2025 NFL Draft First-Round Picks Graded: Insights on Travis Hunter, Jaxson Dart & Top Players

As the 2025 NFL Draft unfolded, eager teams aimed to grab standout players to fill their needs and boost their rosters. Here’s a recap of the first round, assessing each team’s choices, keeping in mind the immediate impact and long-term potential of these selections.

Tennessee Titans: Cam Ward, QB, Miami
The Titans secured a much-needed quarterback with Ward, the top prospect in this year’s draft. His impressive stats at Miami include 158 career touchdowns and 18,184 passing yards. He could be a game-changer for Tennessee, but the true value of this pick will only be seen down the line.

Grade: B+

Jacksonville Jaguars (from CLE): Travis Hunter, CB/WR, Colorado
Hunter is easily among the most gifted athletes in this draft, capable of excelling on both sides of the ball. His versatility makes him a valuable asset for the Jaguars, who might use him initially as a cornerback while he develops as a receiver.

Grade: A

New York Giants: Abdul Carter, Edge, Penn State
Carter was the best talent available, and the Giants made the right choice by snagging him. His relentless pursuit and accolades, like being a unanimous first-team All-American, suggest he will thrive in New York’s defensive scheme and compete for a starting position.

Grade: A

New England Patriots: Will Campbell, OT, LSU
Campbell is well-regarded as the top offensive lineman in the draft. His strong work ethic and solid technique position him as a good fit for a Patriots team looking to strengthen its young offensive line. This pick reflects a smart move as New England builds around its quarterback.

Grade: A

Cleveland Browns (from JAX): Mason Graham, DT, Michigan
Graham was a powerhouse on Michigan’s defense and will complement Myles Garrett in the Browns’ lineup. His impressive stats include 3.5 sacks and honed skills against the run make him an excellent value pick here.

Grade: A

Las Vegas Raiders: Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
Jeanty is a versatile running back, comparable to legends like LaDainian Tomlinson. His explosive play style and ability to contribute in every aspect of the game make this a strong selection for the Raiders.

Grade: A

New York Jets: Armand Membou, OT, Missouri
The Jets focused on strengthening their offensive line with Membou, who has proven himself as a solid tackle. This pick emphasizes the direction New York is taking to protect their quarterback.

Grade: B

Carolina Panthers: Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona
McMillan has the skills to develop into a top receiver, showcasing impressive numbers despite some past injuries. His potential adds depth to the Panthers’ receiving corps.

Grade: B+

New Orleans Saints: Kelvin Banks Jr., G/OT, Texas
Banks adds depth to the Saints’ offensive line but some question if other areas, like the defensive backfield, needed more attention. This choice may elevate the line but might not address pressing needs.

Grade: C

Chicago Bears: Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan
Loveland is an exciting tight end prospect who can be a major part of the Bears’ offense. His receiving skills make him an attractive pick, especially as the team looks to bolster its passing game.

Grade: A

San Francisco 49ers: Mykel Williams, Edge, Georgia
Williams is poised to contribute alongside Nick Bosa, filling a crucial role on the 49ers’ defense. His strong performance despite previous injuries speaks to his potential.

Grade: A

Dallas Cowboys: Tyler Booker, G, Alabama
Booker is a strong run-blocker. While there are some concerns about his quickness, his reputation as a reliable offensive lineman suggests he could contribute significantly to the Cowboys’ line.

Grade: B+

Miami Dolphins: Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan
Grant’s physical presence offers depth in Miami’s defensive line. He’s expected to eat up blocks and help improve a defensive unit that struggled last season.

Grade: B

Indianapolis Colts: Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State
Warren brings much-needed versatility to the Colts. His ability to block and catch can bolster their offensive strategy. He should fill a significant gap in Indianapolis’ offense.

Grade: A

Atlanta Falcons: Jalon Walker, Edge, Georgia
Walker’s skills as a dynamic edge rusher were a major reason the Falcons jumped at this opportunity. His versatility and experience in a top-tier college program make him an exciting addition.

Grade: A+

Arizona Cardinals: Walter Nolen, DT, Ole Miss
Nolen was a highly-rated recruit but has shown inconsistency at times. The Cardinals are betting on his potential to improve with coaching and experience.

Grade: B-

Cincinnati Bengals: Shemar Stewart, Edge, Texas A&M
Stewart’s potential is huge, but he’s untested based on past performances. This pick carries both promise and risk, defining his NFL journey ahead.

Grade: C

Seattle Seahawks: Grey Zabel, G/C, North Dakota State
Zabel’s versatility makes him a perfect fit for an NFL team seeking flexibility on the line. His intelligence and experience put him on a path to becoming an impactful player for the Seahawks.

Grade: A+

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State
Egbuka’s skills as a polished receiver are noteworthy. However, with defensive needs looming, the Bucs might have been better served investing in that area.

Grade: C-

Denver Broncos: Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas
Barron is a promising defensive back and adds depth to a strengthening secondary. His leadership qualities will be a welcome asset to the Broncos’ roster.

Grade: B+

Pittsburgh Steelers: Derrick Harmon, DT, Oregon
Harmon fills a void for the Steelers, enhancing their defensive line significantly. His past performance indicates he’ll quickly become a valuable player in their lineup.

Grade: A

Los Angeles Chargers: Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina
Adding Hampton brings fresh talent to the Chargers’ backfield. His ability to run effectively and catch out of the backfield fits nicely with their offensive structure.

Grade: A

Green Bay Packers: Matthew Golden, WR, Texas
Golden’s top-end speed and difference-making ability make him an exciting selection for a team needing a strong receiving option. His impact should be felt immediately.

Grade: A

Minnesota Vikings: Donovan Jackson, G/OT, Ohio State
Jackson’s versatility is appealing, bolstering the Vikings’ commitment to enhancing their offensive line. It remains to be seen how well he adjusts to the NFL level.

Grade: B

New York Giants (from HOU): Jaxson Dart, QB, Ole Miss
Dart’s selection demonstrates the Giants’ commitment to the quarterback position. Although he has a veteran presence around him to guide his development, how he adapts at the next level will be key.

Grade: A

Atlanta Falcons (from LAR): James Pearce Jr., Edge, Tennessee
Pearce’s talent is evident, but the Falcons must reconcile concerns about his consistency. This move signifies a calculated risk for Atlanta in hopes of unleashing his potential.

Grade: C+

Baltimore Ravens: Malaki Starks, S, Georgia
Starks brings considerable defensive capability to the Ravens, despite the need for a cornerback. His past performance in a high-stakes environment speaks volumes about his preparedness.

Grade: B

Detroit Lions: Tyleik Williams, DT, Ohio State
Williams adds much-needed strength to the Lions’ defensive line. His potential impact against the run should make him an essential player in their plans.

Grade: B

Washington Commanders: Josh Conerly Jr., OT, Oregon
Conerly’s selection reflects Washington’s commitment to shoring up its offensive line. With consistent performances in college, he should prove valuable for their future.

Grade: B

Buffalo Bills: Maxwell Hairston, CB, Kentucky
Hairston’s speed was a big draw for the Bills, addressing their secondary needs. How well he matches up against top competition is something to watch as his career progresses.

Grade: B

Philadelphia Eagles (from KC): Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama
Campbell is a dynamic linebacker who fits perfectly into Philadelphia’s plans. His all-around playmaking ability makes this trade-up worth the premium they paid.

Grade: A

Kansas City Chiefs (from PHI): Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State
Simmons is a high-potential pick for the Chiefs, who capitalize on his earlier injury to snag him lower in the round. If he returns to form, this could become a major win for Kansas City.

Grade: A

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