The 2025 NFL Draft, held in Green Bay, Wisconsin from April 24–26, was one of the most exciting and unpredictable drafts in recent history. With major trades, shocking picks, and 257 young players selected, fans were treated to a wild ride as teams built their futures.
Titans Go All In on Cam Ward
The Tennessee Titans had the first overall pick and used it to select quarterback Cam Ward out of Miami. This was expected, especially after their starter, Will Levis, struggled last season, leading the Titans to a disappointing 3–14 record. Ward impressed scouts with 4,313 passing yards, 39 touchdowns, and just 7 interceptions in his final college season.
Jaguars Make Big Trade, Grab Heisman Winner
The second pick originally belonged to the Cleveland Browns, but the Jacksonville Jaguars shocked the league by trading up three spots. They gave the Browns two first-rounders, a second, and a fourth-round pick to move up and select Travis Hunter from Colorado. Hunter, the Heisman Trophy winner, plays both wide receiver and cornerback. While most expect him to focus on defense, Hunter has made it clear he wants to play both sides of the ball.
Giants Add Defensive Firepower
At pick #3, the New York Giants added edge rusher Abdul Carter from Penn State. Carter, 6’3″ and 250 pounds, is a fast and explosive pass rusher. Many analysts compare him to future Hall of Famer Von Miller.
Patriots Protect Their QB
The New England Patriots used the 4th pick to strengthen their offensive line by drafting LSU tackle Will Campbell. The 6’6″, 324-pound lineman said he will “fight and die” to protect second-year quarterback Drake Maye.
Browns Stack Their Defense
After trading down, the Cleveland Browns selected Mason Graham, a defensive tackle from Michigan, with the 5th pick. He will join forces with star pass rusher Myles Garrett to form a powerful defensive line.
Raiders Land Record-Breaking Running Back
The Las Vegas Raiders picked Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty at #6. Jeanty nearly won the Heisman and broke eight college football records during his career, making him one of the most exciting offensive prospects.
Jets Focus on Protection
The New York Jets selected offensive lineman Armand Membou from Missouri with the 7th pick. Membou shocked scouts by running a 4.91-second 40-yard dash at 6’4″ and 324 pounds — the fastest for a lineman his size since 2003. He’s expected to protect newly acquired quarterback Justin Fields.
Panthers Add Size at Receiver
With the 8th pick, the Carolina Panthers selected wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan from Arizona. McMillan, a 6’5″ Hawaii native, will give quarterback Bryce Young a tall target down the field.
Saints and Bears Make Surprising Picks
The New Orleans Saints added help on the offensive line by drafting Kelvin Banks Jr. from Texas at #9.
At pick #10, the Chicago Bears surprised fans by choosing tight end Colston Loveland over Penn State’s Tyler Warren. Loveland’s speed gave him the edge. Warren was later drafted by the Indianapolis Colts at pick #14.
Other Notable Picks
Atlanta Falcons took Georgia linebacker Jalon Walker at #15.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers added receiver Emeka Egbuka from Ohio State at #19.
Green Bay Packers selected Texas receiver Matthew Golden at #23 to support quarterback Jordan Love.
New York Giants traded back into the first round to take Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart at #25 as a backup for veteran Russell Wilson.
Late-Round Surprises
In the 3rd round (pick #94), the Browns selected Dillon Gabriel, a 24-year-old quarterback from Oregon. But the biggest surprise came in the 5th round when they also picked Shedeur Sanders, the Colorado QB who was once projected to go first overall. Many believe his “big ego and cocky attitude” turned off teams. Now, Sanders must compete with Gabriel, Kenny Pickett, and Joe Flacco for a spot on the roster.
Final Thoughts
While experts have given early opinions on who had the best drafts, no one truly knows how good these picks are until the players hit the field this fall. One thing’s for sure — the 2025 NFL Draft will be remembered for its bold moves and big names.