2025 NFL Draft: Instant grades, analysis for every 1st-round pick

The 2025 NFL Draft is underway. Catch up on our live analysis and instant grades for every pick made in Thursday's first round.

Titans select Cam Ward
QB, Miami - 1st overall

And we're off. No drama here, nor should there be. Ward is far and away the best quarterback in this class. While the Titans are passing on at least a few higher-ranked players to make this pick, no one should blame them. A high-level quarterback is imperative for any semblance of success in this league. Ward has the arm talent, athleticism, and creativity to eventually become that type of player. Grade: B+

🚨 Jaguars trade up for Travis Hunter
CB/WR, Colorado - 2nd overall

Trade details: Browns send No. 2, No. 104 (4th round), No. 200 (6th round) to Jaguars for No. 5, No. 36 (2nd round), No. 126 (4th round), 2026 1st-round pick

Chaos. Mock drafts everywhere had the Browns sticking at No. 2 and taking Hunter for themselves, because why wouldn't they? Not only is the two-way Colorado star the best player in this draft, but he's also unlike any player the NFL has ever seen. Hunter truly has Pro Bowl potential at both receiver and cornerback. The Jaguars paid one heck of a price to move up and get him. Conceding that kind of draft capital for a non-quarterback is extremely risky. We have no choice but to respect it when discussing a true unicorn prospect. Grade: A

Giants select Abdul Carter
EDGE, Penn State - 3rd overall

No quarterback for the Giants ... yet. And it's probably the right move. Carter is a top-two prospect in this class. His explosiveness off the edge translates seamlessly to the next level, and it should come as no surprise if he's regularly posting double-digit sacks sooner rather than later. You can't pass on that type of player when there's no great option under center. Look for the Giants to circle back on the quarterback position with their next pick, potentially even trading back into the next round. With Carter sliding in as the long-term complement to Brian Burns, perhaps former first-rounder Kayvon Thibodeaux becomes a trade candidate this weekend. Grade: A

Patriots select Will Campbell
OL, LSU - 4th overall

It had to be done. An offensive weapon would have been fun, and Mike Vrabel probably would have loved the idea of getting a blue-chip talent on defense. But protecting Drake Maye was always going to be priority No. 1. There is some risk here, as Campbell doesn't have ideal length for an offensive tackle. Maybe that eventually leads to a move inside to guard. Either way, it's a strong move to improve the foundation around their young quarterback. Grade: B+

Browns select Mason Graham
DL, Michigan - 5th overall

It's admittedly hard to love what Cleveland did trading down when it involves passing on the best player in the draft and a true generational talent. The grade takes a hit for that reason. But it may still prove to be a wise decision in the end. The Browns' draft-pick haul to move back all of three spots is substantial. And they still end up with a potential star in Graham. The Michigan defensive tackle was our No. 4-ranked player in this draft. He can make an impact both as a pass-rusher and in the run game. Lining Graham up next to Myles Garrett could be nightmare fuel for opposing offensive lines. Grade: B

Raiders select Ashton Jeanty
RB, Boise State - 6th overall

It was always Jeanty. Some late buzz about the Raiders potentially going with an offensive tackle had the entire draft industry pivoting from the early favorite in its final mocks. Pete Carroll was never going to pass on the possibility of an elite run game. We can't dish out a perfect grade here, as there's always some risk in using significant draft capital on a running back. But Jeanty is worth it. A truly rare combination of vision, contact balance, creativity, and home run speed could make him one of the league's best running backs in short order. Grade: A-

Jets select Armand Membou
OL, Missouri - 7th overall

Are the Jets making smart moves? It really is a new era in Florham Park. While most people probably have a tough time getting excited about an offensive tackle, this one has to fire Jets fans up. Membou is an outstanding athlete who should be the perfect long-term right tackle opposite 2024 first-rounder Olu Fashanu. New York filling the final spot on the offensive line and finally making that group a strength could help kickstart a turnaround. Grade: A

Panthers select Tetairoa McMillan
WR, Arizona - 8th overall

Surprise! Everyone had the Panthers going defense in the first round. It probably would've been a smart move with how much the unit struggled last year, but this works, too. McMillan is a big-bodied target who dominates the contested-catch game and moves well for his size. Adding a true No. 1 receiver should keep Bryce Young's development moving in the right direction. Let's focus on the defense for the rest of the draft, shall we? Grade: B+

Saints select Kelvin Banks Jr.
OL, Texas - 9th overall

Saints fans are probably tired of offensive line picks at this point. It's understandable. And Banks was the No. 29 player on our board, so this will be the first one not to receive positive reviews. We can at least commend the front office for resisting the urge to force a quarterback pick. Now, the question is whether New Orleans gives up a ton of picks to get back into the first round. Grade: C+

Bears select Colston Loveland
TE, Michigan - 10th overall

Caleb Williams has another weapon. It's not the running back many were probably hoping for, but Bears fans should be excited. Loveland, our top-ranked tight end ahead of Tyler Warren, is a dynamic pass-catcher with shades of Darren Waller in his game. He'll be an outstanding fit for the Sam LaPorta role in Ben Johnson's offense. Find a running back on Day 2, and Chicago is cooking. Grade: A-

49ers select Mykel Williams
EDGE, Georgia - 11th overall

Williams was the No. 22 player on our board, so this may be a little early. But we're in the same ballpark, and the fit is just so perfect. San Francisco had to find a way to improve the defensive front alongside Nick Bosa. Williams will do exactly that as his bookend. The Georgia standout should be an impact run defender from the outset of his pro career, and it likely won't be long before his pass-rush traits turn into legitimate production. Grade: B+

Cowboys select Tyler Booker
OL, Alabama - 12th overall

This is a tough one. Booker is a powerhouse guard who could be a great addition to a Cowboys offensive line that struggled last year. Still, it feels like a major reach. For reference, Booker was the No. 36 player on our big board. Dallas still has significant needs at receiver and running back. Let's see how Day 2 shakes out. Grade: C-

Dolphins select Kenneth Grant
DT, Michigan - 13th overall

Grant is a massive nose tackle who should immediately shore up the Dolphins' run defense. Don't sleep on his ability to impact the game as a pass-rusher, either. Grant's an unbelievable athlete for a 331-pound lineman. He'll be a nice fit alongside Miami's young edge rushers. Grade: B+

Colts select Tyler Warren
TE, Penn State - 14th overall

The Colts finally have their tight end. The position was their most glaring need on the roster, and mock drafts were handling this spot accordingly. There were rumors that Indy was trying to trade up for Brock Bowers last year. Warren isn't quite on that level, but he's an exciting prospect in his own right. The Penn State star is strong at the catch point, tough after the reception, and can contribute as an in-line blocker. Grade: A-

Falcons select Jalon Walker
EDGE, Georgia - 15th overall

This was the dream scenario for the Falcons. It didn't seem possible for a while, as Walker had been getting top-eight hype heading into the draft. He was also our No. 10 overall player, so it's hard not to love the value here. Most importantly, Atlanta has finally addressed the worst pass rush in football. Walker saw some time at linebacker at Georgia and may do the same at the next level. But he should make his money on the edge, where his explosiveness gives him a high ceiling when it comes to getting after the quarterback. Grade: A

Cardinals select Walter Nolen
DL, Ole Miss - 16th overall

This is a fun pick for the Cardinals. Most were probably expecting them to look elsewhere after a busy offseason overhauling the defensive front, but Nolen's upside was evidently too exciting to pass up. The flashes of brilliance really are that good. He could be a force both as a pass-rusher and as a run defender if he can become more consistent at the next level. Grade: B+

Bengals select Shemar Stewart
EDGE, Texas A&M - 17th overall

The Bengals setting out to improve their defense is good. The route they're taking to do so is a little more questionable. While some truly freakish athletic traits give Stewart an incredibly high ceiling, he's got a long way to go in his development as a pass-rusher. Putting up three straight 1.5-sack seasons in college says it all on that front. Stewart has star potential, but it feels like it'd take a while to get there. Does that help the Bengals in their efforts to win right now? Grade: C

Seahawks select Grey Zabel
OL, North Dakota State - 18th overall

Zabel had long been connected to the Seahawks, so this one was hardly surprising. His athleticism could make him a solid guard in Klint Kubiak's zone-blocking scheme. It feels a little early for a player making the jump from FCS football to the NFL. Zabel was the No. 44 player on our big board. We'll give high marks for addressing a major need with such a good fit, but the value doesn't seem great. Grade: B-

Buccaneers select Emeka Egbuka
WR, Ohio State - 19th overall

This one is a bit of a stunner, but it's not because of the player. Egbuka is a polished wideout who's easily worth a pick in this spot. The surprise comes from the fact that nobody expected the Bucs to go with a receiver. Mike Evans is still going strong, Chris Godwin got a big-money deal to re-sign before free agency, and Jalen McMillan put together a strong rookie season. It would've been nice to see Tampa address its needs on the defensive side, but it's hard to knock the club too much when it's getting a playmaker of this caliber. Grade: B

Broncos select Jahdae Barron
CB, Texas - 20th overall

Barron is an awesome pick for Denver. Many expected a running back here, but that can wait for Day 2. The Texas standout is an incredibly versatile cover man who can play inside, outside, or even at safety. He's a playmaker in the pass game and will do his part as a run defender, too. An outstanding young secondary just got even more scary. Grade: A

Steelers select Derrick Harmon
DL, Oregon - 21st overall

Shedeur Sanders' slide continues. Quarterback would have been an understandable pick for the Steelers here, as they certainly can't be counting on Aaron Rodgers at this point. And with no second-round selection, this may have been their only opportunity to get someone who could start right away. All that aside, Steelers fans should be excited about Harmon. He's a powerful interior lineman who should improve the run defense while also offering plenty of upside as a pass-rusher. Grade: B

Chargers select Omarion Hampton
RB, North Carolina - 22nd overall

Hampton is a fun player, and his physical running style will be a great fit in a Jim Harbaugh offense. We'll give some credit with that in mind, but this feels like a missed opportunity to address the biggest hole on the roster. The Chargers desperately need another receiver to pair with Ladd McConkey. Matthew Golden's speed could've been a really nice complement on the outside. There would've been plenty of opportunities to find a running back on Day 2. Grade: C

Packers select Matthew Golden
WR, Texas - 23rd overall

They did it. They finally did it. For the first time since 2002, the Packers drafted a receiver in the first round. Golden's production isn't quite in line with most top prospects at the position, but the tape tells a different story. He's got a good release package, runs good routes, and tracks the ball well. And then there's that 4.29 speed. Golden's ability to stretch the field will be a nice addition to the Packers' passing game. Grade: A-

Vikings select Donovan Jackson
OL, Ohio State - 24th overall

Offensive line overhaul: complete. The Vikings were understandably aggressive in adding to this group in free agency, bringing in Will Fries and Ryan Kelly. With Jackson filling that last spot at left guard, and Christian Darrisaw and Brian O'Neill holding things down at tackle, this offensive line is suddenly looking impressive. This is how you set your young quarterback up for success. Grade: B+

🚨 Giants trade up for Jaxson Dart
QB, Ole Miss - 25th overall

Trade details: Texans send No. 25. to Giants for No. 34 (2nd round), No. 99 (3rd round), 2026 3rd-round pick

If you've been following along here and thinking we've been too positive about these picks, this one's for you. The Giants needed a quarterback, and it's never a bad idea to take a swing at the most important position on the field. But there's a real chance this one ends up as a massive whiff. Dart has a long way to go in terms of processing and decision-making. The physical skills are fine, but it's just so hard to project how he'll transition to the NFL coming from that Ole Miss offense. And to give up that many picks to do it? With Shedeur Sanders still on the board? Not great. Grade: D+

Falcons trade up for James Pearce Jr.
EDGE, Tennessee - 26th overall

Trade details: Rams send No. 26, No. 101 (3rd round) to Falcons for No. 46 (2nd round), No. 242 (7th round), 2026 1st-round pick

What in the world are the Falcons doing? We can all appreciate the effort to solidify the pass rush. Doubling up on edge defenders after taking Jalon Walker at No. 15 is a really fun idea for a defense that needed it in the worst way. And Pearce does have some upside. But the cost here is downright indefensible. You simply can't give up a future first-round pick to get back into the end of Day 1. That will never not be bad business. This is easily the worst move of the first round so far. Grade: F

Ravens select Malaki Starks
S, Georgia - 27th overall

Breaking news: The Ravens are good at this. It's become something of an annual tradition for Baltimore to find great value while regularly picking toward the end of the first round. Starks, our No. 1 safety and No. 20 overall player, continues that trend. His do-it-all skill set will be a great fit alongside superstar safety Kyle Hamilton. Grade: A

Lions select Tyleik Williams
DL, Ohio State - 28th overall

This one is a bit of a surprise. Williams is a great run defender who should have no trouble translating that skill set to the next level. He's certainly a Lions-type player. But this team also had some pretty clear needs elsewhere, including on the edge. Donovan Ezeiruaku would've made a lot of sense to upgrade the pass rush opposite Aidan Hutchinson. Detroit could've found more upside to help get it over the hump right now. Grade: C

Commanders select Josh Conerly Jr.
OL, Oregon - 29th overall

Commanders fans hoping for defensive playmakers may be disappointed with this one. Still, it's hard to have too many issues with a team doing everything possible to protect its young quarterback. Trading for Laremy Tunsil was the first big move on that front, and Conerly should be a nice bookend at tackle. Washington can go all in on defense on Day 2. Grade: B+

Bills select Maxwell Hairston
CB, Kentucky - 30th overall

Cornerback always seemed like a logical target for the Bills here, and Hairston is an exciting one. Not only is he an elite athlete - running a 4.28 40-yard dash at the combine - but he's also got instincts to make plays on the ball. Hairston could be a game-changer for this defense. Grade: A-

Eagles trade up for Jihaad Campbell
LB, Alabama - 31st overall

Trade details: Chiefs trade No. 31 to Eagles for No. 32, No. 164 (5th round)

The other 31 teams just don't learn, do they? The Eagles have the best roster in football because Howie Roseman consistently finds ridiculous value with star players in the draft. He may have done it again here. Campbell was our No. 1 linebacker and No. 14 overall player in this class. He's tenacious in the run game and has good instincts in coverage. Lining him up next to 2024 breakout star Zack Baun makes an already great defense even better. Grade: A

Chiefs select Josh Simmons
OL, Ohio State - 32nd overall

The rest of the league is probably going to regret letting this one happen. Simmons was only available at this spot because he's still working his way back from a torn patellar tendon sustained in October. But all indications are that the recovery is on track. The Ohio State standout is the most talented pass-protector in this draft. If healthy, he easily could have been a top-five pick. Adding Jaylon Moore in free agency will allow the Chiefs to stay patient before eventually turning to a potential star at left tackle. Grade: A

Dan Wilkins is theScore's senior NFL writer.