NFL Draft Recap: Jaguars and Giants Shine While Shedeur Sanders Bides His Time

The 2025 NFL Draft has come and gone, leaving teams scrambling to build their futures. The Tennessee Titans found their franchise quarterback while the New York Giants are still pondering theirs. Let’s dig into the highlights and lowlights from the first round.

Winners of the Draft

1. Jacksonville Jaguars
James Gladstone, the new general manager of the Jaguars, made a bold move by picking Travis Hunter, a dual-threat cornerback and wide receiver from Colorado, at No. 2. This pick cost the Jaguars a second and fourth-round pick this year, along with a first-rounder next year. Still, Hunter’s versatility could revitalize a team that’s struggled for years. In a league where creativity is key, Hunter promises to add excitement to an already dynamic offense led by Trevor Lawrence.

2. New England Patriots
The Patriots took a smart step by selecting tackle Will Campbell from LSU. With a shaky offensive line, Campbell is set to protect young quarterback Drake Maye, who faced heavy pressure last season. Campbell’s track record shows he allowed only two sacks in his final 30 college games. His determination to protect his teammates speaks volumes about his character and potential impact on the team’s culture.

3. Indianapolis Colts
The Colts needed a standout tight end, which they found in Tyler Warren from Penn State. Warren is a versatile player who can block as well as catch. He’s expected to become a favorite target for whoever wins the quarterback competition, whether it’s Anthony Richardson or new addition Daniel Jones. With a tight end of Warren’s caliber, the Colts can better assess their quarterback situation moving forward.

4. Carolina Panthers
General manager Dan Morgan picked wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan from Arizona at No. 8. This signals a strong commitment to helping quarterback Bryce Young thrive after a tough rookie season. McMillan brings a unique skill set that should ease Young’s challenges, providing him with a reliable target.

5. New York Giants
Giants’ GM Joe Schoen made two noteworthy picks, first selecting edge rusher Abdul Carter from Penn State, followed by quarterback Jaxson Dart from Ole Miss. This gives the team newfound hope, especially at the quarterback position, as they now have a young signal-caller to develop behind veteran Russell Wilson.

6. Green Bay Packers
For the first time in over two decades, the Packers picked a wide receiver in the first round. Matthew Golden from Texas joins a young and talented receiving corps. This gives quarterback Jordan Love multiple options on offense, making the Packers’ future more intriguing than ever.

7. Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles grabbed linebacker Jihaad Campbell from Alabama at No. 31. Known for his high football IQ, Campbell fits right into the Eagles’ strategy of employing SEC talent. He could contribute significantly to their already impressive defense.

Losers of the Draft

1. Shedeur Sanders
Despite high expectations, Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders watched the first round from the sidelines, overlooked by all 32 teams. Once considered a top-five pick, he now faces uncertainty entering the second round.

2. Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers
Both teams are grappling with difficult quarterback situations. The Browns are looking at a competition between Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett. Meanwhile, the Steelers have Mason Rudolph leading their offense. Without a clear path to a reliable quarterback, both franchises face more struggles ahead.

3. Will Levis
The Titans’ choice of Cam Ward signals a rocky road ahead for Will Levis, who was the second overall pick just two years ago. Levis’ future looks uncertain after he was benched last season and is likely on borrowed time in Tennessee.

This draft reshaped the futures of several franchises, with some finding promising talent while others are left in a difficult spot. As the second round approaches, attention will turn to which players can turn their fortunes around.

For more detailed analysis, check out resources from ESPN or NFL.

Check out this related article: Vikings Select OL Donovan Jackson: Expert Analysis on His Fit, Draft Grade, and Scouting Insights

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