Shilo Sanders Left Off NFL Combine Invite List, Future Uncertain
Colorado safety Shilo Sanders was not among the 329 players invited...
The 2025 NFL Draft class is loaded with elite talent, and with teams looking to fill key needs, this year’s draft could be one of the most unpredictable in recent memory. From franchise quarterbacks to dominant pass rushers and lockdown corners, let’s break down each first-round selection with an analysis of how these prospects fit their new teams.
Join us as we dive deep into each pick the 2025 NFL Draft holds.
Now let’s get to it!
UPDATED 2/1/25
1. Tennessee Titans – Cameron Ward, QB, Miami (FL)
The Titans secure their quarterback of the future in Cameron Ward. With Will Levis struggling throughout the season, Tennessee needed a dynamic playmaker under center. Ward’s arm talent and mobility make him a great fit in a modern NFL offense, but he’ll need to refine his pocket presence to maximize his potential. It’s a coin flip between the top four players but I believe once the scouts get their hands on the tape, Ward will be the guy slightly over Shedeur.
2. Cleveland Browns – Abdul Carter, EDGE, Penn State
The Browns forego quarterback for another year and opt to bolster their pass rush by selecting Abdul Carter. With Myles Garrett commanding double teams, Carter’s explosiveness off the edge should create nightmare matchups for opposing offensive lines. His raw athleticism and motor make him an immediate impact player. Sometimes the best fix for a bad offense is an elite defense.
3. New York Giants – Travis Hunter, CB/WR, Colorado
The Giants have scouted Shedeur Sanders nonstop, but I believe it is a smokescreen. I simply do not see the Mara family drafting a flashy quarterback who’s not considered a consensus franchise changing type prospect. They’ll opt to wait for Arch in 2026.
BIG BLUE lands a true game-changer in Travis Hunter, one of the most versatile prospects in years. While he can play both cornerback and wide receiver, New York will likely use him as a shutdown corner to revamp their struggling secondary. His ball skills and ability to shadow elite receivers make him a high-upside pick.
4. New England Patriots – Will Campbell, OT, LSU
New England focuses on protecting their franchise quarterback Drake Maye by adding a dominant offensive tackle in Will Campbell. His strength, technique, and footwork make him a cornerstone piece to solidify the Patriots’ offensive line for years to come. Also look for a trade down here in the old school “Patriot Way” to rebuild this roster.
5. Jacksonville Jaguars – Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
The Jaguars hope a top prospect lands here in need of defensive help. Will Johnson will provide them with a lockdown corner who can match up against top receivers. With his size and fluid movement, he has all the tools to develop into an elite defender.
6. Las Vegas Raiders – Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado
The Raiders roll the dice on Shedeur Sanders as their franchise quarterback. Sanders has proven he can perform in high-pressure situations, and with a good offensive scheme, he has the potential to elevate Vegas’ passing attack. Tom Brady is going to be there to make this a familiar environment for Shedeur to learn and grow into a longterm NFL starter.
7. New York Jets – Kelvin Banks, OT, Texas
The Jets finally address their offensive line issues by selecting Kelvin Banks. With injuries and inconsistencies plaguing their line, Banks provides an instant upgrade in pass protection, which is crucial for Aaron Rodgers or whoever starts at quarterback.
8. Carolina Panthers – Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona
Bryce Young gets a new weapon in Tetairoa McMillan. The Panthers’ receiving corps needs a true playmaker, and McMillan’s combination of size, speed, and hands makes him a great target for their young quarterback.
9. New Orleans Saints – Mason Graham, DL, Michigan
The Saints shore up their defensive line with Mason Graham, a dominant force in the trenches. His ability to clog running lanes and rush from the middle of the pocket will help New Orleans maintain a stout defensive front.
10. Chicago Bears – Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State
Chicago continues to invest in their offensive line to protect Caleb Williams. Josh Simmons has the athleticism and strength to anchor their pass protection and we all know Chicago needs this bad.
11. San Francisco 49ers – Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
The 49ers shock the draft by selecting Ashton Jeanty, a dynamic running back. Given Kyle Shanahan’s love for versatile backs, Jeanty could be a lethal weapon in both the run and passing game. My eyes do not deceive me, the wear and tear is starting to show in Deebo Samuel and Christian McCaffrey. Jeanty can rotate in and take some of that work until he’s ready to start.
12. Dallas Cowboys – Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State
Dak Prescott gets a new safety valve with Tyler Warren. His size and red-zone ability will add another dimension to the Cowboys’ offense. Warren is not the 12th best player in this class but he is a touchdown machine and will make the biggest impact starting from day one.
13. Miami Dolphins – Malaki Starks, S, Georgia
Miami lands a rangy playmaker in Malaki Starks. His ability to cover deep zones and support against the run makes him a valuable addition to their secondary.
14. Indianapolis Colts – Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan
The Colts are excited to see one of the top TE’s still available and rush this card to the podium. Anthony Richardson gets a reliable tight end in Colston Loveland, who can stretch the field and provide security in the middle of the defense.
15. Atlanta Falcons – Mykel Williams, EDGE, Georgia
Atlanta adds a much-needed pass rusher in Mykel Williams. His power and quickness should help transform the Falcons’ defensive front.
16. Arizona Cardinals – James Pearce Jr., EDGE, Tennessee
Pearce Jr. brings a relentless pass-rushing presence to Arizona. The Cardinals need a defensive cornerstone, and he fits the bill. Arizona couldn’t be happier to bring him in.
17. Cincinnati Bengals – Jalon Walker, EDGE, Georgia
Walker’s explosiveness and ability to disrupt plays should help bolster Cincinnati’s defense, giving them another weapon in the trenches.
18. Seattle Seahawks – Josh Conerly Jr., OT, Oregon
Seattle continues building their offensive line with the selection of Conerly Jr., an athletic and powerful tackle. Conerly is getting outside top 10 buzz, so this is a value pick.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Luther Burden, WR, Missouri
Mike Evans has served the NFC South for over a decade but he cannot play forever. With Mike Evans aging, Tampa Bay adds a dynamic playmaker in Burden to help maintain their passing attack.
20. Denver Broncos – Benjamin Morrison, CB, Notre Dame
What? A CB? Yes Denver may have the best overall player at the position but sometimes you draft strength on strength instead of reaching for another position. There is no RB that is the 20th best player in this class so Denver gets a solid cover corner to complement Pat Surtain II.
21. Pittsburgh Steelers – Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State
Egbuka’s precise route running and speed make him a great addition to the Steelers’ offense. Let’s be real, George Pickens is super talented but he will not be long for this franchise.
22. Los Angeles Chargers – Matthew Golden, WR, Texas
Justin Herbert needs a receiver BAD. With this pick, LA gets a deep-threat receiver in Golden to complement McConkey who works best in the middle of the field.
23. Green Bay Packers – Kenneth Grant, DL, Michigan
GB needs to build on a successful 2024 and drafts Grant. This pick helps reinforce the Packers’ defensive line with his power and run-stopping ability.
24. Minnesota Vikings – Tyler Booker, IOL, Alabama
JJ or Sam? Who will be the starter? It doesn’t matter if the guy has no time to pass in the playoffs again. Minnesota shores up their interior offensive line with Booker.
25. Houston Texans – Armand Membou, OT, Missouri
Another team in need BADLY of some fresh blood on the OL. Hopefully Membou strengthens Houston’s protection for C.J. Stroud.
26. Los Angeles Rams – Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama
The Rams are back in the first round again, and once again prove themselves to be one of the smartest war rooms in the draft. To add a versatile linebacker in Campbell who’s just 20-21 years old is a move that makes way too much sense.
27. Baltimore Ravens – Shavon Revel Jr., CB, East Carolina
Revel Jr. brings length and athleticism to Baltimore’s secondary. Revel and Wiggins will be a nice duo to go up against the AFC North every week.
28. Detroit Lions – Nic Scourton, EDGE, Texas A&M
The Lion’s had to make some trades mid season for a EDGE, that won’t happen once Hutch comes back. Scourton’s high motor and pass-rushing skills make him a great fit for Detroit.
29. Washington Commanders – Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas
The Lattimore trade was not successful in my opinion. Washington adds much-needed secondary help with Commander Barron.
30. Buffalo Bills – Shemar Stewart, EDGE, Texas A&M
Let’s keep it real, Von Miller robbed this franchise with no mask. Buffalo adds another pass rusher to complement their defense.
31. Philadelphia Eagles – Mike Green, EDGE, Marshall
A nice sleeper pick, Green brings upside to Philadelphia’s defense. This is another franchise that has added pieces at the EDGE recently but can always use more.
32. Kansas City Chiefs – Aireontae Ersery, OT, Minnesota
Kansas City invests in protecting Patrick Mahomes by selecting Ersery. The mid season trades and signings on the OL were just bandaids.