The first round of the NFL Draft 2025 concluded with several unexpected selections and high-profile players still on the board, promising excitement for Day 2. As teams utilized the draft tracker through the night, the Tennessee Titans opened proceedings predictably by selecting quarterback Cam Ward going No. 1 overall out of Miami.
One of the night's major surprises saw the Jacksonville Jaguars execute a trade with the Cleveland Browns to move up for two-way threat Travis Hunter at pick No. 2. Hunter, who played cornerback and wide receiver at Colorado, provides the Jaguars versatility they sought on both sides of the ball.
The Las Vegas Raiders, looking to enhance their ground game, selected Ashton Jeanty, a dynamic running back from Boise State, with the sixth pick. His arrival aims to bring a physical presence to the team's backfield.
Other teams made multiple moves to address roster needs. The New York Giants took edge rusher Abdul Carter early in the round, later trading up to draft quarterback Jaxson Dart from Mississippi, signaling a focus on the defensive front and a potential future signal-caller. These maneuvers highlight the aggressive nature of the round's trades.
Teams prioritized positions across the board, including offensive linemen like LSU's Will Campbell to the Patriots and Missouri's Armand Membou to the Jets, as detailed in a pick-by-pick analysis. Defensive tackles from Michigan and Mississippi State were also popular early choices.
Notably, the Green Bay Packers ended a long drought by selecting a wide receiver in Round 1, drafting Matthew Golden from Texas. Meanwhile, the Atlanta Falcons bolstered their pass rush, adding two edge defenders over the course of the night. Discussions continue regarding the winners and losers from this initial wave of selections.
Despite 32 players coming off the board, significant talent remains available as teams prepare for Rounds 2 and 3. Quarterback Shedeur Sanders is still undrafted, alongside others ranked high on many teams' boards. Fans can track remaining prospects using the best available lists.
Top prospects like Michigan cornerback Will Johnson, Ohio State edge rusher JT Tuimoloau, and Ohio State running back Quinshon Judkins headline the best available players entering Friday's action. Their availability offers teams a chance to find high-impact players early on the second day of the Draft.
This first round of NFL Draft coverage proved unpredictable, setting the stage for more intriguing decisions. The remaining talent should lead to intense competition for picks as teams consult their Big Board rankings and adjust strategies live on Draftcast.
