Honestly, if you missed the first night of the 2025 NFL draft, you missed a masterclass in chaos. We all thought we knew what was coming when the Tennessee Titans went on the clock. Everyone and their mother had Miami quarterback Cam Ward pegged for that number one spot. It made sense. It was safe. And yeah, it happened. But after that? Total mayhem.
Green Bay’s Lambeau Field was the backdrop for a night that basically threw the traditional NFL scouting handbook into a shredder. We saw a Heisman-winning "unicorn" go top two, a defensive tackle run that felt like 1995, and a star quarterback slide that left social media in a frenzy.
The Night the Titans Found Their Face
Tennessee didn't overthink it. They needed a franchise savior, and they grabbed the guy with the lightning-fast release and the "it" factor. Cam Ward is a fascinating study in perseverance. He went from a no-star recruit at Incarnate Word to the top of the mountain. NFL analysts like Daniel Flick have pointed out his elite ball placement and ability to move defenders with his eyes.
Sure, he’s got those "backyard football" habits that make coaches pull their hair out. But for a Titans team desperate for a spark, that risk-reward ratio was too juicy to pass up. He’s already being compared to Kyler Murray and Jordan Love because of that off-script magic.
Why the Jacksonville-Cleveland Trade Shocked Everyone
The real drama started at pick number two. Most people expected the Cleveland Browns to just stay put and take the best player available. Instead, they pulled off a blockbuster trade with the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Jags jumped up to grab Travis Hunter, the two-way superstar from Colorado.
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Hunter is a freak. There’s no other word for it. He’s the first true high-level two-way player (WR/CB) we’ve seen in a generation. Jaguars GM Trent Baalke clearly thinks Hunter is the missing piece to ignite that defense—or maybe the offense.
Actually, the word is he’ll focus on corner but get plenty of snaps at wideout. Think about that. You’re trying to game plan for a guy who might pick you off on one drive and then burn you for a 50-yard touchdown on the next. It’s a nightmare for defensive coordinators.
The Great Trench War of 2025
While the skill players got the headlines, the middle of round one nfl draft was dominated by the big guys. It was a "bully ball" revival.
- New England grabbed Will Campbell (OT, LSU) at four to protect Drake Maye.
- Cleveland, after trading down, still landed Mason Graham (DT, Michigan) at five.
- The Jets stayed true to form, taking Armand Membou (OT, Missouri) at seven.
It’s kinda funny how the league cycles back to basics. After years of everyone chasing the next Tyreek Hill, teams realized they couldn't throw the ball if their quarterback was running for his life. The Saints followed suit at nine with Kelvin Banks Jr. from Texas. These aren't "sexy" picks, but they are the ones that win games in December when the weather turns nasty.
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The Running Back Revolution is Back?
If you told an NFL fan five years ago that a running back would go sixth overall, they’d laugh at you. But the Las Vegas Raiders did exactly that. They took Ashton Jeanty out of Boise State.
Jeanty is a tank. He has that rare blend of contact balance and breakaway speed that reminds people of a young Saquon Barkley. Then, later in the round, the Chargers snagged Omarion Hampton at 22. It feels like the "running backs don't matter" era might finally be cooling off. Teams are looking at the success of heavy-run offenses and realizing a game-changer in the backfield is worth the first-round capital.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Giants' Strategy
The New York Giants had a wild night. They started by taking Penn State edge rusher Abdul Carter at three. Carter is a polarizing figure—some scouts love his explosive first step, while others worry about his consistency. But the real shocker? They traded back into the first round at 25 to grab Jaxson Dart, the quarterback from Ole Miss.
A lot of fans were confused. Why take a defender at three if you need a QB? Basically, Joe Schoen played the board. He got the elite pass rusher he wanted and then saw an opportunity to snag a quarterback with a high ceiling later on. Dart will likely sit behind a veteran like Russell Wilson for a bit, which is probably the best-case scenario for his development.
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The Surprise Sliders and Value Picks
Every draft has that one guy who falls further than anyone expected. This year, it was Shedeur Sanders. The hype was massive, but he slipped entirely out of the first round. Why? Some say it was the "Colorado fatigue," others point to his playing style. Regardless, his social media post that night showed he's carrying a massive chip on his shoulder now.
On the flip side, the Philadelphia Eagles did what they always do: found value late. Taking Jihaad Campbell (LB, Alabama) at 31 after a trade with the Chiefs felt like a steal. He’s a rangy, modern linebacker who fits perfectly into their defensive scheme.
Practical Next Steps for NFL Fans
Now that the dust has settled on the first round, the real work begins for these franchises. If you're looking to track how these picks actually impact your team, keep an eye on these specific milestones:
- Rookie Minicamps: This is where we first see if guys like Cam Ward can handle the speed of an NFL practice.
- OTA Participation: Watch for how many first-rounders are already "running with the ones" by June.
- The "Year 2" Jump: Most first-rounders aren't finished products. The real evaluation usually happens midway through their second season.
Don't just look at the stats. Look at the snap counts. A first-round pick who isn't playing 70% of the snaps by mid-season is usually a red flag, regardless of how much "potential" they have.