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The first round of the 2025 NFL Draft is behind us, as most all of the league's 32 teams have new rookies to help them on game days.
Grading NFL Draft picks is a tricky proposition, as foresight never gives us the best analysis of how a draft pick will perform for their respective team. That's why, in these team grades, we will abstain from giving any "D" or "F" grades, if only because that's unfair to a decision that might make that team looks smart down the road.
2025 NFL DRAFT: Every team's biggest needs, from the Titans to the Eagles
Using the variations of "A," "B" and "C," we've gone through all 32 teams and assessed them grades for how they performed in the first round of this year's draft. We're some of these grades will age like sour milk, as that's basically how most draft grades develop over time.
NFL DRAFT BUSTS: Every NFL team's worst first-round pick (from Ryan Leaf to Mitch Trubisky)
For now, this takes our temperature on this first round and how it treated all 32 NFL teams.
Nolen has as much potential as any player in this draft class, and he was a late riser in draft murmurs going into Thursday night. The Cardinals need more defensive line help, and getting Nolen in the same building as future Hall of Famer Calais Campbell is just such an excellent move for Arizona. Campbell will undoubtedly take Nolen under his wing and teach him how to be a pro, which should go a long way for the first rounder.
Grade: A
After breaking the 2024 NFL Draft by taking quarterback Michael Penix Jr., the Falcons decided to finally take a defensive player in Georgia outside linebacker Jalon Walker. You cannot overstate how badly the Falcons needed a player like Walker, one with elite potential as a pass-rusher and in coverage as a traditional linebacker. Walker wasn't expected to be at No. 15 when Atlanta picked, but this is genuine jubilance for the Falcons. With defensive tackle Grady Jarrett headed to the Chicago Bears, the Falcons might just have landed the new leader for its defense in Walker.
But that's not all! The Falcons shocked the NFL world once again by trading back into the first round to take Tennessee outside linebacker James Pearce Jr. Pearce might have the highest upside of any pass-rusher in this class outside of Abdul Carter, and the Falcons reportedly vetted any character concerns before deciding to mortgage a 2026 first-round pick and trade up to get him late in the first round.
If Walker and Pearce both live up to their sky-high potentials, the Falcons might be the biggest winners in this draft on the defensive side of the ball.
Grade: A+
The Ravens added yet another impressive piece to their secondary in Starks, who is as pro-ready as any defender in this draft class. Starks will step in right away and provide Baltimore with formidable play. This feels like one of those Ravens draft picks we'll look back on in a few years and envy for where they got Starks.
Grade: A
The Bills needed secondary help, and Hairston is a speedy cornerback with plenty of potential in Buffalo. The Bills will undoubtedly want to ease Hairston into his pro career, but he's got all the tools to eventually develop into a really strong starter. We're curious as to how fast he will get on the field, but the potential is there.
Grade: B+
Carolina quarterback Bryce Young just got a new best friend, as the Panthers added to their offense with the formidable McMillan. The Panthers really need more firepower on defense, but helping Young out in the passing game is paramount for his continued development. McMillan has the ceiling of a player like Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London, so Panthers fans should be excited about this pick if McMillan can reach his potential. Even so, you can't blame Carolina for focusing on offense. This is a very solid selection.
Grade: B+
Loveland is a very good player, but the Bears already have tight end Cole Kmet on the roster. We're sure new Chicago coach Ben Johnson will find creative ways to use Loveland in the passing game. Quarterback Caleb Williams should also benefit from Loveland's arrival in the Windy City. However, it's a deep tight end class, and the Bears could have taken one of the top defensive linemen. However, we won't be too hard on the Bears since Loveland's ceiling is high and the fit is good for what Johnson wants to do on offense.
Grade: B
Stewart is as athletically gifted as any defensive linemen this decade, but his production at Texas A&M never quite matched his absurd athleticism. The Bengals will be tasked with helping Stewart achieve his potential, but the rookie's job will be much, much harder if Cincinnati trades away defensive end Trey Hendrickson.
If Hendrickson works out a new deal with the Bengals, it will allow Stewart to learn from one of the best defenders in the NFL and not have to take on so much pressure right away. We're not sure what Stewart's floor is right now, but his ceiling really is as high as you could imagine. He fills a major need, so we like the fit. However, keeping Hendrickson in the fold would help Stewart ease into the NFL much more smoothly.
Grade: B+
Cleveland fans are going to have to watch Travis Hunter highlights for the next decade-plus and dream of what could have been, but the Browns added a first-round pick for 2026 to ease the sting. Graham is a perfectly solid consolation prize. He was widely considered one of the safest picks in this draft class. Graham should do well playing next to Myles Garrett, and this was a position of need for Cleveland. It's hard to blame the team for beefing up the trenches, but the context is hard to ignore. We won't knock Cleveland for playing it safe.
Grade: B+
The Cowboys really needed to replace future Hall of Famer Zack Martin, and Booker should slot in right away as a starter for Dallas. He's a pretty rocksteady prospect, and Dallas has a great history of drafting offensive linemen. Sure, a pass-catcher would have been nice, but Booker should earn his Cowboys draft status.
Grade: A
Sure, the Broncos didn't take a running back, but they did take one of the best defensive backs in this class in Barron. He should be a really fun chess piece for the secondary, as Denver's ferocious defense will only be better with Barron in the fold. He's such a flexible terror for an already great defense, so we really like this.
Grade: A
The Lions adding to the defensive line makes a lot of sense, and Williams has lots of promise against the run and in collapsing the pocket as an interior rusher. Detroit loves to add in the trenches, and this looks like yet another very solid addition for the NFC contenders. Williams should fit right in with Detroit's defense.
Grade: B+
The Packers finally ended the first-round wide receiver drought by taking Golden, who emerged as the top receiver on that excellent Texas team last year. Green Bay needed a top-flight receiver, and Golden will give quarterback Jordan Love plenty of help in the passing game. Packers fans sure loved this. We love it, too.
Grade: A
We'll be honest. We hate this for Houston. The team really needed to stay put and take an offensive tackle, but now they'll move back into the second round and only have two new third rounders to show for it (one of those in 2026). What is the value here for Houston? It really feels like the Texans could have gotten more, particularly considering what the Los Angeles Rams got for trading out of their first rounder one pick later. The Chiefs taking tackle Josh Simmons has to sting, as he would have been a perfect fit for what Houston needs. Bleh.
Grade: C-
See a need; fill a need. Warren is exactly what the doctor ordered for Indianapolis. It desperately needed a good starting tight end to help Anthony Richardson in the passing game. The Colts having Warren fall to No. 14 reminds us of when Indianapolis saw defensive end Laiatu Latu fall to them last year. Indianapolis should be thankful that the draft board fell this way for them. This is a huge win for a Colts team that needed a tight end.
Grade: A+
The Jaguars got this year's draft really cooking by sending a draft package, including a 2026 first-round pick, to the Browns for the right to draft the two-way Colorado standout Hunter. Of course, Hunter is an NFL superstar in the making. The Jaguars adding him to an offense with wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. should really help Trevor Lawrence and put some points on the board in Duval. He will also likely play packages on defense in the secondary and thrive there, too.
Giving up a first-round pick next year stings a bit, but Jacksonville made one of the biggest splashes of the night by adding perhaps the draft's best player. We're not over the moon about losing next year's first rounder, but adding Hunter in and of itself is a slam dunk. Jaguars fans are in for a show with Hunter coming to town.
Grade: A
The Chiefs really needed to find a long-term solution at left tackle to protect quarterback Patrick Mahomes, and Simmons should eventually fill that role for Kansas City. Kansas City signed tackle Jaylon Moore to a lucrative contract in free agency, so Simmons might sit for a year before presumably taking over in 2026. However, the Chiefs, of any team in the NFL, can afford to let their first-round pick sit for a season.
Grade: A
Outside of Hunter, there might not be a safer player in this draft class than Jeanty. He's a generational talent at running back who should immediately boost a Raiders offense desperate for star power. To be honest, Jeanty has such a ceiling that he might end the 2024 season as Las Vegas' best player. For Pete Carroll, winning right away will be easier with Jeanty in the backfield. This is a home run for the Raiders to add a future superstar.
Grade: A+
The Chargers could have gone any which way with this draft selection, and adding Hampton will absolutely help Jim Harbaugh fulfill his football dream of running the football with attitude. Hampton is one of the best running backs in this draft class, and Los Angeles should get him on the field right away. We should have expected Harbaugh and company might be intrigued by one of the top running backs in this class.
Grade: A
The Rams were one of the only NFL teams not to take a player during this year's first round, instead opting to trade the pick away to the Falcons in exchange for Atlanta's second rounder, a 2025 seventh rounder and a 2026 first rounder. What Los Angeles does with that new second-round pick will be mighty interesting, but you can't ever fault a team for picking up future draft capital in a move like this. It's just tough to wait for Rams fans.
Grade: A-
Grant is the Christian Wilkins replacement Miami has needed in the middle of its defense and has a promising ceiling. However, Miami's offensive line is a question going into the fall, and there were some good offensive linemen on the board. We really do like the player, but you wonder if Miami should have focused on the other side of the trenches. None the matter, Grant should start right away and make in impact as a rookie.
Grade: B
The Vikings needed help on the offensive line, and Jackson should immediately step in and fill a guard spot for Minnesota. The team really needed to prioritize the blocking if quarterback J.J. McCarthy takes over this fall, so standing pat and taking a player like Jackson was the smart move. We like this for Minnesota.
Grade: A
The Patriots made the safe play and lock down quarterback Drake Maye's future left tackle in Campbell. While arm length has been a concern for Campbell, he should be a legitimate upgrade for what Maye needs to stay upright in the pocket. New Patriots coach Mike Vrabel loves winning in the trenches, and Campbell gives New England needed stability on the offensive line. This is a great pick to keep Maye's development right on track.
Grade: A
The Saints spent another first-round pick on an offensive tackle in Banks, who should give New Orleans two very promising bookends on the offensive line alongside 2024 first rounder Taliese Fuaga. Banks is a work-in-progress, but he should develop into a steady starter for the long haul. New Orleans needed more help on the defensive line, but Banks has a high ceiling to help the Saints offense for years to come.
Grade:A-
The Giants bolstered up their defensive line with the best pass-rushing prospect in this class with Carter. A New York defensive line featuring Carter, Brian Burns, Kayvon Thibodeaux and Dexter Lawrence is going to give offensive lines nightmares this fall. He was the best player on the board when New York picked, and the Giants building up their defense with an elite pass-rushing prospect sounds like a great idea to us.
Dart is a bit of a tougher decision to analyze. In a class that wasn't hyped up for its quarterback prospects, the former Ole Miss starter will have his work cut out for him once he eventually steps into the starting lineup. We don't expect Dart to play in 2025 with Russell Wilson on the roster, but his eventual success or failure will likely determine the fates of coach Brian Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen. Why not take Shedeur Sanders here for a developmental quarterback, who arguably has a higher ceiling? All about preference, we suppose.
Grade: A-/B+ (A for Carter, B for Dart)
The Jets added a new right tackle in Membou, who should step in and start right away with 2024 first-round pick Olu Fashanu at left tackle. New York should have really strong bookends going forward for its rebuild, which is what you want for a team in transition. Building through the trenches is never a bad idea, and quarterback Justin Fields should enjoy having two young, promising tackles to grow with in New York.
Grade: A
Eagles general manager Howie Roseman can't keep doing this! Campbell has all the potential to become an All-Pro talent in the NFL, and the Eagles will absolutely put him in the best position to succeed. The team only had to bump up one spot in the draft and give up a fifth-round pick via trade to land an absolute star in the making. Howie does it again. Philadelphia continues its winning ways in the NFL Draft. What's new?
Grade: A+
Harmon is a classic Steelers draft pick, and he'll get tutelage from one of the best defensive linemen of all time in Cameron Heyward. Pittsburgh's terrifying defensive line will only get better with Harmon in the rotation. Sure, we have no idea what Pittsburgh is going to do at quarterback, but their defense should still be amazing.
Grade:A
The former Georgia Bulldog will join a San Francisco defensive line needing talent to help Nick Bosa. Williams should enter the league with an instant ability to play the run and plenty of room to grow in rushing the passer. This 49ers team is in a state of transition, and Williams is a really nice fit for what San Fran needs up front. He is raw and probably won't dominate right away, but his potential is through the roof. This makes lots of sense.
Grade:A
The Seahawks needed offensive line help with new quarterback Sam Darnold in town, and Zabel should slot in right away as a starter at guard. Seattle choosing to invest in the offensive line is a smart move for maximizing the Darnold signing, and Zabel has the ceiling of a long-term starter. This is really good business for Seattle.
Grade: A
The Buccaneers might have the best trio of receivers in the NFL after drafting Egbuka with their first-round pick. While the team ignoring the defense is pretty surprising, Egbuka is as safe of a wide receiver as you can find in this draft class. Tampa Bay is going to be a menace in the passing game this fall. Plus, Egbuka has the long-term stability to help replace Mike Evans and Chris Godwin once their playing days are done. This is a luxury pick for the Bucs offense, and a great one at that. However, what this means for the defense is curious.
Grade: A-
The Titans didn't overthink it. The team, desperate for any stability at quarterback, didn't try to get cute and waste the rarity of having the top draft pick. Tennessee wisely brought quarterback Cam Ward to Nashville to see if he can be the heir apparent to Steve McNair, the last drafted Titans quarterback to settle in as a long-term starter. Ward isn't a lock as a prospect, but he gives the Titans real hope at the position. If the Titans had traded down, we'd be singing a different tune. They did the right thing, and good on them for it.
Grade: A+
The Commanders choosing to add a future right tackle for quarterback Jayden Daniels is very admirable, as Conerly will probably sit behind tackle Andrew Wylie in 2025 to take over in 2026. Heck, maybe he will give Wylie a run for his money for the starting right tackle job. Sure, a contending team like Washington could really have used an instant impact player, and Conerly is no lock to start this fall. However, we like the player and fit.
Grade: B+
This article originally appeared on For The Win: 2025 NFL Draft: First-round overall grades for all 32 teams
Continue reading...
Grading NFL Draft picks is a tricky proposition, as foresight never gives us the best analysis of how a draft pick will perform for their respective team. That's why, in these team grades, we will abstain from giving any "D" or "F" grades, if only because that's unfair to a decision that might make that team looks smart down the road.
2025 NFL DRAFT: Every team's biggest needs, from the Titans to the Eagles
Using the variations of "A," "B" and "C," we've gone through all 32 teams and assessed them grades for how they performed in the first round of this year's draft. We're some of these grades will age like sour milk, as that's basically how most draft grades develop over time.
NFL DRAFT BUSTS: Every NFL team's worst first-round pick (from Ryan Leaf to Mitch Trubisky)
For now, this takes our temperature on this first round and how it treated all 32 NFL teams.
Arizona Cardinals: Ole Miss DT Walter Nolen
Nolen has as much potential as any player in this draft class, and he was a late riser in draft murmurs going into Thursday night. The Cardinals need more defensive line help, and getting Nolen in the same building as future Hall of Famer Calais Campbell is just such an excellent move for Arizona. Campbell will undoubtedly take Nolen under his wing and teach him how to be a pro, which should go a long way for the first rounder.
Grade: A
Atlanta Falcons: Georgia OLB Jalon Walker, Tennessee OLB James Pearce Jr.
After breaking the 2024 NFL Draft by taking quarterback Michael Penix Jr., the Falcons decided to finally take a defensive player in Georgia outside linebacker Jalon Walker. You cannot overstate how badly the Falcons needed a player like Walker, one with elite potential as a pass-rusher and in coverage as a traditional linebacker. Walker wasn't expected to be at No. 15 when Atlanta picked, but this is genuine jubilance for the Falcons. With defensive tackle Grady Jarrett headed to the Chicago Bears, the Falcons might just have landed the new leader for its defense in Walker.
But that's not all! The Falcons shocked the NFL world once again by trading back into the first round to take Tennessee outside linebacker James Pearce Jr. Pearce might have the highest upside of any pass-rusher in this class outside of Abdul Carter, and the Falcons reportedly vetted any character concerns before deciding to mortgage a 2026 first-round pick and trade up to get him late in the first round.
If Walker and Pearce both live up to their sky-high potentials, the Falcons might be the biggest winners in this draft on the defensive side of the ball.
Grade: A+
Baltimore Ravens: Georgia S Malaki Starks
The Ravens added yet another impressive piece to their secondary in Starks, who is as pro-ready as any defender in this draft class. Starks will step in right away and provide Baltimore with formidable play. This feels like one of those Ravens draft picks we'll look back on in a few years and envy for where they got Starks.
Grade: A
Buffalo Bills: Kentucky CB Maxwell Hairston
The Bills needed secondary help, and Hairston is a speedy cornerback with plenty of potential in Buffalo. The Bills will undoubtedly want to ease Hairston into his pro career, but he's got all the tools to eventually develop into a really strong starter. We're curious as to how fast he will get on the field, but the potential is there.
Grade: B+
Carolina Panthers: Arizona WR Tetairoa McMillan
Carolina quarterback Bryce Young just got a new best friend, as the Panthers added to their offense with the formidable McMillan. The Panthers really need more firepower on defense, but helping Young out in the passing game is paramount for his continued development. McMillan has the ceiling of a player like Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London, so Panthers fans should be excited about this pick if McMillan can reach his potential. Even so, you can't blame Carolina for focusing on offense. This is a very solid selection.
Grade: B+
Chicago Bears: TE Colston Loveland
Loveland is a very good player, but the Bears already have tight end Cole Kmet on the roster. We're sure new Chicago coach Ben Johnson will find creative ways to use Loveland in the passing game. Quarterback Caleb Williams should also benefit from Loveland's arrival in the Windy City. However, it's a deep tight end class, and the Bears could have taken one of the top defensive linemen. However, we won't be too hard on the Bears since Loveland's ceiling is high and the fit is good for what Johnson wants to do on offense.
Grade: B
Cincinnati Bengals: Texas A&M DE Shemar Stewart
Stewart is as athletically gifted as any defensive linemen this decade, but his production at Texas A&M never quite matched his absurd athleticism. The Bengals will be tasked with helping Stewart achieve his potential, but the rookie's job will be much, much harder if Cincinnati trades away defensive end Trey Hendrickson.
If Hendrickson works out a new deal with the Bengals, it will allow Stewart to learn from one of the best defenders in the NFL and not have to take on so much pressure right away. We're not sure what Stewart's floor is right now, but his ceiling really is as high as you could imagine. He fills a major need, so we like the fit. However, keeping Hendrickson in the fold would help Stewart ease into the NFL much more smoothly.
Grade: B+
Cleveland Browns: Michigan DT Mason Graham
Cleveland fans are going to have to watch Travis Hunter highlights for the next decade-plus and dream of what could have been, but the Browns added a first-round pick for 2026 to ease the sting. Graham is a perfectly solid consolation prize. He was widely considered one of the safest picks in this draft class. Graham should do well playing next to Myles Garrett, and this was a position of need for Cleveland. It's hard to blame the team for beefing up the trenches, but the context is hard to ignore. We won't knock Cleveland for playing it safe.
Grade: B+
Dallas Cowboys: Alabama OG Tyler Booker
The Cowboys really needed to replace future Hall of Famer Zack Martin, and Booker should slot in right away as a starter for Dallas. He's a pretty rocksteady prospect, and Dallas has a great history of drafting offensive linemen. Sure, a pass-catcher would have been nice, but Booker should earn his Cowboys draft status.
Grade: A
Denver Broncos: Texas DB Jahdae Barron
Sure, the Broncos didn't take a running back, but they did take one of the best defensive backs in this class in Barron. He should be a really fun chess piece for the secondary, as Denver's ferocious defense will only be better with Barron in the fold. He's such a flexible terror for an already great defense, so we really like this.
Grade: A
Detroit Lions: Ohio State DT Tyleik Williams
The Lions adding to the defensive line makes a lot of sense, and Williams has lots of promise against the run and in collapsing the pocket as an interior rusher. Detroit loves to add in the trenches, and this looks like yet another very solid addition for the NFC contenders. Williams should fit right in with Detroit's defense.
Grade: B+
Green Bay Packers: Texas WR Matthew Golden
The Packers finally ended the first-round wide receiver drought by taking Golden, who emerged as the top receiver on that excellent Texas team last year. Green Bay needed a top-flight receiver, and Golden will give quarterback Jordan Love plenty of help in the passing game. Packers fans sure loved this. We love it, too.
Grade: A
Houston Texans: Two third-round picks, one of those in 2026
We'll be honest. We hate this for Houston. The team really needed to stay put and take an offensive tackle, but now they'll move back into the second round and only have two new third rounders to show for it (one of those in 2026). What is the value here for Houston? It really feels like the Texans could have gotten more, particularly considering what the Los Angeles Rams got for trading out of their first rounder one pick later. The Chiefs taking tackle Josh Simmons has to sting, as he would have been a perfect fit for what Houston needs. Bleh.
Grade: C-
Indianapolis Colts: Penn State TE Tyler Warren
See a need; fill a need. Warren is exactly what the doctor ordered for Indianapolis. It desperately needed a good starting tight end to help Anthony Richardson in the passing game. The Colts having Warren fall to No. 14 reminds us of when Indianapolis saw defensive end Laiatu Latu fall to them last year. Indianapolis should be thankful that the draft board fell this way for them. This is a huge win for a Colts team that needed a tight end.
Grade: A+
Jacksonville Jaguars: Colorado CB/WR Travis Hunter
The Jaguars got this year's draft really cooking by sending a draft package, including a 2026 first-round pick, to the Browns for the right to draft the two-way Colorado standout Hunter. Of course, Hunter is an NFL superstar in the making. The Jaguars adding him to an offense with wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. should really help Trevor Lawrence and put some points on the board in Duval. He will also likely play packages on defense in the secondary and thrive there, too.
Giving up a first-round pick next year stings a bit, but Jacksonville made one of the biggest splashes of the night by adding perhaps the draft's best player. We're not over the moon about losing next year's first rounder, but adding Hunter in and of itself is a slam dunk. Jaguars fans are in for a show with Hunter coming to town.
Grade: A
Kansas City Chiefs: Ohio State OT Josh Simmons
The Chiefs really needed to find a long-term solution at left tackle to protect quarterback Patrick Mahomes, and Simmons should eventually fill that role for Kansas City. Kansas City signed tackle Jaylon Moore to a lucrative contract in free agency, so Simmons might sit for a year before presumably taking over in 2026. However, the Chiefs, of any team in the NFL, can afford to let their first-round pick sit for a season.
Grade: A
Las Vegas Raiders: Boise State RB Ashton Jeanty
Outside of Hunter, there might not be a safer player in this draft class than Jeanty. He's a generational talent at running back who should immediately boost a Raiders offense desperate for star power. To be honest, Jeanty has such a ceiling that he might end the 2024 season as Las Vegas' best player. For Pete Carroll, winning right away will be easier with Jeanty in the backfield. This is a home run for the Raiders to add a future superstar.
Grade: A+
Los Angeles Chargers: North Carolina RB Omarion Hampton
The Chargers could have gone any which way with this draft selection, and adding Hampton will absolutely help Jim Harbaugh fulfill his football dream of running the football with attitude. Hampton is one of the best running backs in this draft class, and Los Angeles should get him on the field right away. We should have expected Harbaugh and company might be intrigued by one of the top running backs in this class.
Grade: A
Los Angeles Rams: a 2026 first-round pick (basically)
The Rams were one of the only NFL teams not to take a player during this year's first round, instead opting to trade the pick away to the Falcons in exchange for Atlanta's second rounder, a 2025 seventh rounder and a 2026 first rounder. What Los Angeles does with that new second-round pick will be mighty interesting, but you can't ever fault a team for picking up future draft capital in a move like this. It's just tough to wait for Rams fans.
Grade: A-
Miami Dolphins: Michigan DT Kenneth Grant
Grant is the Christian Wilkins replacement Miami has needed in the middle of its defense and has a promising ceiling. However, Miami's offensive line is a question going into the fall, and there were some good offensive linemen on the board. We really do like the player, but you wonder if Miami should have focused on the other side of the trenches. None the matter, Grant should start right away and make in impact as a rookie.
Grade: B
Minnesota Vikings: Ohio State OG Donovan Jackson
The Vikings needed help on the offensive line, and Jackson should immediately step in and fill a guard spot for Minnesota. The team really needed to prioritize the blocking if quarterback J.J. McCarthy takes over this fall, so standing pat and taking a player like Jackson was the smart move. We like this for Minnesota.
Grade: A
New England Patriots: LSU OT Will Campbell
The Patriots made the safe play and lock down quarterback Drake Maye's future left tackle in Campbell. While arm length has been a concern for Campbell, he should be a legitimate upgrade for what Maye needs to stay upright in the pocket. New Patriots coach Mike Vrabel loves winning in the trenches, and Campbell gives New England needed stability on the offensive line. This is a great pick to keep Maye's development right on track.
Grade: A
New Orleans Saints: Texas OT Kelvin Banks Jr.
The Saints spent another first-round pick on an offensive tackle in Banks, who should give New Orleans two very promising bookends on the offensive line alongside 2024 first rounder Taliese Fuaga. Banks is a work-in-progress, but he should develop into a steady starter for the long haul. New Orleans needed more help on the defensive line, but Banks has a high ceiling to help the Saints offense for years to come.
Grade:A-
New York Giants: Penn State OLB Abdul Carter, Ole Miss QB Jaxson Dart
The Giants bolstered up their defensive line with the best pass-rushing prospect in this class with Carter. A New York defensive line featuring Carter, Brian Burns, Kayvon Thibodeaux and Dexter Lawrence is going to give offensive lines nightmares this fall. He was the best player on the board when New York picked, and the Giants building up their defense with an elite pass-rushing prospect sounds like a great idea to us.
Dart is a bit of a tougher decision to analyze. In a class that wasn't hyped up for its quarterback prospects, the former Ole Miss starter will have his work cut out for him once he eventually steps into the starting lineup. We don't expect Dart to play in 2025 with Russell Wilson on the roster, but his eventual success or failure will likely determine the fates of coach Brian Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen. Why not take Shedeur Sanders here for a developmental quarterback, who arguably has a higher ceiling? All about preference, we suppose.
Grade: A-/B+ (A for Carter, B for Dart)
New York Jets: Missouri OT Armand Membou
The Jets added a new right tackle in Membou, who should step in and start right away with 2024 first-round pick Olu Fashanu at left tackle. New York should have really strong bookends going forward for its rebuild, which is what you want for a team in transition. Building through the trenches is never a bad idea, and quarterback Justin Fields should enjoy having two young, promising tackles to grow with in New York.
Grade: A
Philadelphia Eagles: Alabama LB Jihaad Campbell
Eagles general manager Howie Roseman can't keep doing this! Campbell has all the potential to become an All-Pro talent in the NFL, and the Eagles will absolutely put him in the best position to succeed. The team only had to bump up one spot in the draft and give up a fifth-round pick via trade to land an absolute star in the making. Howie does it again. Philadelphia continues its winning ways in the NFL Draft. What's new?
Grade: A+
Pittsburgh Steelers: DT Derrick Harmon
Harmon is a classic Steelers draft pick, and he'll get tutelage from one of the best defensive linemen of all time in Cameron Heyward. Pittsburgh's terrifying defensive line will only get better with Harmon in the rotation. Sure, we have no idea what Pittsburgh is going to do at quarterback, but their defense should still be amazing.
Grade:A
San Francisco 49ers: Georgia DE Mykel Williams
The former Georgia Bulldog will join a San Francisco defensive line needing talent to help Nick Bosa. Williams should enter the league with an instant ability to play the run and plenty of room to grow in rushing the passer. This 49ers team is in a state of transition, and Williams is a really nice fit for what San Fran needs up front. He is raw and probably won't dominate right away, but his potential is through the roof. This makes lots of sense.
Grade:A
Seattle Seahawks: North Dakota State OG Grey Zabel
The Seahawks needed offensive line help with new quarterback Sam Darnold in town, and Zabel should slot in right away as a starter at guard. Seattle choosing to invest in the offensive line is a smart move for maximizing the Darnold signing, and Zabel has the ceiling of a long-term starter. This is really good business for Seattle.
Grade: A
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Ohio State WR Emeka Egbuka
The Buccaneers might have the best trio of receivers in the NFL after drafting Egbuka with their first-round pick. While the team ignoring the defense is pretty surprising, Egbuka is as safe of a wide receiver as you can find in this draft class. Tampa Bay is going to be a menace in the passing game this fall. Plus, Egbuka has the long-term stability to help replace Mike Evans and Chris Godwin once their playing days are done. This is a luxury pick for the Bucs offense, and a great one at that. However, what this means for the defense is curious.
Grade: A-
Tennessee Titans: Miami QB Cam Ward
No. 1 is QB1
Cam Ward is heading to the Titanspic.twitter.com/7k7SgEuDEB
— ESPN (@espn) April 25, 2025
The Titans didn't overthink it. The team, desperate for any stability at quarterback, didn't try to get cute and waste the rarity of having the top draft pick. Tennessee wisely brought quarterback Cam Ward to Nashville to see if he can be the heir apparent to Steve McNair, the last drafted Titans quarterback to settle in as a long-term starter. Ward isn't a lock as a prospect, but he gives the Titans real hope at the position. If the Titans had traded down, we'd be singing a different tune. They did the right thing, and good on them for it.
Grade: A+
Washington Commanders
The Commanders choosing to add a future right tackle for quarterback Jayden Daniels is very admirable, as Conerly will probably sit behind tackle Andrew Wylie in 2025 to take over in 2026. Heck, maybe he will give Wylie a run for his money for the starting right tackle job. Sure, a contending team like Washington could really have used an instant impact player, and Conerly is no lock to start this fall. However, we like the player and fit.
Grade: B+
This article originally appeared on For The Win: 2025 NFL Draft: First-round overall grades for all 32 teams
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