The first round of the 2025 NFL Draft is in the books, and it didn’t disappoint. From blockbuster trades to bold picks and franchise-altering decisions, Thursday night set the tone for a thrilling weekend of roster reshaping. All eyes were on the Tennessee Titans, who held the No. 1 pick — and they didn’t hesitate to pull the trigger on their quarterback of the future. Here’s a full breakdown of the top 10 selections and what they mean for each team moving forward.
1. Tennessee Titans – Cam Ward, QB, Miami
The Titans entered the draft needing a franchise quarterback, and they came away with the most electric signal-caller in the class. Ward’s 38-game college résumé, arm talent, and fit in Brian Callahan’s system made him the obvious choice. Can Ward harness his playmaking flair without turning the ball over too much? The Titans are betting that Callahan can coach that balance into him.
2. Jacksonville Jaguars (from Cleveland) – Travis Hunter, WR/DB, Colorado
The Jaguars made a splash, trading a haul to Cleveland to grab perhaps the most versatile talent in the draft. Hunter brings elite ability on both sides of the ball and immediate star power to Jacksonville. How will they manage his two-way potential? Early signs suggest he’ll start on offense with some defensive packages mixed in.
3. New York Giants – Abdul Carter, DE, Penn State
In a surprising move, the Giants passed on several quarterbacks and opted for a premier pass-rushing prospect. Carter is explosive, violent off the edge, and reminiscent of a young Von Miller. What’s the plan at quarterback? With Carter now in blue, the Giants still lack a future face of the franchise under center.
4. New England Patriots – Will Campbell, T, LSU
Mike Vrabel wants to protect his young QB Drake Maye, and Campbell is as tough and polished as they come. The LSU anchor started 38 games and brings leadership and technique. Is he truly a long-term tackle or will arm-length concerns push him inside?
5. Cleveland Browns (from Jacksonville) – Mason Graham, DT, Michigan
The Browns played the board perfectly — collecting future assets and still landing a disruptive interior force. Graham is a strong scheme fit and projects as an immediate contributor. Can he grow as a pass rusher? Graham’s production was solid but not elite in college.
6. Las Vegas Raiders – Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
Pete Carroll wants to ground and pound — and Jeanty fits the bill. The Heisman finalist ran for over 2,600 yards last season and should lighten the load for Geno Smith. Will he live up to the draft slot? The last time a RB went top-6, it was Saquon Barkley. The pressure is on.
7. New York Jets – Armand Membou, T, Missouri
Membou pairs with Olu Fashanu to give the Jets two young bookend tackles for years to come. His athleticism at 330+ pounds impressed teams across the league. Did the Jets pass on a more dynamic weapon for Fields? Membou fills a need, but someone like TE Tyler Warren might’ve moved the needle more in the passing game.
8. Carolina Panthers – Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona
At 6-foot-4, “T-Mac” gives Bryce Young a big, reliable target. With blazing speed and elite catch radius, he brings a new element to Carolina’s offense. Will passing on defense haunt them? The Panthers were last in scoring defense in 2024, and McMillan is still developing his consistency.
9. New Orleans Saints – Kelvin Banks Jr., T, Texas
Banks brings stability to a beat-up offensive line. His experience and versatility offer the Saints options as they reshuffle their front. Where will he line up? Left tackle? Right tackle? Guard? The Saints’ vision for Banks will shape the line’s future — and possibly Derek Carr’s fate.
10. Chicago Bears – Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan
New HC Ben Johnson loves tight ends, and Loveland is a mismatch nightmare. He’ll pair with Cole Kmet in a two-TE system designed to make Caleb Williams’ life easier. How do the Bears maximize both tight ends? Johnson must creatively juggle reps to unleash Loveland without sidelining Kmet.
The 2025 NFL Draft kicked off with a bang as the Titans turned the page to the Cam Ward era. Bold trades from the Jaguars and Falcons (who later moved back into Round 1 for DE James Pearce Jr.) reshaped the draft landscape, while the Giants sent shockwaves by bypassing quarterbacks early only to snag Jaxson Dart at No. 25.
Rounds 2 and 3 kick off Friday at 7 p.m. ET — and with quarterbacks like Shedeur Sanders and Jalen Milroe still on the board, the drama is far from over.
