The 2025 NFL Draft Round 1 delivered blockbuster trades, dramatic slides, and crucial roster upgrades. Here’s a breakdown of what happened, who won big, and which decisions left analysts puzzled.
Top 5 Picks – 2025 NFL Draft
This is how the first 5 picks are projecting.
1. Cam Ward
2. Travis Hunter
3. Abdul Carter
4. Will Campbell
5. Ashton JeantyAny surprises? pic.twitter.com/fSnB4drblN
— NFL Notifications (@NFLNotify) April 23, 2025
These were the foundational picks of the draft, addressing major team needs with high-upside talent.
2025 NFL Draft: Top 5 Picks
| Pick | Team | Player | Position | College |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tennessee Titans | Cam Ward | QB | Miami |
| 2 | Jacksonville Jaguars | Travis Hunter | CB/WR | Colorado |
| 3 | New York Giants | Abdul Carter | EDGE | Penn State |
| 4 | New England Patriots | Will Campbell | OT | LSU |
| 5 | Cleveland Browns | Mason Graham | DT | Michigan |
Biggest Winners of Round 1
2025 NFL Draft Results for Round 1.
John’s winners: #Giants, #Eagles, #Browns, #Ravens, #Rams (traded out of 1st round). (Quietly #Jets did the right thing going tackle at 7)
John’s losers: #Steelers (stunned no QB with no 2nd round pick), #Bears, #Lions, #49ers. pic.twitter.com/L9pzvMGEQi— Hooked on Sports (@hooked_onsports) April 25, 2025
These teams made high-value selections that matched their needs and provided long-term upside.
Green Bay Packers
Finally took a Round 1 wide receiver after 20+ years, adding elite speed with Matthew Golden.
Indianapolis Colts
Snagged top tight end Tyler Warren to support QB Anthony Richardson in a critical development year.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Traded up for Travis Hunter, the most dynamic player in the draft with true two-way potential.
Los Angeles Chargers
Added a physical runner in Omarion Hampton to solidify Jim Harbaugh’s power run scheme.
Kansas City Chiefs
Addressed their offensive tackle need late in the round with high-upside talent Josh Simmons.
Biggest Surprises & Snubs
Unexpected decisions that reshaped expectations and sparked debate throughout the league.
Shedeur Sanders Slides Out of Round 1
Once a projected top-5 pick, Sanders wasn’t selected, despite multiple QB-needy teams.
Giants Pass on Sanders Twice
Took Abdul Carter and later Jaxson Dart, signaling they rated Sanders lower than many analysts.
Head-Scratching Picks
These selections raised concerns either due to positional value or the opportunity cost involved.
Dallas Cowboys
Reached for a guard at No. 12 instead of addressing critical needs at WR or RB.
Carolina Panthers
Opted for WR Tetairoa McMillan over defensive help, despite a league-worst defensive record in 2024.
Atlanta Falcons
Paid a steep price to move back into the round for James Pearce Jr., a high-risk edge pick.
Player to Watch: Travis Hunter
Hunter is the most unique prospect in the class with legitimate impact potential on both sides of the ball.
The Jaguars plan to use Hunter at wide receiver and cornerback, a rarity in modern NFL history. His versatility could be game-changing.
Best Prospects Still Available (Top 10 for Round 2)
Here are the top remaining players who could make an immediate impact on Day 2.
| Rank | Player | Position | College |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | Shedeur Sanders | QB | Colorado |
| 11 | Will Johnson | CB | Michigan |
| 17 | Nick Emmanwori | S | South Carolina |
| 18 | Mike Green | OLB | Marshall |
| 23 | Donovan Ezeiruaku | OLB | Boston College |
| 32 | Carson Schwesinger | LB | UCLA |
| 36 | Luther Burden III | WR | Missouri |
| 37 | Elijah Arroyo | TE | Miami (FL) |
| 39 | Darius Alexander | DT | Toledo |
| 41 | Mason Taylor | TE | LSU |
Next Rounds of the 2025 NFL Draft
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Rounds 2–3: Friday, April 25, 2025, at 7:00 PM ET
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Rounds 4–7: Saturday, April 26, 2025, starting at 12:00 PM ET
Where to Watch
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TV: ESPN, ABC, and NFL Network
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Streaming: ESPN App, NFL App, and NFL+ (subscription may be required)
