Opening day of the 2025 NFL Draft saw significant excitement as teams made their picks with strategic foresight aimed at reinforcing their rosters. The Tennessee Titans picked quarterback Cam Ward with the first overall selection, marking a pivotal moment in the franchise’s future. The Miami product had long been regarded as a top prospect, displaying remarkable talent and leadership during his college career. As NFL commissioner Roger Goodell announced his name first among the draftees, it became clear that expectations were being met without any last-minute surprises, solidifying Ward’s status as a cornerstone for the Titans.
This selection made history, signifying the 40th occurrence where NFL teams chose a quarterback with the No. 1 pick since the inaugural Draft took place in 1936. The decision reflects the league’s ongoing emphasis on securing elite signal-callers, as they are often viewed as the most critical position on the field.
Close on Ward’s heels, the Jacksonville Jaguars made a pivotal trade with the Cleveland Browns to orchestrate a leap from the fifth to the second spot, where they selected two-position star Travis Hunter. The Heisman Trophy winner from Colorado drew attention not only for his exceptional ability as a wide receiver but also for his skills as a cornerback. This dual-threat capability renders him a thrilling addition to the Jaguars’ roster, demonstrating that he could potentially revolutionize the receiver and defensive back positions at the professional level.
Remarkably, Hunter’s path to this point in his career has been unprecedented, as he logged over 700 snaps in both offensive and defensive roles during the 2024 season, showcasing his versatility and stamina. The Jaguars did not simply acquire Hunter; they also received crucial draft assets, including a fourth-round and a sixth-round pick, along with the satisfaction of selecting a standout player capable of impacting games on both sides of the ball.
In a surprising move, Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders—who is the son of Hall of Famer Deion Sanders—did not find his name called during the first round. His absence from the opening round created discussions about where his career might head next, as many analysts had previously expected him to be contending for a top selection.
At the third overall pick, the New York Giants turned their attention to strengthening their defense by selecting edge rusher Abdul Carter from Penn State. The Giants’ decision illustrates their commitment to bolstering their defensive line, as they look to enhance their ability to pressure opposing quarterbacks effectively. In another savvy move, the Giants traded with the Houston Texans, jumping back into the first round to select Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart at the 25th spot, thereby adding depth and potential to their quarterback room.
Meanwhile, the New England Patriots addressed their offensive line needs by selecting LSU left tackle Will Campbell with the fourth pick. This move reflects their intent to improve protection for quarterback Drake Maye, the third overall pick from the previous year’s draft, illustrating a foundational approach as they rebuild their offensive line.
The Las Vegas Raiders remained resolute at the sixth pick, opting for Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty. Jeanty’s college statistics were impressive, rushing for a staggering 2,601 yards and 29 touchdowns in the 2024 season. With the Raiders struggling with rushing offense—ranking last in the league with only 1,357 total yards—they hope Jeanty can inject new life into their ground game.
Lastly, the Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles made a strategic move by trading up one spot from No. 32 to select Alabama linebacker Jihaad Campbell. By including their fifth-round pick in the deal with the Kansas City Chiefs, the Eagles aimed to fortify their defense further, adding a player who can impact the game with both his speed and instinct.
The 2025 NFL Draft’s opening day thus showcased teams’ ambitions and strategies as they sought to carve out their paths for the upcoming season while also underscoring how the decisions made today will resonate for years to come in the landscape of the league.
NFL Draft: Full first-round selections
| 1. Tennessee Titans: Cam Ward, QB |
| 2. Jacksonville Jaguars (from Browns): Travis Hunter, CB/WR |
| 3. New York Giants: Abdul Carter, DE |
| 4. New England Patriots: Will Campbell, OT |
| 5. Cleveland Browns: Mason Graham, DT |
| 6. Las Vegas Raiders: Ashton Jeanty, RB |
| 7. New York Jets: Armand Membou, OT |
| 8. Carolina Panthers: Tetairoa McMillan, WR |
| 9. New Orleans Saints: Kelvin Banks Jr, OT |
| 10. Chicago Bears: Colston Loveland, TE |
| 11. San Francisco 49ers: Mykel Williams, DE |
| 12. Dallas Cowboys: Tyler Booker, OG |
| 13. Miami Dolphins: Kenneth Grant, DT |
| 14. Indianapolis Colts: Tyler Warren, TE |
| 15. Atlanta Falcons: Jalon Walker, LB |
| 16. Arizona Cardinals: Walter Nolen, DT |
| 17. Cincinnati Bengals: Shemar Stewart, DE |
| 18. Seattle Seahawks: Grey Zabel, OG |
| 19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Emeka Egbuka, WR |
| 20. Denver Broncos: Jahdae Barron, CB |
| 21. Pittsburgh Steelers: Derrick Harmon, DT |
| 22. Los Angeles Chargers: Omarion Hampton, RB |
| 23. Green Bay Packers: Matthew Golden, WR |
| 24. Minnesota Vikings: Donovan Jackson, OG |
| 25. New York Giants (from Texans): Jaxson Dart, QB |
| 26.. Atlanta Falcons (from LA Rams): James Pearce Jr, DE |
| 27. Baltimore Ravens: Malaki Starks, S |
| 28. Detroit Lions: Tyleik Williams, DT |
| 29. Washington Commanders: Josh Conerly Jr, OT |
| 30. Buffalo Bills: Maxwell Hairston, CB |
| 31. Philadelphia Eagles (from Chiefs): Jihaad Campbell, LB |
| 32. Kansas City Chiefs: Josh Simmons, OT |
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