The first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, held on April 24 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin, featured significant selections and strategic trades that set the tone for the upcoming NFL season. Here’s a comprehensive recap:
🏈 Top 10 Picks
1.Tennessee Titans – Cam Ward, QB, Miami (FL)
The Titans selected Cam Ward as the first overall pick, aiming to revitalize their offense with his dynamic playmaking abilities.
2. Jacksonville Jaguars (via trade with Cleveland Browns) – Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado
In a bold move, the Jaguars traded up to secure the versatile Travis Hunter, enhancing both their offensive and defensive units.
3. New York Giants – Abdul Carter, EDGE, Penn State
The Giants bolstered their pass rush by selecting Abdul Carter, known for his explosive speed and tackling prowess.
4. New England Patriots – Will Campbell, OT, LSU
Aiming to protect their quarterback, the Patriots added strength to their offensive line with the selection of Will Campbell.
5. Cleveland Browns (via trade with Jacksonville Jaguars) – Mason Graham, DT, Michigan
The Browns focused on fortifying their defensive front by picking Mason Graham, a dominant force in the trenches.
6. Las Vegas Raiders – Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
The Raiders addressed their backfield needs by selecting Ashton Jeanty, the Heisman runner-up known for his agility and vision.
7. New York Jets – Armand Membou, OT, Missouri
To strengthen their offensive line, the Jets chose Armand Membou, aiming to provide better protection for their quarterback.
8. Carolina Panthers – Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona
The Panthers added a dynamic playmaker to their receiving corps with the selection of Tetairoa McMillan.
9. New Orleans Saints – Kelvin Banks Jr., OT, Texas
The Saints aimed to solidify their offensive line by drafting Kelvin Banks Jr., known for his pass protection skills.
10. Chicago Bears – Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan
Enhancing their offensive options, the Bears selected Colston Loveland, a tight end with impressive receiving abilities.
🔁 Notable Trades & Picks
- Seattle Seahawks – At No. 18, the Seahawks selected Grey Zabel, a guard from North Dakota State, marking their highest guard selection since 2001.
- Atlanta Falcons – The Falcons made two significant picks: Jalon Walker, an edge rusher from Georgia, at No. 15, and James Pearce Jr., an edge rusher from Tennessee, at No. 26. NFL
- New York Giants – After their initial pick, the Giants traded back into the first round to select quarterback Jaxson Dart from Ole Miss at No. 25. SBNation.com+5Pats Pulpit+5The Phinsider+5
- Kansas City Chiefs – With the final pick of the first round, the Chiefs chose Josh Simmons, an offensive tackle from Ohio State, receiving high praise for addressing their offensive line needs. Arrowhead Pride
📉 Surprises & Storylines
- Shedeur Sanders – Despite high expectations, quarterback Shedeur Sanders went undrafted in the first round, a surprising development that has sparked discussions about team strategies and evaluations. NFL
- Trench Focus – A notable trend in this draft was the emphasis on strengthening the offensive and defensive lines, with multiple teams prioritizing these positions in their selections. NFL
📺 How to Watch
Rounds 2 and 3 of the 2025 NFL Draft continue tonight, Friday, April 25, starting at 7:00 p.m. ET. Coverage is available on ESPN, ABC, and NFL Network. Streaming options include Sling TV, DirecTV, Fubo, and NFL Plus for mobile viewers.
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