2025 NFL Draft: The Complete Round 1 Breakdown

The 2025 NFL Draft: A Wild Ride Begins

One round down, six to go! The 2025 NFL Draft has officially kicked off from the hallowed grounds outside Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. It was a night of dreams realized, fortunes shifted, and, of course, plenty of surprises. This year’s opening round started with a familiar tune – a quarterback coming off the board first, mirroring the trend of the past two drafts. But hold on tight, because the rest of the round was anything but predictable.

No. 1: Tennessee Titans - Cam Ward, QB, Miami

The Tennessee Titans, holding the coveted No. 1 overall pick for the first time since their Houston Oilers days back in 1997, played it safe (or did they?) and selected Miami quarterback Cam Ward. Ward was the expected choice, a signal-caller with the potential to revitalize the Titans' offense. But does "expected" always mean "right?" Only time will tell!

Why Ward?

The Titans desperately need a quarterback to lead them into the future. Ward offers a blend of arm talent, athleticism, and experience that made him an attractive prospect. Will he be the next great NFL quarterback? That's the million-dollar question, isn't it?

No. 2: Jacksonville Jaguars (via Trade with Cleveland Browns) - Travis Hunter, Two-Way Star, Colorado

Now this is where things got interesting! The Jacksonville Jaguars, clearly impatient, pulled off a blockbuster trade with the Cleveland Browns to snag the No. 2 overall pick. Their target? None other than the electrifying Travis Hunter, the two-way sensation from Colorado. The Jags shipped off their second-round pick (No. 36) and next year’s first-rounder to make this happen.

A Gamble Worth Taking?

Hunter is a generational talent, capable of dominating on both offense (as a receiver) and defense (as a cornerback). But trading up and giving up significant draft capital is a risky move. Will Hunter live up to the hype and justify the price tag? It's a high-stakes bet that could define the Jaguars' future.

No. 3: New York Giants - Abdul Carter, EDGE, Penn State

The New York Giants surprised many by passing on a quarterback at No. 3. Instead, they opted for Abdul Carter, a ferocious edge rusher from Penn State. Carter is a disruptive force with the potential to be a dominant pass rusher in the NFL. Did the Giants make the right call, or will they regret not addressing their quarterback situation earlier?

The Pass Rush Predicament

The Giants' defense needed a boost, and Carter provides that in spades. He's a relentless competitor with a knack for getting to the quarterback. But in a league increasingly dominated by passing offenses, can a strong pass rush alone carry a team to success?

No. 4: Washington Commanders - Will Campbell, OT, LSU

Protecting your quarterback is paramount, and the Washington Commanders clearly understand that. They selected Will Campbell, an outstanding offensive tackle from LSU, to fortify their offensive line. Campbell is a cornerstone player who can provide stability and protection for years to come.

No. 5: Cleveland Browns (via Trade with Jacksonville Jaguars) - Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri

After trading down, the Browns still landed a premium player in Luther Burden III. Burden is a dynamic receiver with the potential to be a number one target in the NFL. This helps whoever the Browns have at quarterback and could open up their offense in a big way.

Picks 6-10: The Middle Ground

Let's quickly run through picks 6 through 10 to get a better picture of how the rest of the top 10 shook out:

• No. 6: New England Patriots - Quinn Ewers, QB, Texas
• No. 7: Arizona Cardinals - Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State
• No. 8: Atlanta Falcons - Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado
• No. 9: Chicago Bears - Ollie Gordon II, RB, Oklahoma State
• No. 10: New York Jets - Kelvin Banks Jr., OT, Texas

We saw some more QBs taken with Ewers and Sanders, while Marvin Harrison Jr. finally landed with the Cardinals. The Bears get their workhorse running back and the Jets continue to build the offensive line.

No. 25: New York Giants (via Trade with Houston Texans) - Jaxson Dart, QB, Ole Miss

Did the Giants change their mind about that QB? They traded back into the first round at the Houston Texans‘ No. 25 pick for Ole Miss QB Jaxson Dart! Maybe they felt pressure to get one before the round ended!

Full List of Round 1 Picks (11-32)

Here's the complete rundown of the remaining first-round selections:

1. No. 11: Denver Broncos - JT Tuimoloau, EDGE, Ohio State
2. No. 12: Las Vegas Raiders - Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State
3. No. 13: New Orleans Saints - Benjamin Morrison, CB, Notre Dame
4. No. 14: Indianapolis Colts - Walter Nolen, DT, Texas A&M
5. No. 15: Seattle Seahawks - Princely Umanmielen, EDGE, Florida
6. No. 16: Miami Dolphins - Tyler Booker, OG, Alabama
7. No. 17: Minnesota Vikings - Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona
8. No. 18: Pittsburgh Steelers - JC Latham, OT, Alabama
9. No. 19: Los Angeles Rams - Deone Walker, DT, Kentucky
10. No. 20: Philadelphia Eagles - Denzel Burke, CB, Ohio State
11. No. 21: Los Angeles Chargers - Mason Graham, DT, Michigan
12. No. 22: Kansas City Chiefs - Donovan Jackson, OG, Ohio State
13. No. 23: Dallas Cowboys - Tacario Davis, CB, Arizona
14. No. 24: Buffalo Bills - Barrett Carter, LB, Clemson
15. No. 25: New York Giants (via Trade with Houston Texans) - Jaxson Dart, QB, Ole Miss
16. No. 26: Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Harold Perkins Jr., LB, LSU
17. No. 27: Arizona Cardinals (via Houston Texans) - Patrick Payton, EDGE, Florida State
18. No. 28: Green Bay Packers - Nic Scourton, EDGE, Purdue
19. No. 29: Detroit Lions - Andrew Mukuba, S, Clemson
20. No. 30: Baltimore Ravens - Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan
21. No. 31: San Francisco 49ers - Quinn Sullivan, WR, USC
22. No. 32: Carolina Panthers - Will Johnson, CB, Michigan

Biggest Surprises of Round 1

Every year, the draft throws us curveballs. What were some of the most unexpected moments of Round 1 in 2025?

• The Jaguars' trade for Travis Hunter: Trading up to No. 2 overall is always a bold move, and Hunter's unique skillset makes it even more intriguing.
• The Giants passing on a QB at #3, then trading back in for Dart: What was their reasoning?
• The number of defensive players taken: The emphasis on defense was evident throughout the round, with edge rushers and cornerbacks flying off the board.

Teams That Nailed Round 1

Which teams positioned themselves for future success with their first-round picks?

• Jacksonville Jaguars: Adding a player like Travis Hunter is a huge win, even if it came at a cost.
• Arizona Cardinals: Getting Marvin Harrison Jr. at pick 7 is excellent value.
• Washington Commanders: Fortifying their O-Line with Will Campbell is a must to protect their QB of the future.

Teams With Questionable Round 1 Decisions

Conversely, which teams might be second-guessing their choices?

• Tennessee Titans: Taking Cam Ward #1 overall might not be worth it.
• New York Giants: Their overall QB situation is confusing and the value just isn't there.

The Quarterback Carousel: Who's Next?

With four quarterbacks selected in the first round, the quarterback landscape in the NFL is constantly evolving. Which teams will be eyeing quarterbacks in the later rounds, and which young signal-callers will emerge as future stars? The QB carousel never stops spinning, does it?

Impact on the Upcoming Season

How will these first-round picks impact the upcoming NFL season? Will they be immediate contributors, or will they need time to develop? The answer to that question will shape the fortunes of their respective teams.

The Ripple Effect: How Round 1 Changes the Draft Landscape

The decisions made in Round 1 have a ripple effect on the rest of the draft. Teams adjust their strategies based on who is available, and the value of certain positions can change dramatically. It's a complex game of chess, and the first round is just the opening move.

Looking Ahead to Rounds 2-7

The draft is far from over! There's still plenty of talent to be found in Rounds 2-7. Teams will be looking to fill needs, add depth, and find those hidden gems that can make a difference down the road. Don't underestimate the power of a late-round steal!

Expert Analysis and Grades

The experts have weighed in! Let's take a look at some of the early grades and analysis of the first-round picks. Did the analysts agree with the team's decisions, or were there some dissenting opinions? The draft is always a topic of lively debate.

Conclusion: Round 1 Sets the Stage

The 2025 NFL Draft's first round was a whirlwind of excitement, surprises, and strategic maneuvering. We saw top quarterbacks find new homes, blockbuster trades reshape team rosters, and a renewed emphasis on defensive prowess. As we move into the later rounds, the journey of these young players – and the teams that drafted them – is just beginning. Get ready for more twists, turns, and unforgettable moments!

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about the 2025 NFL Draft:

1. What was the biggest surprise of the first round?

   Many analysts consider the Jaguars' aggressive trade-up for Travis Hunter to be the most surprising move. Giving up a future first-round pick is a significant gamble, highlighting their belief in Hunter's potential.

2. Which team had the best first round?

   The Arizona Cardinals, grabbing Marvin Harrison Jr., are widely considered to have had one of the best first rounds due to Harrison's high ceiling.

3. How many quarterbacks were drafted in the first round?

   Four quarterbacks were selected in the first round: Cam Ward (Titans), Quinn Ewers (Patriots), Shedeur Sanders (Falcons), and Jaxson Dart (Giants).

4. Which position was most heavily drafted in the first round?

   Edge rushers and cornerbacks were heavily targeted in the first round, reflecting the league's emphasis on pass rush and pass defense.

5. How will these rookies impact their teams in 2025?

   Some rookies, like Marvin Harrison Jr., are expected to be immediate contributors. Others may need time to develop. The impact will vary based on the player's skillset, the team's needs, and the coaching staff's plans.