2025 NFL Draft: First Round Kicks Off with Surprises and Strategic Moves

2025 NFL Draft: First Round Kicks Off with Surprises and Strategic Moves

The 2025 NFL draft kicked off Thursday night in the historic city of Green Bay, Wisconsin, and it was nothing short of a spectacle. The Tennessee Titans made headlines by selecting Miami quarterback Cam Ward with the No. 1 overall pick. This move was anticipated by many, as Ward was widely regarded as the best quarterback in this draft class. His selection fills a significant gap in the Titans’ roster, and with 38 college games under his belt, Ward is expected to make an immediate impact. Titans coach Brian Callahan is banking on Ward’s confidence and experience to lead the team to success.

However, the draft night was not without its surprises. The New York Giants made a bold move by trading up to the No. 25 spot to select Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart, effectively pushing the Houston Texans out of the first round. This strategic maneuver by the Giants indicates their commitment to securing a promising quarterback for their future. Meanwhile, the Atlanta Falcons also made headlines by trading with the Los Angeles Rams to move back into the first round and select Tennessee defensive end James Pearce Jr.

As the draft continues, all eyes are on the remaining rounds, with Rounds 2-3 scheduled for Friday and Rounds 4-7 concluding on Saturday. ESPN’s team of reporters is diligently tracking all 257 picks, providing insights into the best available draft prospects and analyzing the pros and cons of each first-round selection.

Round 1 Picks and Analysis

• Tennessee Titans – Cam Ward, QB, Miami

  Why they picked him: Ward is the top quarterback in the draft class and addresses the Titans’ most pressing need. His experience and confidence make him a perfect fit for coach Brian Callahan’s system.

  Biggest question: Can Ward balance his playmaking ability with the risk of turnovers? The Titans need to manage his desire to take risks while ensuring offensive explosiveness.

• Jacksonville Jaguars (from Cleveland) – Travis Hunter, WR/DB, Colorado

  Why they picked him: Hunter is a dual-threat player who instantly upgrades the Jaguars’ offense. His versatility and star power are expected to boost quarterback Trevor Lawrence’s performance.

  Biggest question: How will the Jaguars utilize Hunter’s talents? They need a strategic plan to maximize his impact on both offense and defense without overworking him.

• New York Giants – Abdul Carter, DE, Penn State

  Why they picked him: Carter is a generational talent with explosive traits, drawing comparisons to All-Pro Von Miller. The Giants prioritized his potential over available quarterbacks.

  Biggest question: What is the Giants’ plan for the quarterback position? They passed on several prospects, indicating a potential move in later rounds or a strategic wait.

• New England Patriots – Will Campbell, T, LSU

  Why they picked him: Campbell is a foundational piece for the Patriots’ offensive line, addressing their need for improved blocking. His maturity and impact during the pre-draft process made him an easy choice.

  Biggest question: Is Campbell suited for the tackle position long-term? His arm length raises questions, but the Patriots plan to utilize him at tackle.

• Cleveland Browns (from Jacksonville) – Mason Graham, DT, Michigan

  Why they picked him: Graham is a top-five prospect who fits the Browns’ defensive scheme. His disruptive play style is expected to enhance the team’s pass rush.

  Biggest question: Can Graham develop into an elite pass rusher? His college sack record raises concerns, but the Browns are optimistic about his potential.

• Las Vegas Raiders – Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State

  Why they picked him: Jeanty, a Heisman Trophy finalist, addresses the Raiders’ need for a strong running game. His record-breaking college performance promises an immediate impact.

  Biggest question: What are realistic expectations for Jeanty? As a high draft pick, he is expected to be the Raiders’ primary running back and play a significant role in the offense.

• New York Jets – Armand Membou, T, Missouri

  Why they picked him: Membou is a plug-and-play tackle who complements last year’s first-round pick, Olu Fashanu. The Jets aim to build a formidable offensive line for the future.

  Biggest question: How much is too much investment in the offensive line? The Jets have prioritized linemen in recent drafts, potentially at the expense of playmakers for quarterback Justin Fields.

• Carolina Panthers – Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona

  Why they picked him: McMillan’s talent was too enticing to pass up, providing quarterback Bryce Young with a much-needed possession receiver.

  Biggest question: Can the Panthers address their defensive needs after selecting McMillan? His development as a deep threat is crucial for the team’s offensive success.

• New Orleans Saints – Kelvin Banks Jr., T, Texas

  Why they picked him: Banks strengthens the Saints’ offensive line, which struggled with injuries last season. His versatility offers options for the team’s future line-up.

  Biggest question: Where will Banks ultimately play? The Saints need to determine his best fit on the line while addressing other offensive needs.

• Chicago Bears – Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan

  Why they picked him: Loveland’s selection signals a commitment to utilizing tight ends in the Bears’ offense. His college performance suggests he can be a key target for quarterback Caleb Williams.

  Biggest question: What does Loveland’s arrival mean for Cole Kmet? The Bears must balance their tight end roles to maximize offensive creativity.

As the draft progresses, teams continue to make strategic decisions to build their rosters for the upcoming season. With a mix of expected picks and surprising moves, the 2025 NFL draft is shaping up to be an exciting event for fans and analysts alike.