The 2025 NFL draft is finally upon us, taking place this year at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin – Titletown – home of the Green Bay Packers, the league’s all-time winningest franchise. It’s also the first time the ‘Cheese State’ has hosted the league’s marquee offseason event in the common draft era (since 1967) and first overall since Milwaukee staged it in … 1940.
The league’s 90th annual ‘Player Selection Meeting’ didn’t feature much mystery with its No. 1 pick, but things got awfully interesting immediately afterward in what was a highly intriguing first round.
USA TODAY Sports analyzed each pick, one through 32, as it was made Thursday night:
2025 NFL draft tracker: First-round picks
1. Tennessee Titans – QB Cam Ward, Miami (Fla.)
A franchise that’s never drafted a quarterback with the No. 1 overall pick (and nobody at the very top since Hall of Famer Earl Campbell in 1978) clearly hopes to have its new face – and, at minimum, its first star behind center since former league MVP Steve McNair. Ward (6-2, 219), who played for three collegiate programs in five years, turns 23 next month – but his experience and, more importantly perhaps, leadership should greatly benefit a Titans team in need of an identity following consecutive last-place finishes in the AFC South.
Ward isn’t a dynamic runner but is certainly a capable athlete who often makes plays with his arms and legs outside of the pocket. But the 2024 All-American and ACC Player of the Year is being selected here because of an alpha personality and a dynamic arm, one that produced a Division 1 record 158 TD passes. He’ll need to leverage all of his estimable abilities on and off the field to turn around a franchise that needs him to stop its free fall. Interesting to note, too, that Ward’s 2,329 passes attempted in college are at least 1,000 more than highly erratic Will Levis, Tennessee’s primary starter the past two seasons, has thrown since he entered college in 2018 – Ward’s results typically much better, too, if not skewed by Levis’ NFL mishaps (26 turnovers in 21 NFL games).
This is the culmination of an astronomical rise for Ward, a zero-star recruit while playing in a Wing-T offense in high school who played at FCS-level Incarnate Word for two years before transferring to Washington State and then Miami. He enters the NFL with 57 college starts. And given his gunslinger proclivity – which does sometimes put Ward and his team into hairy spots – good bet he could join Warren Moon as this franchise’s second 4,000-yard passer. However Ward’s impeccable timing should also be noted relative to what are sure to be outsized expectations in Nashville – but if he’d been drafted in last year’s draft rather than this one, Ward might have been the sixth or seventh quarterback off the board instead of the first.
2. Jacksonville Jaguars from Browns – WR/CB Travis Hunter, Colorado
In a blockbuster trade that includes a Round 1 pick swap and the Jags’ second-rounder and 2026 first-rounder going to Cleveland – the initial trade of first-round picks in this draft – rookie GM James Gladstone moves up for the ultra-talented 2024 Heisman Trophy winner. An ultra-rare two-way player whom Browns GM Andrew Berry described as a ‘unicorn’ while also invoking multi-talented baseball superstar Shohei Ohtani, it seems likely the Jags will also be open to allowing Hunter to fulfill his dream of playing offense and defense in the NFL – as he did so well while dominating college football. It seemed Hunter’s primary desire is to play offense after exclusively running routes at the Buffs’ recent pro day showcase and spotlighting himself at the position that’s likely to pay better at the pro level – though he quite obviously has the skill set to carve out a signature paycheck down the road.
Hunter could start out as the No. 2 receiver here behind 2024 first-round WR Brian Thomas Jr., operating in an offense where QB Trevor Lawrence clearly needed some help. On the flip side, with CB Tyson Campbell doing the heavy lifting, Hunter could tag in to help cover the AFC South’s secondary receivers or in selective situations at the start of his career.
Yet it is worth wondering how much load a 6-foot, 188-pounder can and should shoulder in the NFL, which obviously features a far more physical brand of football than the Southwest Athletic Conference – Hunter’s freshman year was spent at Jackson State – Pac-12 or Big 12. Hunter played 2,625 snaps over the past two seasons, leading the FBS in both the 2023 and ’24 seasons, including 1,483 last year. Put another way, he averaged nearly 112 snaps per game since coming to Boulder. No NFL player has had a 100-snap game since 2012. Hunter led the Big 12 with 96 catches and 15 TDs in 2024 while racking up 1,258 receiving yards, four interceptions and 11 pass breakups. His elite athleticism, instincts and ball skills are major assets on both sides of the ball. Quite a statement from Duval County.
3. New York Giants – OLB/DE Abdul Carter, Penn State
Regarded in some quarters as this draft’s most talented player, he didn’t do much physically during the pre-draft process while recovering from shoulder and foot issues (neither required surgery) – though they hardly slowed the Big Ten’s Defensive Player of the Year in 2024. Carter is such an exceptional athlete, the Giants couldn’t bypass him despite their glaring need for a long-term answer at quarterback plus the fact they already have two highly capable pass rushers in two-time Pro Bowler Brian Burns and 2022 first-rounder Kayvon Thibodeaux.
With 12 sacks, 61 pressures (second in FBS) and an FBS-leading 23½ tackles for losses last season, Carter’s numbers suggest he’ll quickly push Burns and Thibodeaux for snaps. The Giants are 13 years removed from their last championship, when they reigned supreme thanks to their NASCAR defensive packages, so don’t be surprised to see all three on the field simultaneously, either.
Carter isn’t lacking for confidence, consistently declaring himself the best player in the draft – he may not be wrong – and recently tweeted a photo of Giants legend Lawrence Taylor for what it’s worth. However Carter, a lifelong Eagles fan to this point who also draws instant comparisons to Cowboys DE Micah Parsons (also Penn State alum), will have to instantly change that viewpoint. And while no one should presume he’s the next LT, Carter has a similar frame (6-3, 250) and the ability to bend it and leverage an array of moves and counters plus elite get-off. A needed weapon in a division that includes QBs Jalen Hurts and Jayden Daniels.
4. New England Patriots – OT Will Campbell, LSU
A few weeks ago, the Pats might have thought another quarterback would force Hunter or Carter down to them. No such luck, but Campbell is hardly a consolation prize – especially given the mandate to better support second-year QB Drake Maye. A consensus All-American, Campbell (6-6, 319) will be charged with safeguarding Maye’s blind side – he was sacked on nearly 10% of his dropbacks as a rookie – and will have to do so despite his highly scrutinized arm length, which is shy of 33 inches (depending on who measures them). Regardless, those have hardly impacted his punch, sweet feet or ability to handle the SEC’s best pass rushers – he allowed just four sacks during three seasons (38 starts) as the Tigers’ starter. As for intangibles, he was the first offensive lineman to wear the treasured No. 7 at LSU – like Derek Stingley, Tyrann Mathieu, Leonard Fournette and Patrick Peterson, among others, before him – albeit as a patch above Campbell’s No. 66. Worst case, it seems he’ll be an All-Pro guard in the NFL – and New England could use one of those, too. Oh, and he’s got some serious swag.
5. Cleveland Browns from Jaguars – DT Mason Graham, Michigan
Cleveland drops three spots in the Hunter deal but still comes away with a unanimous All-American in 2024 and All-Big Ten performer the past two seasons. Graham (6-4, 296) isn’t a massive space eater but is a relentless interior penetrator who uses his strength, quickness and background as a wrestler to maximize his leverage. Is he the next Aaron Donald? (Well, who is?) The point is, Graham has a high floor and should be an outstanding pro even if he’s not necessarily a flashy, 10-sacks-per-year player – though he might become exactly that while playing alongside perennial All-Pro DE Myles Garrett for a team that’s effectively loading up for 2026 and beyond.
6. Las Vegas Raiders – RB Ashton Jeanty, Boise State
Despite his obvious talent, the 2024 Heisman runner-up becomes just the second tailback picked in the top 10 in the past seven drafts (Bijan Robinson is the other) – basically by virtue of his position. Jeanty rushed for 2,601 yards last season – 28 shy of breaking Barry Sanders’ single-season NCAA record – and will definitely be an upgrade from anything that was on the Silver and Black’s depth chart.
Production has been no issue for Jeanty, who’s rushed for nearly 4,000 yards over the past two seasons, scoring 49 touchdowns during that time frame (including 30 in 2024). A compact package (5-9, 211) of muscle and speed, Jeanty is an explosive, powerful runner – he broke an FBS-leading 88 tackles in 2024 and racked up 1,733 yards after contact (which also would’ve been enough rushing yards to top the FBS). And while he had 12 runs exceeding 50 yards last season, he’s also a solid receiver – his 569 receiving yards in 2023 the most among FBS backs.
With 660 touches since 2023, Jeanty’s usage has been ridiculous, and he does need to clean up a minor fumbling issue. But QB Geno Smith and TE Brock Bowers will at least draw some of the focus from Jeanty, who could become Marshawn Lynch 2.0 for run-loving head coach Pete Carroll.
7. New York Jets – OT Armand Membou, Missouri
Exclusively a right tackle during three years as a starter for Mizzou, he should stay there with the Jets, who picked LT Olu Fashanu in Round 1 a year ago. Membou, a powerful run blocker, didn’t allow a sack in 2024 in more than 400 pass-blocking snaps. At 6-4, 332 pounds, he flashed his athleticism with a 4.9 40-yard dash and 34-inch vertical leap at this year’s scouting combine. He should be perfectly fine at guard if it turns out he struggles outside in the NFL. But if he lives up to his potential, it seems the Jets’ new regime – led by former Lions DC Aaron Glenn – is already following Detroit’s blueprint by laying its foundation first on the offensive line.
8. Carolina Panthers – WR Tetairoa McMillan, Arizona
He’s become something of a polarizing prospect in recent months given questions about his speed and, perhaps, commitment to the game. But there’s no denying his size (6-4, 219) or production (174 grabs for more than 2,700 yards since 2023). And third-year QB Bryce Young, who righted his personal ship in the second half of last season, now has a nice group of complementary wideouts to work with – McMillan joining veteran Adam Thielen and explosive 2024 first-rounder Xavier Legette. And big as he is, McMillan is perfectly comfortable working out of the slot.
9. New Orleans Saints – OT Kelvin Banks Jr., Texas
The 2024 Outland Trophy winner was nearly airtight for the Longhorns, allowing just two sacks in nearly 1,100 pass-block snaps over the past two seasons. And with battered RT Ryan Ramczyk finally retiring, Banks’ arrival could lead to an O-line shuffle, Banks perhaps going to his customary left tackle post and 2024 first-rounder Taliese Fuaga reverting to the right side, which he played at Oregon State. Trevor Penning, who’s struggled outside, might finally find a home at guard.
10. Chicago Bears – TE Colston Loveland, Michigan
And second-year QB Caleb Williams gets yet another weapon, Loveland set to pair with incumbent TE Cole Kmet. A 6-6, 248-pounder, Loveland averaged nearly 15 yards per catch during his first two years in Ann Arbor when J.J. McCarthy was throwing to him. Loveland is recovering from shoulder surgery − the wing hampered him throughout 2024 – but said at the combine he should be fully ready for training camp. His work up the seams could really open up the field for WRs DJ Moore and Rome Odunze, a first-rounder last year along with Williams.
11. San Francisco 49ers – DE Mykel Williams, Georgia
He could be a phenomenal value at this spot and a very nice backfill for a badly depleted Niners line, formerly the foundation of their defense. Williams’ numbers for the Bulldogs (14 sacks and 57 hurries in three seasons) are actually unusually good given the depth of that defense and how rarely it had to be on the field. He’s also tough, playing through a high-ankle sprain most of last season. Williams could make quite a tandem with 2022 Defensive Player of the Year Nick Bosa.
12. Dallas Cowboys – G Tyler Booker, Alabama
The All-American’s combination of leadership and nastiness could be made to order for a flashy organization that might need a kick in the pants on the heels of a 7-10 season that led to HC Mike McCarthy’s departure. Booker didn’t test well athletically at the combine (5.38 40-yard dash), but his intangibles apparently made him too enticing – and a logical fit given the recent retirement of All-Pro G Zack Martin. The Cowboys will now have three starting offensive linemen with the first name Tyler (LT Tyler Guyton, LG Tyler Smith).
13. Miami Dolphins – DT Kenneth Grant, Michigan
The Fins go for some needed toughness in the trenches, enlisting a massive (6-4, 331) and nimble man who might have far more upside than former Wolverines teammate Graham. Grant, who had 6½ sacks the past two seasons, effectively replaces DT Christian Wilkins, who left in free agency a year ago. Throwing around his weight inside, Grant had 23 hurries last season.
14. Indianapolis Colts – TE Tyler Warren, Penn State
He’s quite the throwback, wearing No. 44 for the Nittany Lions as a tribute to Hall of Fame RB John Riggins … and maybe he’ll get the number from former Indy TE Dallas Clark. And if we’re going to cite Hall of Fame-caliber tight ends, Warren (6-6, 256) is more Rob Gronkowski than Travis Kelce – both a devastating receiver and physical blocker. He might be exactly what a team likely to have spotty quarterback play needs.
The 2024 Mackey Award winner as college football’s top tight end, Warren led the Big Ten (and set a Penn State single-season record) with 104 receptions, which produced 1,233 yards and eight touchdowns. He was also a Wildcat quarterback option and red-zone weapon, rushing for four additional scores. Warren played basketball in high school, and his hops produced some thunderous dunks. He should be a more versatile weapon in the NFL than your typical tight end.
15. Atlanta Falcons – LB Jalon Walker, Georgia
The Butkus Award winner in 2024 as the country’s best college linebacker, that seems apropos given Walker’s ability to line up all over the field. He can certainly get into an opposition backfield, posting career best with 6½ sacks and 11 tackles for loss last season. Yet he basically split his time between the line of scrimmage and off the ball, versatility that should serve him well in the NFL despite his ‘tweener size (6-1, 243). His basketball and track background speaks to his athleticism. The local product would seem to be an ideal selection for a defense that hasn’t had a double-digit sack guy since 2016.
16. Arizona Cardinals – DT Walter Nolen, Mississippi
A 2024 All-American, the 6-4, 296-pounder who was high school’s prize recruit with Hunter three years ago can cause mayhem up the gut (10½ sacks and 23 TFLs since 2023). And the Cards can certainly use the fresh legs after adding old-timer Calais Campbell and Dalvin Tomlinson up front earlier this offseason. Nolen and 2024 first-rounder Darius Robinson should be the anchors moving forward.
17. Cincinnati Bengals – DE Shemar Stewart, Texas A&M
His talent suggests top-five pick, particularly after he tested just about off the charts at the combine – 4.59 40-yard dash and 40-inch vertical leap at 6-5, 267 pounds. His production (4½ sacks total in three seasons with the Aggies) suggests Day 3 pick. But dig a bit deeper and you’ll find Stewart had 33 hurries in 2024 and was a hellacious run defender. This team may not only lose DE Trey Hendrickson to a contract impasse – probably not at this point since he’s still on the roster – but it’s already taken a hit at the position following Sam Hubbard’s retirement.
18. Seattle Seahawks – OL Grey Zabel, North Dakota State
The 6-6, 312-pound Senior Bowl standout can play every position on the offensive line … and Seattle seems to have an opening at every spot save LT Charles Cross’. Zabel’s arrival dovetails with a team that’s been recalibrating toward toughness and what will likely be a more run-centric offensive approach in 2025.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – WR Emeka Egbuka, Ohio State
High character, high production – his 205 catches the most ever by a Buckeyes player. Egbuka, an accomplished outfielder as well, should give the Bucs quite a wideout trifecta as he teams with WRs Mike Evans and Chris Godwin moving forward – especially since he and Godwin can work interchangeably from the slot.
20. Denver Broncos – DB Jahdae Barron, Texas
The 2024 Jim Thorpe Award winner’s ability to flex between outside corner, the slot and safety should make him quite a weapon in a secondary that already features reigning Defensive Player of the Year Patrick Surtain II. Barron led the SEC with five INTs in 2024 and didn’t surrender a TD pass. Barron flashed sub-4.4 speed at the combine, and his 5-11, 194-pound frame should enable him to hold up well physically.
21. Pittsburgh Steelers – DL Derrick Harmon, Oregon
22. Los Angeles Chargers – RB Omarion Hampton, North Carolina
The two-time All-American rushed for 15 TDs and at least 1,500 yards each of the past two seasons for the Tar Heels to go along with 67 total catches. Big (6-0, 221) and fast (4.4 speed), Hampton is also durable and used to carrying a heavy load if asked – though he probably won’t be right away given the Bolts signed RB Najee Harris in free agency. Hampton recently revealed new UNC coach Bill Belichick tried to convince him to stay in Chapel Hill for another year.
23. Green Bay Packers – WR Matthew Golden, Texas
And the draft’s home team breaks its infamous 23-year streak of not drafting a wideout in Round 1, Javon Walker the last one. Golden glittered at the combine, his 4.29 40 the fastest among offensive players. He’s not the biggest guy (5-11, 191), but his burst and ability to come up big in the clutch – watch the Longhorns’ CFP defeat of Arizona State – could make him the best of this year’s receivers. Pack HC Matt LaFleur has said he wants to “vomit” at the notion of No. 1 receivers … but he might finally have one. And Golden’s home-run ability should give WR Christian Watson more breathing room as he recovers from a torn ACL.
24. Minnesota Vikings – G Donovan Jackson, Ohio State
One of the most valuable members of the Buckeyes’ run to the 2024 championship will be protecting former Michigan QB J.J. McCarthy moving forward. Jackson (6-4, 315) split last season between guard and left tackle after teammate Josh Simmons tore his patellar tendon in October.
25. Giants from Houston Texans – QB Jaxson Dart, Mississippi
Big Blue deals back into the first round to take Dart, the apparent quarterback of the future … but also now a member of a very crowded room with recently signed vets Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston plus local favorite Tommy DeVito. An all-SEC selection last season after leading the conference in passing yards (4,279) and efficiency, Dart (6-2, 223) might still need a bit of time to get acclimated to the NFL and will have time to do so here. Dart is a much better athlete than the other QBs on the Giants depth chart, if not exactly Josh Allen, whom HC Brian Daboll coached in Buffalo. Houston picks up the Giants’ second-rounder tomorrow night (34th overall) and two thirds in the deal.
26. Falcons from Los Angeles Rams – OLB/DE James Pearce Jr., Tennessee
Atlanta supercharges its pass rush, adding Pearce after previously taking Jalon Walker. Pearce had 17½ combined sacks over the past two seasons and has exceptional athleticism. He also has precisely the right build (6-5, 245) and traits for a 3-4 defense that suddenly looks much more fearsome than it has in years. Maturity questions have dogged Pearce during the pre-draft process, so this is clearly a roll of the dice by Atlanta, which gives up its 2026 first-round pick as part of the deal to get back into Round 1 tonight.
27. Baltimore Ravens – S Malaki Starks, Georgia
A cagey DB who can play deep, near the line or in the slot – think Derwin James or Brian Branch. Pairing the two-time All-American with All-Pro Kyle Hamilton instantly gives a defense too often torched by big plays in 2024 what might well be the league’s best safety tandem in 2025.
28. Detroit Lions – DT Tyleik Williams, Ohio State
The reigning NFC North champs opt for defensive reinforcements after getting wiped out by injuries on that side of the ball by the end of last season. And with DT Alim McNeill recovering from a torn ACL that could shelve him for part of the upcoming campaign, taking Williams – maybe a little earlier than some draft observers expected – makes sense here.
29. Washington Commanders – OT Josh Conerly Jr., Oregon
After springing for veteran LT Laremy Tunsil in a trade last month, GM Adam Peters adds another bodyguard for QB Jayden Daniels, last season’s Offensive Rookie of the Year. Conerly (6-5, 311) allowed just two sacks in two years as a starter for the Ducks.
30. Buffalo Bills – CB Maxwell Hairston, Kentucky
Christian Benford recently landed an extension, but this defense needed another outside corner. Not only was Hairston (4.28 40 time) the only player to outrun Golden at the combine, he’s a playmaker – pilfering five passes in 2023 before struggling with injuries last season.
31. Philadelphia Eagles from Chiefs – LB Jihaad Campbell, Alabama
Is he an edge rusher? Is he an off-ball backer? Does it matter given the champs could use help at both spots after the departure of OLB Josh Sweat during free agency and the knee injury LB Nakobe Dean suffered in the playoffs? A first-team All-SEC standout in 2024, Campbell is recovering from recent shoulder surgery himself, but EVP/GM Howie Roseman surrendered a fifth-rounder to get him in a pick swap with the Chiefs anyway, adding another SEC stud to his roster.
32. Kansas City Chiefs from Eagles – OT Josh Simmons, Ohio State
They couldn’t keep winging it at left tackle. Eventually, QB Patrick Mahomes was going to get supremely frustrated – or worse. Simmons, a large (6-5, 317) and very strong man, likely would have been a top-10 selection had he not suffered a torn patellar tendon last season. He seems on track to be ready for the upcoming campaign but should easily be worth the wait if not – and that could mean productive time for recently signed OT Jaylon Moore to prove he can hold down a spot on the left or right side of K.C.’s evolving O-line.
How to watch the NFL draft:
The 2025 draft will be broadcast on NFL Network, ESPN, ESPN2 and ABC and streamed on NFL+, ESPN+ or Fubo, which comes with a free trial over the next three days:
Thursday, April 24 (Round 1 starts 8 p.m. ET): NFL Network, ESPN, ABC (Watch FREE on Fubo)
Friday, April 25 (Rounds 2-3 start 7 p.m. ET): NFL Network, ESPN2, ABC (Watch FREE on Fubo)
Saturday, April 26 (Rounds 4-7 start 12 p.m. ET): NFL Network, ESPN, ABC (Watch FREE on Fubo)
EXCLUSIVE: Deion Sanders weighs in on criticism of son, QB Shedeur Sanders
USA TODAY Sports columnist Jarrett Bell recently went to Boulder, Colorado, and discussed several topics with Hall of Famer and University of Colorado football coach, Deion Sanders – among them the pre-draft criticism of his son, former Buffs QB Shedeur Sanders, who wasn’t picked in Round 1.
“It’s silly to us,” Deion told USA TODAY Sports during an expansive interview. “Most of it is laughable. What I told him, too, is, ‘Son, what I’ve learned in my life is when it don’t make sense, it’s God. Because some of this stuff is so stupid it don’t make sense. That means God is closing doors and opening doors to make sure you get to where you’re supposed to go.”
Is Jets RB Breece Hall among NFL vets on trade block?
The NFL draft inherently causes job security issues for veteran players as teams constantly seek younger, cheaper talent. And that might mean New York Jets RB Breece Hall is one who might be on the move, according to league reporter Josina Anderson. After finishing second to San Francisco’s Christian McCaffrey among running backs with 1,585 yards from scrimmage in 2023, Hall produced 1,359 yards in 2024. He’s now heading into the final season of his rookie contract, yet new NYJ HC Aaron Glenn has already suggested the offense could go to more of a running back by committee approach.
50* biggest NFL draft busts of last 50 years
The asterisk because I couldn’t limit this list of names, which will take you down memory lane, to just 50. One reason? Rewind four years to the 2021 draft, supposedly chock full of quarterback talent … that mostly has yet to materialize.
‘Flat-out loaded’ class of running backs?
Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty could be the first running back selected in the top five picks since the Giants tabbed Saquon Barkley second overall in 2018. Yet while Jeanty may be the headliner of this year’s RB class, there’s quite a bit of talent – and depth – behind him. Longtime draft analyst Todd McShay USA TODAY Sports: “This class is just flat-out loaded with talent. In 25 years of doing this, I haven’t seen this much high-end talent.” How much and why?
NFL draft prospect rankings
NFL draft expert Mike Middlehurst-Schwartz has been evaluating and ranking players ahead of the 2025 NFL draft. Take a dive into his overall assessment plus those of the best offensive weapons:
Top 50 big board (Feb. 25) | Top 200 big board (April 24)
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