things that can’t be argued is that he’s a damn good football player who will bring leadership to the Patriots offense. With the offensive line class not being very deep and the Patriots needing to prioritize protecting QB Drake Maye, this pick was more than understandable and justifed. The rest of this draft is still very important for New England, with an abundance of needs on the offensive side of the ball.

5. Cleveland Browns (via JAX): DT Mason Graham, Michigan

After Cleveland traded Travis Hunter to Jacksonville, the Browns decided to add to the trenches and plug Mason Graham, who was expected to go at this same selection for the Jags during most of this process, into a defensive line with the recently extended Myles Garrett. Graham, a slippery 3-tech with great technique, was dominant in the college ranks and can help improve what was a below average run defense in 2024. The Browns have needs just about everywhere and went with one of the 2 best players available at pick 5 after picking up tons of draft capital. Even if Cleveland decides to take a QB later on in this draft, they’ve set themselves up well to make a move for a QB in the 2026 NFL Draft.

6. Las Vegas Raiders: RB Ashton Jeanty, Boise State

This selection has mostly been chalk ever since the Geno Smith trade days before free agency, aside from this most recent week with the smokescreen of the Raiders potentially taking a tackle at 6. The Raiders had the worst running game in football last year despite having a solid foundation on the offensive line. Raiders HC Pete Carroll and Raiders OC Chip Kelly both believe in a heavy-run attack where everything else is built off of that, and now Pete Carroll has his new bellcow back, following the likes of Marshawn Lynch and Reggie Bush. The Raiders still have a lot of needs, most notably WR, LB and CB, but this is the 2nd year in a row where they have added a true blue chip skill player to their offense who also fit what they want the identity of their football team to be.

7. New York Jets: OT Armand Membou, Missouri

This has been a commonly mocked selection for the Jets throughout this process, with Tyler Warren being another name linked to the Jets, but New York opted to complete their offensive line, with Membou filling their only hole on the line at his natural right tackle position. Membou is a mauler in the run game and moves very well for his size. The tackle out of Mizzou is a little raw as a pass blocker, but is capable of becoming a highly-regarded tackle in the NFL. For the first time in what feels like an eternity, the Jets seem to have completed their offensive line, and can now focus on other spots on offense.

8. Carolina Panthers: WR Tetairoa McMillan, Arizona

Jalon Walker has been linked to the Panthers at the 8th overall pick for what feels like just about the entire process. Even if Walker wasn’t the pick here at 8, it felt inevitable that this selection would be used on the defensive side of the ball since the defense was abysmal and the offense began to make strides toward the end of the season. Instead, Carolina decided to give Bryce Young another weapon after a disappointing rookie campaign from WR Xavier Legette, and a miss with Jonathan Mingo back in 2023. With the Bryce Young resurgence, overhauled offensive line and well-balanced RB room, Carolina has a chance to be a very explosive offense next season. The rest of this draft will most likely be executed with the objective of upgrading the defense in Carolina, with a TE possibly finding their way in the mix.

9. New Orleans Saints: OT Kelvin Banks Jr., Texas

There was a lot of speculation of a QB’s name potentially being called at this pick, with the recent news of Derek Carr’s injury and the severity of it. Another scenario thrown out there was New Orleans trading down and selecting their QB later in the 1st round. New Orleans chose to do neither of those things, stick and pick, and draft Ryan Ramczyk’s replacement in Kelvin Banks, in hopes of securing their bookend tackles after selecting Taliese Fuaga in the 1st round in 2024. Banks is a good fit for Kellen Moore’s wide zone blocking scheme and the Saints have a good chance of picking high next year, where they can theoretically grab their QB of the future.

10. Chicago Bears: TE Colston Loveland, Michigan

Tyler Warren was a hot name for the Bears at 10, especially in scenarios where Ashton Jeanty was not available, as it unfolded here. However, Chicago hit us with a swerve and selected the other highly rated TE in this draft. Loveland is a more refined pass-catcher than Warren and can be deployed in multiple spots as a receiver. With Cole Kmet already on the roster, Loveland isn’t going to be forced to play in-line and can be slotted in very advantageous positions. With Caleb Williams, DJ Moore, Rome Odunze and the newly-acquired Colston Loveland, Chicago’s passing game can be lethal under new HC Ben Johnson.

11. San Francisco 49ers: EDGE Mykel Williams, Georgia

San Francisco had glaring needs in the trenches on both sides of the football heading into this draft. Mykel Williams gives them versatility up front defensively and brings a high floor as a run defender, which should allow him to get on the field early. Williams, just 20 years old until late June, has shown dominant flashes as a pass rusher (check the Texas games). Mykel Williams is going to get to work with a 49ers coaching staff who will cherish his build and be able to learn from Nick Bosa, but at worst Williams is a high-end run defender on the edge who can have a few nice reps as a pass rusher every game.

12. Dallas Cowboys: OG Tyler Booker, Alabama

Dallas had a lot of needs heading into this draft, especially up front, similar to the 49ers. However, they also had needs at skill positions, with no reliable wide receiver opposite of CeeDee Lamb and no difference-maker at running back. Booker has been described as “the Will Anderson of offense” at Alabama, which highlights his skills as a leader, though he has limitations as a blocker. If Booker is asked to do a lot of zone blocking, it’s hard to see him hitting his ceiling, as he is much more suited for a gap blocking scheme. This does feel like a massive reach, but like with most of these picks, time will tell.

13. Miami Dolphins: DT Kenneth Grant, Michigan

Miami has largely ignored the trenches for most of HC Mike McDaniel’s tenure, but that’s not what they did tonight. Kenneth Grant is simply an athletic freak. The way he moves at his size is unfathomable at times. Grant has some issues with his technique, particularly with how high he plays, but the potential is extremely difficult to ignore, and he will immediately be a starting NT who can improve the run defense in Miami. A step in the right direction for the Dolphins.

14. Indianapolis Colts: TE Tyler Warren, Penn State

The Indianapolis Colts not walking out of round 1 with either Tyler Warren or Colston Loveland would’ve been one of the biggest shocks of the draft. The Colts have hardly had any production coming out of the TE spot and need a security blanket for whoever ends up being the starting QB, whether that is Anthony Richardson or Daniel Jones. Warren is a unique piece for any offense, with his ability to line up anywhere, make contested catches and create explosive plays after the catch. This was exactly what the Colts needed and the board couldn’t have been any nicer to them.

15. Atlanta Falcons: EDGE/LB Jalon Walker, Georgia

Atlanta has been desperate for help in the pass rush department for many years and Walker not only gives them some help there, but he also gives Atlanta some flexibility with who they can play in certain formations, given his versatility. Walker has an exceptional combination of athleticism and instincts to go along with elite football character. Jalon Walker can be a real difference in this defense if deployed correctly by Raheem Morris. The potential with Walker is real in a Frankie Luvu type of role, but he has to be utilized correctly or else the upside of this pick may never be seen.

16. Arizona Cardinals: DT Walter Nolen, Ole Miss

The Cardinals defense has been a pretty poor unit under HC Jonathan Gannon, though it has felt more like a talent issue rather than a coaching issue. Walter Nolen is a very disruptive force up front who will help Arizona against the run and the pass. Walter Nolen has the highest upside out of all the defensive tackles in this draft and had moments where he completely wrecked games at Ole Miss. There has been talk about character concerns, leaving analysts like Daniel Jeremiah to not have Nolen in the 1st round in his final mock draft, but the talent is undeniable and Nolen has a chance to be the best defensive lineman to come out of this draft.

17. Cincinnati Bengals: EDGE Shemar Stewart, Texas A&M

With the Bengals having so much money invested in their offense, Cincinnati was expected to heavily draft defense in the 2025 NFL Draft, and they’ve already began doing so with Shemar Stewart. The uncertainty of Trey Hendrickson’s future with the Cincinnati seemed to make EDGE the most likely avenue for the Bengals. Stewart brings a solid floor with his run defense and physical imposition off the edge. Stewart can cause disruption in the passing game, but needs to figure out a way to finish plays with how many sacks he left on the field in college.

18. Seattle Seahawks: G Grey Zabel, North Dakota State

Seattle’s interior offensive line has been a mess for quite some time. With the Seahawks bringing in Sam Darnold after trading away Geno Smith, they had to upgrade the pass protection in order to get the most out of Darnold, and selecting Grey Zabel is a nice way to begin completing that objective. Zabel is also a great scheme fit for Klint Kubiak’s wide zone blocking scheme, which Zabel excelled in at the college level. This was a very sensible pick from a fit and talent perspective for the Seahawks.

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: WR Emeka Egbuka, Ohio State

Emeka Egbuka is arguably the most polished and pro-ready WR in the 2025 NFL Draft. He’s going to be able to do a lot of different things for the Bucs in the passing game and will be a solid blocker for you on the outside, whether that be in 11 or 12 personnel. With Mike Evans turning 32 before the regular season begins, Chris Godwin’s concerning injury history and Jalen McMillan being a solid WR2 at best, Egbuka is a nice insurance plan to fall back on. There’s a chance that this WR room is elite this season and Baker Mayfield’s Bucs air teams out.

20. Denver Broncos: NCB Jahdae Barron, Texas

Denver’s defense just continues to become more frightening as the offseason progresses. The Broncos added Dre Greenlaw, Talanoa Hufanga, and now Jahdae Barron to what was already one of the best defenses in the NFL last season. Jahdae Barron’s blend of physicality, versatility and football IQ give him the chance to be one of the NFL’s best nickel defenders in the league. Barron was one of the best players in this class and the Broncos found him on their lap.

21. Pittsburgh Steelers: DT Derrick Harmon, Oregon

Many people pegged this spot as Shedeur Sanders’ floor, but IDL was a glaring need for the Steelers, as Cam Heyward continues to age and no other players truly breakout in that segment of their depth chart. Derrick Harmon has places to improve as a run defender, but he is an extremely disruptive player in the middle in the pass game. It seems likely that Aaron Rodgers is the starting QB for the Steelers in 2025, so the Steelers went the BPA route. One day they will be forced to address the QB position in a serious manner again, but for the time being, Pittsburgh continues to bolster the roster and add talent everywhere but QB.

22. Los Angeles Chargers: RB Omarion Hampton, UNC

We all know Jim Harbaugh simply wants to pound the rock, play defense and make the game easier for his QB, and Omarion Hampton is someone who can help Jim Harbaugh meet his goal. Hampton can split carries with Najee Harris this season and take over a larger role in the future. This move makes the Chargers running game much more dynamic than it felt after free agency. Classic Jim Harbaugh way to build the roster.

23. Green Bay Packers: WR Matthew Golden, Texas

While many thought they should do it, it wasn’t expected by many that the Packers would take a wide receiver in the first round after over two decades of them not taking wide receivers in the first round. Matthew Golden’s route running gives the Packers a player who can beat man coverage from different alignments with multiple routes. Josh Jacobs calling out the WR room felt like a wake-up call for the Packers, and now the young wide receiver out of Texas has a chance to establish himself in one of the best offensive infrastructures in the league and open up Matt LaFleur’s offense even more.

24. Minnesota Vikings: OG Donovan Jackson, Ohio State

Minnesota’s weakness on the interior of the offensive line was glaring after getting punched in the mouth during the Monday Night Football Wild Card game vs the Rams in the playoffs. After Grey Zabel, Jackson was the best true guard left in the draft. Jackson was very impressive filling in at tackle after the Josh Simmons injury. A scheme versatile player who should have an easy time contributing for a winning NFL team early. You would think Minnesota got a similar offer for a trade that we’re about to discuss, and you would also wonder why they did not take it given their limited amount of draft picks, but that just shows how much they like Jackson more than the other guards available, which is fair.

25: New York Giants (via HOU): QB Jaxson Dart, Ole Miss

In one of the more puzzling moves of the first round, the Giants traded the 34th overall pick, the 99th overall pick and a 2026 3rd round pick to the Texans in exchange for the 25th overall pick, which they ended up using to select Jaxson Dart. The Giants trading back into the 1st round for a QB was a rumor that’s been going around for a while, as was their love for Jaxson Dart over Shedeur Sanders. The latter half was just difficult to believe, as Dart never really did anything better than Sanders. Sanders is a better processor, decision maker, has a much more natural presence as a leader and is far more accurate than Dart. The only thing Dart has over Sanders is the raw physical attributes, but even those aren’t eye-popping. Just a strange move overall for the New York Giants, but the Texans got good value out of it.

26. Atlanta Falcons (via LAR): EDGE James Pearce Jr., Tennessee

In another perplexing move, the Falcons traded the 46th overall pick, the 242nd overall pick and their own 2026 1st round pick for the 26th overall pick and the 101st overall pick for James Pearce Jr. Trading up for Pearce isn’t necessarily the problem, though picking a fringe top 30 talent with large football character concerns at 26th overall is worrisome, but the price is truly jaw-dropping. Trading away your future 1st round pick to make a pick that was already questionable after the team in front of you only gave up a couple additional 3rd rounders while paying QB tax is a mind-blowing moment that is difficult to wrap your mind around. Pearce is a talented football player and this can work out, but this is a steep price.

27. Baltimore Ravens: S Malaki Starks, Georgia

As per usual, the Ravens take someone who is likely the best player available on their board, and now the versatility and flexibility gained in their secondary is even stronger. By having Starks and Hamilton, DC Zach Orr can have a lot of fun and come up with very creative looks that will be executed well by the high IQ safeties. Baltimore may have also been looking at the offensive and defensive lines, but Starks was one of the best players with no character or injury question marks at pick 27. Kyle Hamilton, Ar’Darius Washington and Malaki Starks can be a real headache for a lot of offenses.

28. Detroit Lions: DT Tyleik Williams, Ohio State

The Lions continue to beef up the trenches. With Alim McNeil recovering from injury and DJ Reader preparing to play on the latter half of a 2-year deal, Williams provides short and long-term answers for the Lions. Tyleik Williams is arguably the best run stuffing NT in this entire draft. Williams also has the ability to push the pocket during passing downs, which will help make life easier for Detroit’s edge rushers. A pick with an extremely high floor at a position of need.

29. Washington Commanders: OT Josh Conerly Jr., Oregon

Washington continues to build around their young, superstar QB by drafting Josh Conerly. Washington decided to double down on protecting their QB after trading for Laremy Tunsil earlier this offseason. Conerly is a bit of a project, but he got better as the 2024 season went on. A lightbulb seemed to turn on during the UCLA game and he held up as well as you could vs Abdul Carter. Learning behind Tunsil, this is a good landing spot for Conerly to keep refining his game.

30. Buffalo Bills: CB Maxwell Hairston, Kentucky

Buffalo needed another outside corner after the Tre White injury and Kaiir Elam being a draft bust. Hairston is a very fast corner with smooth hips and nice ball skills, but his size warrants some concern. The Kentucky product was also playing through some injury in 2024, which hindered his play, but that adds some merit to the size concerns. This was a shot worth taking for Buffalo, betting on Hairston’s upside as they’ve shown an ability to develop DBs.

31. Philadelphia Eagles: LB Jihaad Campbell, Alabama

Great prospects with slight concern falling to the Eagles for them to select is a joke at this point. Campbell was easily the best off-ball linebacker prospect in this draft. His zone coverage skills, fantastic athletic profile and polished tackling are a perfect fit for Vic Fangio and his defense. Campbell has some work to do when it comes to taking on blocks, but it’s very coachable and had reps where he proved capable in that department. If Philly can maximize Campbell, he might be a Zack Baun clone for them.

32. Kansas City Chiefs: OT Josh Simmons, Ohio State

Kansas City and Philadelphia swapped spots in the first round, and KC essentially earned a free 5th round pick in the process. Simmons likely would have been the consensus OT1 in this draft had he not suffered a torn patellar tendon in his left knee. The most talented tackle in this draft falls into the lap of a team desperate to find ways to protect Patrick Mahomes. The final two selections of this first round have potential to be the biggest steals of this draft.