Happy Draft Day Everybody. We are officially here. Time has gone by so fast, and now it’s time to grade every single draft pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. This article will start with the 1st Round.
As always, If I give a HACKENBERG Grade that is of course a failing grade. I call it a HACKENBERG as a reminder of former Jets prospect Christian Hackenberg who is the worst draft choice in New York Jets History.
I am going to even Bold it as years ago I got a lot of people tweeting at me that I was a moron, stupid, and every word in the book for grading players a HACKENBERG. Heck, I even got threats because of it. All because they thought I was comparing Anthony Richardson to Christian Hackenberg. Again, this was over a simple draft grade on one player.
Let’s get right into the grades with the Tennessee Titans now on the clock.
I select Cam Ward with this pick. No matter what, no team can succeed in the NFL without competent QB play. The Titans did not have that last season, and Will Levis clearly showed he is not a franchise QB. Cam Ward is the best QB option in this class, and with his mobility, rocket arm, and strong awareness, he has the potential to change the Titans franchise. Then again, this is the same franchise that fired their previous GM 2 years in and decided to keep Brian Callahan to coach for some reason?
The Jaguars traded a whole lot of draft picks, and that could really mean one thing: they desperately wanted Travis Hunter, who is hands down the best prospect in this class. Travis Hunter is such a unique player as he can fill two needs on both sides of the football. The Jaguars desperately needed a wide receiver and a cornerback. Have the Jaguars ever had a consistently good cornerback since Jalen Ramsey?
Now look, I get that there hasn’t been a player like Hunter in this class, but that trade has overpayment written all over it. Sending a 2026 1st and an early 2nd round pick to move up three spots is just insane. The Jags better know what they’re doing here because if this doesn’t work and the Jags don’t have a good season, then it might get ugly. As a whole, I like the player as he gets an A, but because of the trade-up I have to attach the minus symbol here.
Well, say goodbye to Kayvon Thibodeaux, Giants fans, because this pick proves the team has given up on him. It’s no wonder trade rumors have grown over the past few weeks with him. Then again, Brian Burns has not panned out as a Giant either, and there was a need at pass rush. Carter is the best one on the board, and while there is a need at QB, an argument can be made DE/EDGE is bigger. With Jalen Hurts, Jayden Daniels, and Dak Prescott in that division, rushing the passer is going to be a must with Daboll and Schoen fighting for their jobs.
Drake Maye looked impressive on a terrible offensive line, and it’s hard to keep track of how many offensive linemen were blocking for him last season. No matter what, every NFL team needs to protect the quarterback, and investing in the offensive line is a smart move. Especially at blindside tackle, and Campbell on paper is the best on the board. While his arm length is concerning, what isn’t is his athleticism. Dude also plays with a nasty mentality and reminds me of Tristan Wirfs. This pick is getting an A+.
Browns get a boat load of picks moving down 3 spots and get a much needed run stopper. Cleveland needed pretty much every position and Graham at pick 5 is just too good to pass on. Graham will help fix that defensive line and heck he has potential as a pass rusher as well. Not bad Cleveland.
Is anyone shocked that the Raiders chose Ashton Jeanty? This franchise loves speed, and Jeanty has it. The Raiders did need a running back, but to be honest, Jeanty at 6 is a bit of a reach. He plays a position that depreciates quickly, and there were many better prospects on the board. Plus, the Raiders’ o-line is a mess, and Chip Kelly as an offensive coordinator just feels gross. Jeanty is a good player, though, and he can be a weapon in this offense if developed properly.
As a Jets fan, I would rather have Tyler Warren at this spot, but Armand Membou was my number 2 pick. What killed this team a few years ago was poor offensive line play. Last year, it got a bit better with the selection of Olu Fashanu, but the Jets needed a replacement for Morgan Moses. Membou could even play guard, too, so he is perfect for his versatility. If he develops along with Fashanu, this o-line could be something special. Can’t believe I am doing this, but I am giving this an A+ Grade
Carolina is at an interesting spot as they have some intriguing pieces on this team. However, they needed a number 1 receiver in this draft, and the only great one worthy of a top 10 pick is Tetairoa McMillan. Again, I would have preferred Carolina going defense here as there were a ton of needs there, but I can’t complain about getting a receiver here for Bryce Young.
Wow, shocked the Saints didn’t select Shedeur Sanders here. Then again, this team needed a replacement for Ryan Ramczyk who had to retire due to an injury. Which blows because Ramczyk was such a great blocker. That means the Saints have to move Taliese Fuaga to right tackle and they need a left tackle. Kelvin Banks was the next best tackle, and he is a nice plug-in piece at left tackle. While they didn’t go QB, I like the pick.
Over Tyler Warren?? Why? I mean I don’t hate Colston Loveland and he has potential, but there were much better prospects available for them to pick. In fact why did Chicago go offense here? They needed a defensive player badly. Cole Kmet and Colston Loveland is an interesting Tight End duo though and it gives Caleb Williams a weapon. Its not getting a HACKENBERG grade, but its definitely getting a D grade.
Sorry Eagles fans, Mykel Williams isn’t going to fall that far. I’d rather have Jalon Walker or Shemar Stewart at this spot, but Williams makes sense too. Especially with his celling being a lot higher, and the 49ers needing a pass rusher, it makes sense. Heck Williams is a solid schematic pick in general for the 49ers and it makes sense why they went in this direction.
Never Change Jerry. I mean what the heck is Dallas even doing anymore? They have long lost the plot with building this team. They decide to choose Tyler Booker? Did they not see how bad he performed at the combine? Heck guard wasn’t even a big need for this franchise. I get building the offensive line, but this team is not a blocker away form competing. This pick makes no sense.
The Dolphins’ interior defensive line has been in shambles since the organization lost Christian Wilkins via free agency a few years ago. Kenneth Grant has been rising on draft boards, and there have been rumors that some teams preferred him over Mason Graham. Miami had no choice but to go Grant here. Yes, they have needs on offense and have a tremendous piece of work as their number 1 receiver, and their defense got better as a whole here.
Absolutely the right choice for the Colts. This team needed another weapon for Anthony Richardson to throw to, and they got a player who should have gone in the Top 10. No brainer A+ grade and very great start for the Colts in this draft,
It’s about time the Falcons started addressing their issues at DE/EDGE. They have needed a pass rusher badly, and it was bizarre that Atlanta was doing nothing to fix it. Until now and Atlanta has had plenty of choices to choose here. They played it smart and took the best one on the board in Jalon Walker, who arguably should have gone a few picks previously.
Walter Nolan is an intriguing pick for the Cardinals. He has a lot of talent with being both a run stopper and a pass rusher. While consistency and work ethic are noticeable red flags, the potential for greatness is there. Plus, he has a great mentor in Calais Campbell who can help guide him in his development. It will be interesting to see him and Darius Robinson on the defensive line for this team. If both develop well, that Cardinals defensive line could be scary.
Besides Trey Hendrickson, name me another consistently good player on this defense. Exactly, you can’t, and Hendrickson is negotiating a new contract with the Bengals. Who knows if Hendrickson will be in the long-term plans for the Bengals? Hopefully, Stewart will pan out as a first-round pick compared to Myles Murphy. Stewart has so much potential, and with how terrible that defense is, he’s an upgrade.
Seattle is beefing up that offensive line to protect Sam Darnold. I like it, and Zabel is such a great pick. Just rewatch his tape at the Senior Bowl, this dude can block. He has a great posture, plays with a nasty mentality, and is very versatile. While the goal for Seattle here was probably to trade down, getting Zabel is a great Plan B. Not bad, Seattle, have an A+ grade.
Woah? Did not expect Tampa to take Emeka Egbuka. Look Egbuka is a terrific player, but why draft a receiver when they just extended Chris Godwin and drafted Jalen McMillan last year? McMillan was very underrated, too, on this offense as well. Are the Tampa preparing themselves for when Mike Evans chooses to retire? I don’t know about this pick, it’s not HACKENBERG level of a bad pick, but it feels like a grade in the D+ range.
The Broncos needed one more piece on that defense, including a cornerback. They got exposed last season against the Browns in the regular season and were dreadful against the Buffalo Browns in the playoffs. Jahdae Barron is one of my favorite prospects, and he fits perfectly on a Sean Payton-coached team. He reminds me of Marshon Lattimore with the way he plays, and the sky is the limit for Barron on this team.
Freaking LOL. I find it funny that many believed this franchise was going to draft a QB in round 1. It’s clear that Aaron Rodgers is going to join Pittsburgh, it’s no longer if, but when at this point. Yes, this team needs a QB of the future, but many forget Cameron Heyward is turning 36 years old in a few days. The Steelers need to prepare for his replacement, and Derrick Harmon makes sense. He would have been a higher pick if he didn’t have medical concerns, but when healthy, Harmon is a great player.
Chargers going running back here is a bit of a reach, but it’s understandable why the Chargers went in this direction. Jim Harbaugh loves to run with his offense, and Justin Herbert could use another weapon to utilize on offense. Hampton provides a much-needed boost for this offense, and while there were much better options, Hampton isn’t a tremendous reach. Him an Najee Harris is an interesting RB duo to watch out for.
The first time the Packers have drafted a wide receiver in Round 1 since 2002. It’s about time, too, because Green Bay desperately needs another wide receiver for Jordan Love to throw to. With Christian Watson recovering from his ACL, they could use one, and Golden has the athletic skills to fit well in this offense. Josh Jacobs is happy with this pick as he publicly called on Green Bay to draft a receiver. Well, they listened and they made a really solid choice.
The Vikings Interior O-line was a weakness last season and a top goal for the Vikings was to improve. Well mission accomplished as they signed Ryan Kelly at center, and signed Will Fries at Guard. Well Vikings didn’t stop there as the Vikings went with Donovan Jackson who is a very underrated prospect. JJ McCarthy is going to get plenty of time with the o-line protecting him and Jackson is a solid option. A bit surprising they didn’t go with Nick Emmanwori here, but that’s a nitpick
Had to be done as jobs are on the line here, and the Giants have no long-term franchise QB. The Giants need to win and do it now. I am not a tremendous fan of Dart, but he has a high ceiling. Brian Daboll was a big supporter of his, as it’s clear he sees Josh Allen 2.0 here, as Dart has been compared to him. They better hope he develops well and quickly.
I guess Atlanta took my comments on their earlier pick personally, because the Falcons decided to double down, taking another pass rusher at this spot. This time, it is James Pearce who was one of my top-ranked prospects on the board. Until the character concerns started popping up, and his draft stock fell further. Atlanta is going risky here trading their first-round pick next year to get him, and it’s worth it if Pearce can live up to his potential. As for the Rams, those two first-round picks are going to be huge if they want to trade up for Archie Manning.
I would rather have Nick Emmanwori at safety, as he could be utilized at a linebacker role too like Kyle Hamilton last season. However, Malakai Starks is a fine choice, too. Baltimore needed anything at the secondary as they got exposed during the playoffs. Hamilton will have a firm position at linebacker permanently, and Starks can play at safety for the team. Not bad, Baltimore.
Ehh, not a big fan of this pick. Look I get the reasoning as Detroit needed a depth piece at defensive tackle as they were ravaged with injuries last year, but there were much better players at this spot. Plus I had Williams as a 2nd/3rd round prospect in this class. so it is definitely a reach. The Lions see something in Williams that I don’t. Its a bit of a bizarre pick, but it is not a horrendous pick.
The Commanders might have traded for Laremy Tunsil, but why did they use a first-round pick on Josh Conerly? Well, number 1 is the Commanders’ o-line is still a mess on the right side of the ball. Number 2 Conerly has versatility, and he could be plugged in at guard while Sam Cosmi recovers from his Torn ACL. Number 3, he helps protect Jayden Daniels, and there is nothing wrong with a franchise doing that unless they reached like Dallas did earlier with Tyler Booker. He may be a little raw, but in time, Conerly could be a nice blocker for the long term.
Dang, the Las Vegas Raiders must be angry with one of the fastest prospects being off the board. On a serious note, this pick makes sense as the Bills need help at cornerback. Especially as Kaiir Elam didn’t pan out as a previous first-round pick. This is also a schematic pick as one of Hairston’s best fits was on this Bills defense. His athleticism and recovery are off the charts, and it’s a really good pick.
Yep, with Nakobe Dean recovering from an injury he suffered in the playoffs, its unlikely he is going to be ready for Week 1. The Eagles are trading up one spot to get him. Honestly, I forgot he was still on the board and its stunning that he wasn’t taken earlier with how talented he was on the field. Might be because of the injury issues, but when healthy this dude has talent. If he can remain healthy, the Eagles got another piece to that stacked defense.
Yeah after that Superbowl performance, might be best to build up the offensive line and protect Patrick Mahomes. Josh Simmons is a really good tackle that could have went earlier. Two problem with Simmons is he has a habit committing way to many penalties and has had durability issues. He is going into a good spot and with some great coaching and maintain health, he should be a good blocker for this Chiefs squad.
That Concludes the 1st Round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Also concludes my live draft grades for the 1st Round. I will be back tomorrow for more Grades in this draft. My question is, do you agree with these grades? What are your grades? Let me know, and don’t forget to like the article. Check out other NFL content at Stadium Rant as well.
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