2025 NFL Draft Winners and Losers: Browns’ Bold QB Strategy and Steelers’ Lost Leverage with Rodgers

All 257 picks from the 2025 NFL Draft are complete. Each general manager and coach likely left the event feeling optimistic, believing they secured their desired players. But did they really?

After a weekend of surprises, including an unexpected drop in player rankings, let’s dive into the standout winners and losers of this year’s draft.

Winners

1. The Browns’ Bold QB Bet
Cleveland took a risk by passing on Travis Hunter, a player who could become one of the league’s most exciting talents. Their quarterback room is a puzzle: an injured Deshaun Watson, a 40-year-old Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, Dillon Gabriel, and Shedeur Sanders.

Choosing Sanders in the fifth round was a low-risk move. Unlike earlier picks, expectations for him are mild. He’ll need to prove himself in training camp alongside Gabriel and others. If he shines, he might even start some games in 2025. The Browns have the chance to strengthen their roster further in 2026 when they might target a standout quarterback like Arch Manning.

General manager Andrew Berry added some solid picks this draft: Mason Graham, Carson Schwesinger, Quinshon Judkins, and Harold Fannin Jr. look like future starters. Finding a top quarterback next year could reshape the team’s future.

2. The Bears’ Vision for Caleb Williams
Chicago’s approach under general manager Ryan Poles and new coach Ben Johnson shows a commitment to supporting quarterback Caleb Williams. They neglected past mistakes and have focused on building a strong foundation.

Johnson’s offense-first strategy involved key acquisitions, like new guards and center improvements. They also secured Colston Loveland, a tight end from Michigan, and wide receiver Luther Burden III, to enhance offensive options. The Bears are setting the stage for a successful second year for Williams.

3. The Chargers’ Offensive Clarity
The Los Angeles Chargers, led by head coach Jim Harbaugh, showed great understanding of their needs. After a strong season last year, they took important steps to bolster their offense. They drafted running back Omarion Hampton, who should thrive under coordinator Greg Roman. Adding wide receiver Tre Harris further strengthens the team around quarterback Justin Herbert.

4. The Rams’ Strategic Moves
The Rams made a notable move by trading out of the first round, acquiring a future first-round pick from Atlanta. This creates opportunities down the line. They also filled their tight end needs with Oregon’s Terrance Ferguson, who can complement their existing talent.

With quarterback Matthew Stafford aging, securing a fresh talent in the upcoming drafts could be crucial.

5. Rising Stars at Quarterback
Other teams, like the New England Patriots and Carolina Panthers, are taking clear steps to support their young quarterbacks. The Patriots focused heavily on offensive players, drafting flaws in their lineup, while the Panthers added wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan for Bryce Young.

These investments show that teams are determined to help develop their quarterbacks, addressing weak offensive lines and skill gaps.

6. Green Bay’s Bold Receiver Choices
The Green Bay Packers shocked many by investing two of their first three draft picks in wide receivers. This sends a clear message—they expect more from their young receiving corps. The addition of Matthew Golden and Savion Williams means more competition and options for quarterback Jordan Love.

Losers

1. Shedeur Sanders’ Unexpected Drop
Shedeur Sanders’s fall to the fifth round wasn’t due to his talent but rather how he approached the draft process. While teams often look for standout skills, they also assess character and fit. Sanders missed key opportunities to showcase his abilities and may have unintentionally strained relationships with scouts.

2. The Steelers’ Dilemma
Pittsburgh seems caught in a bind regarding their quarterback situation. With their current lineup featuring Mason Rudolph and sixth-round pick Will Howard, the team is in dire need of a player like Aaron Rodgers.

While Rodgers could elevate the team, relying solely on him might be risky, especially given his age and recent performance issues. Without a solid backup plan, the Steelers face significant uncertainty.

The 2025 NFL Draft showcased team strategies and gave fans much to discuss. As the season approaches, the outcomes of these decisions will become clearer, potentially reshaping the league’s competitive landscape.

Source link

Arizona Cardinals, Atlanta Falcons, Baltimore Ravens, Buffalo Bills, Carolina Panthers, Chicago Bears, Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns, Dallas Cowboys, Denver Broncos, Detroit Lions, Green Bay Packers, Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts, Jacksonville Jaguars, Kansas City Chiefs, Miami Dolphins, Minnesota Vikings, New England Patriots, New Orleans Saints, New York Giants, New York Jets, Las Vegas Raiders, Philadelphia Eagles, Pittsburgh Steelers, Los Angeles Chargers, Seattle Seahawks, San Francisco 49ers, Los Angeles Rams, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Tennessee Titans, Washington Commanders, NFL