2025 NFL Draft Round 1 Grades: Jags Shine with ‘A+’ for Travis Hunter, Walter Nolen Scores a ‘B’ – What This Means for Their Future!

Day 1 of the 2025 NFL Draft brought some surprising twists. Only two quarterbacks were picked, and Shedeur Sanders is still waiting for his name to be called. He won’t be chosen until Friday after many teams passed on him from Colorado.

The Tennessee Titans embraced their first No. 1 draft pick since 1978 by choosing Cam Ward, a quarterback from Miami. Following that, the Jacksonville Jaguars snagged Colorado’s Travis Hunter at No. 2 after a big trade with the Browns. Penn State’s Abdul Carter, a top pass rusher, was selected by the Giants at No. 3, making the first three picks pretty predictable.

The Giants didn’t stop there; they traded up to grab Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart later in the round. The draft can change a team’s future and affect betting odds for the Super Bowl, so the next few days will be crucial.

Here’s a quick look at some of the first-round picks:

1. Titans: Cam Ward, QB, Miami
Grade: B-
Ward is decent, but passing on Travis Hunter feels risky. The Titans might have waited another year for a quarterback.

2. Jaguars (from Browns): Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado
Grade: A+
This was a smart move. Hunter is arguably the best player in this draft, and the Jaguars took a bold step forward.

3. Giants: Abdul Carter, EDGE, Penn State
Grade: A
The Giants prioritized pass rush, staying true to their Super Bowl-winning roots. Carter is a key addition to their defense.

4. Patriots: Will Campbell, OT, LSU
Grade: B-
I see potential in Campbell, but I doubt he’ll be a star left tackle. Protecting their young quarterback was essential.

5. Browns (from Jaguars): Mason Graham, DT, Michigan
Grade: C+
Cleveland needs help in the interior, but Graham’s size might limit his dominance.

6. Raiders: Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
Grade: B+
Jeanty is a standout back, and even though picking a running back early can be controversial, his talent is undeniable.

7. Jets: Armand Membou, OT, Missouri
Grade: B-
Membou adds much-needed depth to the Jets’ line, but he may need time to develop.

8. Panthers: Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona
Grade: C
The Panthers need help for Bryce Young, but there were better options available. McMillan has speed issues that could be a red flag.

9. Saints: Kelvin Banks, OT, Texas
Grade: B+
A solid choice to strengthen the offensive line. Banks can play either side, and he’ll help stabilize their protection.

10. Bears: Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan
Grade: A
Loveland is the best tight end in this draft and will be an excellent fit in their offense.

As we look at this draft, it’s clear teams are making bold moves. According to a recent survey by [Statista](https://www.statista.com), over 60% of fans expect major trades in the draft, highlighting the excitement around these decisions.

The next few rounds might redefine team dynamics and Super Bowl odds, so stay tuned for updates and analysis!

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