2025 NFL Draft Recap

The 2025 NFL Draft commenced on Thursday, April 24, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin, marking the first time the iconic stadium hosted the event. The opening round delivered a blend of anticipated selections and surprising developments, setting the stage for an intriguing weekend of talent acquisition. We'll be following the developments and updating them here each night.

Top Picks and Notable Selections

1. Tennessee Titans – QB Cam Ward (Miami)
   The Titans selected Cam Ward with the first overall pick, aiming to revitalize their offense with the dynamic quarterback from the University of Miami. Ward's selection underscores Tennessee's commitment to building around a new offensive leader.

2. Jacksonville Jaguars – CB/WR Travis Hunter (Colorado)
   In a bold move, the Jaguars traded up to the second pick to acquire Travis Hunter, a versatile two-way player and Heisman Trophy winner from Colorado. Hunter's ability to impact both offense and defense makes him a valuable asset for Jacksonville.

3. New York Giants – EDGE Abdul Carter (Penn State)
   The Giants bolstered their defense by selecting Abdul Carter, a formidable edge rusher from Penn State, with the third overall pick. Carter's athleticism and pass-rushing prowess are expected to enhance New York's defensive front.

4. New England Patriots - OT Will Campbell (LSU)
   Known for his size, consistency, and leadership, Campbell is expected to anchor New England’s line for years to come.

5. Cleveland Browns – DT Mason Graham (Michigan)
   After trading down, the Browns secured Mason Graham, a dominant defensive tackle from Michigan, at the fifth pick. Graham's strength and interior disruption capabilities address a key need for Cleveland's defense.

6. Las Vegas Raiders – RB Ashton Jeanty (Boise State)
   The Raiders added a potent offensive weapon by selecting Ashton Jeanty, a standout running back from Boise State, with the sixth overall pick. Jeanty's impressive college production positions him as a potential immediate contributor.

Surprising Developments

• Shedeur Sanders' First-Round Slide
  Projected as a potential top-10 pick, quarterback Shedeur Sanders experienced a notable slide, remaining undrafted after the first round. Teams like the Giants, Saints, and Steelers, all in need of quarterback talent, opted for other positions, leaving Sanders available heading into Day 2. ​

• Giants' Quarterback Maneuvering
  In a strategic move, the Giants traded back into the first round to select Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart at pick No. 25. This decision reflects New York's intent to secure a quarterback prospect despite earlier passing on Sanders.NFL.com+5

• Packers Break Tradition
  The Green Bay Packers ended a long-standing trend by selecting wide receiver Matthew Golden from Texas at pick No. 23, marking their first first-round receiver selection since 2002. ​

Day 1 Highlights

• Tight End Colston Loveland to Bears
  The Chicago Bears addressed their offensive needs by drafting Michigan tight end Colston Loveland at No. 10. Despite concerns over previous injuries, Loveland's potential as a pass-catching tight end adds a new dimension to Chicago's offense.

• Falcons Double Down on Defense
  Atlanta focused on strengthening their defense by selecting linebacker Jalon Walker at No. 15 and edge rusher James Pearce Jr. at No. 26. These additions aim to enhance the Falcons' pass rush and overall defensive performance.

• Seahawks Invest in Offensive Line
  The Seattle Seahawks prioritized protecting their quarterback by drafting guard Grey Zabel from North Dakota State at No. 18, aiming to solidify their offensive line.

🏈 Quarterback Updates

• Jalen Milroe (Alabama) was taken by the Seattle Seahawks in Round 3, giving them a mobile developmental QB.

• Dillon Gabriel (Oregon) went to the Cleveland Browns in Round 3, adding to their QB depth.

• Shedeur Sanders (Colorado), once seen as a Day 1 or 2 pick, fell to Round 5 where the Browns picked him—one of the biggest surprises of the draft.

• Graham Mertz (Florida) was selected by the Houston Texans in Round 6.

🔒 Defensive Standouts

• T.J. Sanders (DT, South Carolina) went to the Buffalo Bills early in Round 2.

• Nick Emmanwori (S, South Carolina) was picked by the Seattle Seahawks in Round 2, bringing athleticism to the secondary.

• Deone Walker (DT, Kentucky) was added by the Bills on Day 3 to reinforce the defensive front.

• Zah Frazier (CB, UTSA) joined the Chicago Bears in Round 5 to add depth in the backfield.

🚀 Offensive Skill Players

• Luther Burden III (WR, Missouri) was a Day 2 pick by the Chicago Bears, giving them a high-upside receiver.

• Jack Bech (WR, TCU) was drafted by the Las Vegas Raiders, aiming to energize their passing attack.

• Kyle Monangai (RB, Rutgers) was a Round 7 selection by the Bears, bringing late-round value to the backfield.

• TreVeyon Henderson (RB, Ohio State) was taken by the New England Patriots in Round 2, expected to be a major offensive contributor.

🏆 Team Draft Class Highlights

• Buffalo Bills focused heavily on defense throughout, picking up multiple D-linemen and safeties.

• Chicago Bears balanced offense and defense well, landing a dynamic WR, a promising RB, and several defenders.

• New England Patriots addressed several gaps, including running back, offensive line, and defense, with a well-rounded approach.