NFL Draft 2025 Roundup

The 2025 NFL Draft shook the league with unexpected selections and bold strategies from several franchises.

While early selections followed projections, teams soon began taking chances on players experts did not foresee as first-round prospects.

This draft will be remembered for its surprises and bold moves by organizations such as the Denver Broncos, Pittsburgh Steelers, Los Angeles Chargers, Seattle Seahawks, Jacksonville Jaguars, and even the San Francisco 49ers, who emerged as this year’s biggest beneficiaries.

The draft began with the selection of top prospects as planned, but as the rounds progressed, teams began to deviate from the beaten path, opting for players with immense potential who had gone unnoticed. This unconventional approach led to a draft that defied expectations.

The Best Picks of the 2025 NFL Draft

The 2025 NFL Draft saw some highly touted prospects come off the board early. Abdul Carter, an explosive running back from Penn State, was selected third overall by the NY Giants. Carter was widely regarded as the best defensive prospect in the draft, with his combination of athleticism and production at the college level making him a tantalizing prospect.

With the number five pick, the Cleveland Browns opted for Michigan defensive tackle Mason Graham. Graham was a force on the Wolverines’ defensive line, earning All-American honors and helping the team capture a national championship. His size and disruptive skills made him an attractive option for the Browns.

Graham’s Michigan teammate, defensive tackle Kenneth Grant, also went in the first round, being taken 13th overall by the Miami Dolphins. Like Graham, Grant’s imposing physical presence and ability against the run and pass made him a valuable addition to Miami’s defensive front.

One of the most surprising first-round drops was Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders. Despite being projected as a possible first-round pick, Sanders fell to the fifth round, where the Cleveland Browns selected him.

Top Prospects by Position

Receiver: Travis Hunter (Colorado)

Hunter was recognized for his exceptional versatility, excelling at receiver and cornerback positions. His ability to impact the game on both sides of the ball made him a highly coveted prospect.

Running Back: Abdul Carter (Penn State)

Carter was unanimously considered the top-edge rusher in his draft class. His explosiveness off the line and relentless pursuit of the quarterback made him a nightmare for opposing offenses. Carter’s production at Penn State, including double-digit catch totals, solidified his status as a leading pass-rush prospect.

Defensive Tackle: Mason Graham (Michigan)

Graham, a standout defensive tackle at the University of Michigan, was praised for his consistent performance on the defensive line. Playing a vital role in the Wolverines’ journey to the national championship and receiving All-American recognition. Graham’s size, strength, and technique made him a disruptive force on the interior.

Running Back: Ashton Jeanty (Boise State)

Jeanty led the evaluations at the running back position, impressing scouts with his vision, explosiveness, and ability to create yards after contact. The Boise State product displayed a well-rounded skill set, making him a valuable asset for any team that needs a dynamic playmaker in the backfield.

Offensive Tackle: Armand Membou (Missouri)

Ardmand Membou, considered the best offensive tackle in the draft class by several analysts, was a dominant force in the trenches. His size, athleticism, and technique made him a coveted prospect for teams looking to bolster their offensive line and protect their quarterback.

Quarterback: Cam Ward (Miami)

Ward topped prospect lists at the quarterback position, showing a strong arm, pocket presence, and the ability to make plays with his feet. His performance in Miami, where he led the Hurricanes to several successful seasons, solidified his status as a potential franchise quarterback at the next level.

Quarterbacks in the 2025 Draft

The quarterback position was not in as much demand as in other years, and prospects had to be patient to learn their fate. After only five quarterbacks chosen in the first two days, two in the first round, quarterbacks had to wait until the last day to hear their names called in the 2025 NFL Draft.

The main story was the free fall suffered by Shedeur Sanders, a first-round prospect who went as high as fifth round with the Cleveland Browns. Sanders, son of NFL legend Deion Sanders, was widely expected to be a top pick, but concerns about his style of play and his father’s influence may have affected his draft position.

As Sanders patiently awaited his turn, quarterbacks like Cam Ward (Miami), Dillon Gabriel (Kansas City), Jalen Milroe (New England), Tyler Shough (Green Bay), and Jaxson Dart (Cincinnati) were picked within the first three rounds, with Ward being the initial quarterback chosen in the first round.