2025 NFL Draft Round 1 Grades: Jaguars Shine with A+ for Travis Hunter, Giants Struggle with C- for Jaxson Dart

The NFL Draft 2025 has kicked off, and the excitement is palpable. In the first round, only two quarterbacks were taken, and Shedeur Sanders wasn’t one of them. He’ll need to wait until Friday to find out where he’ll land.

This year’s draft started with the Tennessee Titans snagging the No. 1 pick for the first time since 1978, choosing Miami’s quarterback Cam Ward. Following closely, the Jacksonville Jaguars made a bold move by trading up to pick Colorado’s dual-threat talent, Travis Hunter, second overall. The New York Giants strengthened their defense by selecting Penn State EDGE rusher Abdul Carter as the third pick. All three choices were expected, showcasing teams’ strategic plans.

The draft is crucial not just for team-building but also for shaping betting markets and Super Bowl odds. As teams finalize their rosters, the landscape of the league can shift dramatically based on these choices.

Now, let’s dive into some of the key picks from the first round with quick grades:

• Titans: Cam Ward, QB, Miami – B-

  Ward is a solid choice, but passing on Hunter may be risky. A future quarterback might have been a better pick.

• Jaguars: Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado – A+

  This was a decisive and bold move for Jacksonville. Hunter is seen as a game-changer.

• Giants: Abdul Carter, EDGE, Penn State – A

  The Giants opted for a strong defensive player over a quarterback. They’ve chosen well, as defense wins championships.

• Patriots: Will Campbell, OT, LSU – B-

  While Campbell has potential, questions remain about his fit at left tackle.

• Browns: Mason Graham, DT, Michigan – C+

  Cleveland needs to bolster its defense, and while Graham helps, he may not dominate right away.

• Raiders: Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State – B+

  The Raiders targeted a strong running game, picking a back with notable talent.

• Jets: Armand Membou, OT, Missouri – B-

  Membou addresses a critical need, but he is still developing.

• Panthers: Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona – C

  A puzzling pick given other pressing needs on their roster.

• Saints: Kelvin Banks, OT, Texas – B+

  Saints scored a versatile lineman to shore up their offensive front.

• Bears: Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan – A

  This was a smart selection, and Loveland is expected to thrive in their offensive scheme.

Throughout the draft, teams will be closely observing how their picks will alter their Super Bowl odds. According to a recent report by ESPN, some teams’ odds shift dramatically based on draft choices. The right picks can propel a team from a mediocre season to a Super Bowl-contending roster.

Social media is buzzing with reactions as fans and analysts debate the effectiveness of each pick. From memes about surprising choices to discussions of potential impact players, the conversation is lively. Many fans are turning to platforms like Twitter to express their hopes and frustrations about their favorite teams’ draft strategies.

In sum, the 2025 NFL Draft is off to an intriguing start. It’s not just about immediate wins but setting the foundation for the future. Each selection could reshape a team’s fortunes, and fans are eager to see how it all unfolds.

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