Everything You Need to Know About the 2025 NFL Draft Round 1.
The first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, held on April 24 in Green Bay, Wisconsin, delivered a mix of anticipated selections, bold trades, and surprising omissions. Here's a comprehensive breakdown of the key developments from Round 1:
Top Picks and Notable Selections
1. Tennessee Titans – Cam Ward, QB, Miami (FL):
The Titans addressed their quarterback need by selecting Cam Ward, a former zero-star recruit who rose to prominence at Miami.
2. Jacksonville Jaguars – Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado:
In a bold move, the Jaguars traded up to the second overall pick to draft Travis Hunter, a two-way standout and Heisman Trophy winner. Hunter is expected to contribute as both a wide receiver and cornerback.
3. New York Giants – Abdul Carter, DE, Penn State:
The Giants bolstered their defense by selecting edge rusher Abdul Carter, aiming to enhance their pass rush capabilities.
4. New England Patriots – Will Campbell, OT, LSU:
Under new head coach Mike Vrabel, the Patriots focused on strengthening their offensive line by drafting Will Campbell, providing protection for quarterback Drake Maye.
5. Cleveland Browns – Mason Graham, DT, Michigan:
After trading down, the Browns selected Mason Graham to reinforce their defensive interior.
Other First-Round Highlights
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Las Vegas Raiders – Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State (6th overall): The Raiders added the Heisman runner-up to their backfield.
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Carolina Panthers – Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona (8th overall): McMillan was the first wide receiver off the board, providing a new target for the Panthers' offense.
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Chicago Bears – Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan (10th overall): The Bears opted for Loveland to enhance their tight end position.
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Seattle Seahawks – Grey Zabel, G, North Dakota State (18th overall): The Seahawks prioritized their offensive line by selecting Zabel, marking their highest guard selection since 2001.
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New York Giants – Jaxson Dart, QB, Ole Miss (25th overall): In a trade with the Texans, the Giants moved back into the first round to draft quarterback Jaxson Dart.
Surprising Developments
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Shedeur Sanders Undrafted in Round 1: Despite high expectations, quarterback Shedeur Sanders was not selected in the first round, raising questions about his draft stock.
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Limited Quarterback Selections: Only two quarterbacks were taken in the first round—Cam Ward and Jaxson Dart—indicating a cautious approach by teams regarding the quarterback class.
Team Strategies and Trends
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Emphasis on Linemen: Teams showed a strong focus on strengthening both offensive and defensive lines, with several top picks used to address these areas.
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Strategic Trades: Notable trades included the Jaguars' move to acquire Travis Hunter and the Giants trading back into the first round for Jaxson Dart.
Looking Ahead
With Round 1 concluded, attention now turns to Rounds 2 and 3, where teams will continue to build their rosters. Notable players still available include Shedeur Sanders, whose draft journey remains a storyline to watch.
The 2025 NFL Draft's first round showcased a blend of strategic planning, bold moves, and unexpected turns. Teams addressed key needs, particularly in the trenches, while also making calculated risks on versatile talents. As the draft progresses, the decisions made in Round 1 will undoubtedly shape the future trajectories of these franchises.
