NFL draft grades: Jaguars trade up for Heisman winner Travis Hunter

Welcome to ’s pick-by-pick grades for Round 1 of the 2025 NFL Draft. Which teams filled a need with a potential star? Which GMs might wind up regretting their decisions down the line?

Because we won’t know those full answers until the incoming rookie class has been in the league for a few seasons, our immediate grades take into account a number of factors: pick value, trade cost, what other prospects were available at the time of the selection and so on.

The Round 1 grades:

1. Tennessee Titans: Cam Ward, QB, Miami

Tennessee needed a quarterback and Ward is the best one in this draft. He has both talent and grit, which will endear him to his teammates and the fan base. Although hypothetical and irrelevant, it’s fair to ask where Ward would have landed in last year’s draft, or if Tennessee would have selected one of the 2024 draft’s six first-round quarterbacks ahead of him. Regardless, Ward has the skill set to become a successful NFL quarterback. Whether he becomes a Pro Bowler — and, thus, ultimately worth the No. 1 pick — remains to be seen.

Ward played at Incarnate Word and Washington State before transferring to Miami last year. There, he became one of college football’s best quarterbacks. Ward set an NCAA record with 158 career touchdown passes, plus threw for 18,184 yards with a 65.1 completion percentage. Last year alone, Ward threw for 4,313 yards, 39 touchdowns and seven interceptions while completing 67.2 percent of his passes.

Grade: B-plus

2. Jacksonville Jaguars (from CLE): Travis Hunter, CB/WR, Colorado

The best football player in this class, by a decent margin, Hunter is as rare as he is dynamic. It’s incredibly difficult to compare him to any current NFL player, as we really haven’t seen a modern equivalent of someone who can play two of the most exhausting positions on the field at an elite level, all game long. He should be a day one standout, on either side of the ball.

The strategy might be to start out Hunter as a corner and let him work as a wide receiver on the side. In time, Jacksonville could have the league’s best (and, really, only) true two-way player.

This was a terrific trade for both sides: No. 2, a fourth- and sixth-rounder to Jacksonville; No. 5, a second- and fourth-round pick in this draft plus a 2026 first to Cleveland. The Jags are closer than many think, talent-wise, and Cleveland desperately needed more picks.

Grade: A

3. New York Giants: Abdul Carter, edge, Penn State

The Giants could have panicked and drafted for need, but they did the right thing by taking the best player on the board. Carter was a relentless edge rusher at Penn State, and he’ll fit in with Brian Burns in the Giants’ 3-4 defense. He also should push Kayvon Thibodeaux for snaps — and perhaps for a starting role.

Carter shifted from linebacker to edge last year at Penn State and emerged as an unanimous first-team All-American and the Big Ten’s defensive player of the year. He finished with 12 sacks and 23.5 tackles for loss. Perhaps most impressive, he fought through a serious left shoulder injury in the College Football Playoff and still dominated. That injury prevented him from combine testing, but his toughness trumps whatever numbers he forfeited in Indianapolis.

Grade: A

4. New England Patriots: Will Campbell, OT, LSU

Campbell is the best offensive lineman in this draft — and that might have been close to a league-wide consensus. There are concerns about his lack of elite length outside at left tackle, but those are probably overblown. The former LSU star’s hands and feet are as efficient as you’ll see from a three-year college player, and his work ethic and football character are off the charts.

This is a very safe pick that fills a need for a team trying to rebuild around its young QB. Great news for Drake Maye.

Grade: A

5. Cleveland Browns (from JAX): Mason Graham, DT, Michigan

A powerful interior defender, Graham was the heartbeat of Michigan’s defense and one of the most difficult individual matchups in college football. In Cleveland’s 4-3 defense, he should be perfect alongside Myles Garrett and instantly help a mediocre run defense.

It was smart by Cleveland not to press for need and instead go with the best player available. Graham was a consensus first-team All-American (3.5 sacks and seven tackles for loss), but he did so much more than just compile statistics — he consistently won snaps with low and powerful jolts, combined with rare lateral quickness. He also was the Rose Bowl MVP in a College Football Playoff semifinal and help guide Michigan to the national title two seasons ago. And he’s tough, as demonstrated by the fact that he missed only two games after thumb surgery during the 2023 season.

Grade: A

6. Las Vegas Raiders: Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State

Unicorn running backs exist. Bijan Robinson and Jahmyr Gibbs proved it, and now Jeanty — a modern-day version of LaDainian Tomlinson — should add his name to that list very soon. A true three-down weapon who can perform in any system or situation, Jeanty has playmaking ability in the box, on the edge, as a receiver and as a blocker.

One of the best pound-for-pound players in this draft and college football’s most productive running back since Barry Sanders, Jeanty ran for 2,601 rushing yards with 29 touchdowns last year and added a receiving score. He finished as Heisman Trophy runner-up and was an unanimous first-team All-American. He can dominate in a gap or zone scheme and will be a terrific receiver at the next level.

Grade: A

7. New York Jets: Armand Membou, OT, Missouri

The Jets had plenty of options here, and they opted for substance over sizzle — which is almost unexpected for this franchise. In the last two drafts, the Jets chose to fortify the edges of their O-line, and Membou now joins last season’s top pick, Olu Fashanu, as a bookend. Four of the Jets’ projected starting linemen were either first- or second-round picks between 2021 and Thursday night.

It’s a sound philosophy, but is it more important than picking up someone who can score points for an offense that needs firepower? That remains to be seen.

Membou played exclusively right tackle at Missouri and started his final 29 games. An explosive and powerful blocker, he ran the 40-yard dash in 4.91 seconds and put up 225 pounds 31 times on the bench press at the combine.

Grade: B

8. Carolina Panthers: Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona

A long and flexible receiver with a giant catch radius and elite ball skills, McMillan has college tape filled with acrobatic catches that turned into big plays after the catch — his vision and feel in traffic are outstanding for a man his size. He does come with some speed concerns, and it remains to be seen how effective he’ll be against press coverage.

McMillan will have to show more of what we saw from him in 2023, because he had moments last season in which he looked hurt, disinterested or a bit of both. He’s another version of Drake London, though. He finished his career with a combined 213 catches for 3,423 yards and 26 TDs in just three years — and that’s despite being dinged up in 2024. Carolina had a bunch of needs, but this is a very sturdy pick.

Grade: B-plus

9. New Orleans Saints: Kelvin Banks Jr., G/OT, Texas

New Orleans has thrown numerous resources at its offensive line, spending first-round picks there in 2020, 2022, 2024 and now 2025. That spot on the field is always important, but this team also could use some defensive backs to shore up what was the NFL’s 27th-ranked defense a season ago.

Banks can become a stalwart (and the grade below isn’t about him specifically), but it’s arguable whether spending another key asset on the offensive line was the best move. Banks was this class’ 26th-ranked prospect, according to ’s Dane Brugler. He started every game of his college career at left tackle and won both the Lombardi Trophy and Outland Trophy after the 2024 season.

There is much debate over whether Banks’ skill set works best at tackle or guard, and that will be ongoing.

Grade: C

10. Chicago Bears: Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan

We’ve been writing for months that the race for TE1 in this class, between Loveland and Tyler Warren, was closer than many thought.

Loveland reminds me a lot of current Detroit Lions standout Sam LaPorta, only bigger. New Bears coach Ben Johnson absolutely adored LaPorta in Detroit, and Loveland will give Johnson and QB Caleb Williams a legit receiving threat in all areas of the field. Warren is the better blocker of the two prospects, but Loveland is absolutely the better receiver. He’s an outstanding fit for everything Johnson does.

Grade: A

11. San Francisco 49ers: Mykel Williams, edge, Georgia

The 49ers needed a bookend to play with Nick Bosa, and Williams fits the description. After the 49ers lost a ton in free agency and were faced with salary-cap situations, this pick was more than solid — Williams can become a decade-long starter, if he stays healthy.

At Georgia last year, however, he dealt with repeated ankle issues, which kept his starts and rotational snaps down. But as a team captain, he was still productive (five sacks and 8.5 tackles for loss). Williams possesses huge arms (34 3/8 inches) and a giant wingspan (82 7/8 inches). He is a physical edge capable of moving anywhere along the line of scrimmage on passing downs.

Grade: A

12. Dallas Cowboys: Tyler Booker, G, Alabama

A mountain of a man, Booker is the most physically dominant run-blocking offensive lineman in this class. There are issues with his quickness and movement skills, but nothing too overwhelming. He’s likely only a guard in the NFL — but potentially a terrific one, powerful enough to help both the center and tackle playing next to him.

Dallas has done a nice job evaluating talent along the offensive line in recent years, and Booker should be able to make an impact quickly. He started as a true freshman at Alabama and grew into a leader. This might feel like a reach for some, especially given Booker’s positional limitation — and with players including Warren and Jalon Walker on the board — but Booker is the best guard in the draft.

Grade: B-plus

13. Miami Dolphins: Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan

This was a little earlier than expected for Grant, whom Brugler had rated No. 25 in this class. Grant is stout and solid, though, and can take up blockers in the Dolphins’ 3-4 defense. He is the perfect defensive tackle to play over the center or between the A-gap and occupy double teams.

As his frame suggests, Grant is massive, yet he’s still quicker than most men his size. Playing alongside Graham at Michigan, Grant compiled a combined 11.5 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks plus 11 passes defensed over the last two years. He also has a wide wingspan (82 5/8 inches).

Grade: B

14. Indianapolis Colts: Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State

Dallas Clark 2.0. Chris Ballard and company can breathe easy, because this likely was a dream scenario for the Colts — arguably, the league’s most tight end-needy team heading into the draft.

A potentially dominant blocker, Warren played tight end, running back, wildcat quarterback and even offensive line for Penn State last year, as almost everything the Nittany Lions did ran through him. Many believed he would be gone inside the top 10. Loveland was a perfect fit for the Bears, but it also feels like Warren is that for the Colts. Great value at this pick, for a team that really needed it.

Grade: A

15. Atlanta Falcons: Jalon Walker, edge, Georgia

Atlanta should rejoice. Rarely do need and value meet like this, but it worked out perfectly with Walker sliding down the board. Brugler’s fifth-ranked player in this class, Walker was the ultimate weapon at Georgia — he played a role similar to that of Micah Parsons in Dallas.

Walker won the Butkus Award as the nation’s top linebacker, but he translates primarily to the NFL as an edge. Last year, he registered 6.5 sacks and 10.5 tackles for loss. His explosiveness is obvious, although his size may have given teams that wanted him as a permanent edge pause. But that’s overthinking it — Walker is outstanding.

Grade: A-plus

16. Arizona Cardinals: Walter Nolen, DT, Ole Miss

The former top-ranked recruit in the country, Nolen is a twitched-up powerhouse with very strong hands and every trait a mauler needs. However, very little about his game, at either Texas A&M or Ole Miss, was consistent. He played hard but too often lost his assignment against the run, and he also didn’t have much of a plan in passing situations, other than to bull rush.

For as talented as he was (and his production improved a ton at Ole Miss), Nolen often left you wanting more. Selecting him ahead of Derrick Harmon is certainly interesting, but Arizona clearly believes it can smooth out Nolen’s rough spots and help him grow into a star. Still, this feels like a bit of a reach given the other talent on the board, including at defensive tackle.

Grade: B-minus

17. Cincinnati Bengals: Shemar Stewart, edge, Texas A&M

This is a boom-or-bust selection. Stewart can become one of the NFL’s best pass rushers or completely flop.

He has every tangible quality desired by NFL scouts, including massive arms (34 1/8 inches) and wingspan (84 3/4) plus explosiveness (40-inch vertical). He is an athletic marvel. But there’s little production on his resume. Last year at Texas A&M, Stewart finished with just 1.5 sacks, matching his number from each of his previous two seasons. He needs to learn how to finish tackles for his stats to match his physical gifts.

Grade: C

18. Seattle Seahawks: Grey Zabel, G/C, North Dakota State

One of the smartest players in this class, Zabel played every position along the offensive line in college — and did so at a high level. He turned down big-time NIL money to stay at North Dakota State, then ultimately dominated at the Senior Bowl as arguably the best offensive lineman there.

For a team like Seattle, which has been trying to fix the interior of its offensive line for a half-decade now, this feels like an elite pick. Zabel (who helped run his family farm in college and will continue to do so during NFL offseasons) is one of the draft’s hardest workers. He’s a high-floor player who fills multiple needs for the Seahawks — an awesome pick here and a great fit.

Grade: A-plus

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State

There’s so much to like about this selection. Egbuka is the most polished route runner among the draft class’ receivers, with the potential to become a quarterback’s best friend in critical situations. He should fit in with Mike Evans, Chris Godwin and Jalen McMillan and become a terrific possession receiver. He’s an outstanding player who competed alongside the nation’s top receivers at Ohio State, yet still stood out for his toughness and ability to separate from defenders.

But with glaring needs at all three levels on defense, Tampa Bay should have targeted a prospect for its secondary here. The grade below does not represent Egbuka’s skill level, but rather that the Buccaneers probably needed to go a different direction.

Grade: C-minus

20. Denver Broncos: Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas

Potentially this year’s version of Cooper DeJean and/or Brian Branch, Barron was an elite playmaker in the secondary throughout his career at Texas, and he should be a real weapon in the slot (and maybe at safety) for the Broncos.

Denver could have gone a number of different ways here — Egbuka would have been a great fit, but he obviously went one pick earlier. Pat Surtain II, Riley Moss and now Barron will give Denver a very sturdy secondary, though. Barron is an elite-character player and was a true leader in college. We’ll see how he holds up on the outside, but given the talent around him, he might not need to.

Grade: B-plus

21. Pittsburgh Steelers: Derrick Harmon, DT, Oregon

This took guts, but Pittsburgh made the right move, selecting the best player available to fortify a defense that was exploited in a playoff loss to Baltimore. Harmon will step right in next to Cam Heyward and become a stout run defender. It couldn’t have been easy for the Steelers to pass up a quarterback — which they desperately need — but they didn’t reach. That’s why they always have winning seasons.

Harmon began his career at Michigan State, then transferred to Oregon last season. He was named a second-team All-American after putting up five sacks and 10.5 tackles for loss. With massive arms (34 3/8 inches) and wingspan (83 3/4) combined with a 4.95-second 40-yard dash, Harmon blends every type of physical trait required to play defensive tackle at an elite level.

Grade: A

22. Los Angeles Chargers: Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina

The biggest hole in Los Angeles’ offense last year was the lack of a big-time running back who could be featured in Jim Harbaugh’s downhill, physical offense. After signing Najee Harris earlier this offseason, the Chargers completed their build of a powerful and explosive backfield by adding a player who was a more productive runner than Jeanty two seasons ago.

Hampton is a true three-down running back — he can execute in a zone or gap scheme, inside or outside, plus be a receiver and pass protector. He’s a very good fit for the Chargers, who also nailed several picks during the first draft of the Harbaugh-Joe Hortiz regime. If Los Angeles can create more explosion in the run game, it will open up so much for Justin Herbert. This pick makes a ton of sense.

Grade: A

23. Green Bay Packers: Matthew Golden, WR, Texas

This marks the end of a streak for Green Bay, which hadn’t selected a receiver in the first round since 2002. The Packers needed a talent infusion at that position, however, especially with Christian Watson suffering an ACL tear in January. In Golden, the Packers are getting a field stretcher who can open up the second level for tight ends Tyler Kraft and Luke Musgrave.

After two seasons at Houston, Golden transferred to Texas, where he put up terrific numbers last fall (58 catches for 987 yards and nine touchdowns). Even more impressive, he averaged 17 yards per catch. His speed separates him from other receiver prospects in this class — at the combine, Golden ran a 4.29-second 40.

Grade: A

24. Minnesota Vikings: Donovan Jackson, G/OT, Ohio State

The Vikings spent money on their offensive line earlier this offseason, and they’ve now doubled down. Jackson was mainly a guard throughout his Ohio State career, but he performed well at left tackle after star Josh Simmons went down with a knee injury. He has the frame to be a tackle in the NFL, as well, although he might be better as a guard long-term.

It’s clear the Vikings want to improve their run game — Jackson, a terrific athlete with some versatility, should help. He is a high-floor prospect and was at his best in the College Football Playoff this past season. That said, is he a better selection here than Simmons or Josh Conerly Jr.?

Grade: B

25. New York Giants (from HOU): Jaxson Dart, QB, Ole Miss

The Giants did their homework on every available quarterback and picked up the one they wanted, at just the right price. Instead of reaching early, the Giants selected the best player available at No. 3, then traded back into the first round to grab Dart. With veterans Jameis Winston and Russell Wilson in the building, New York has a buffer to ensure that Dart won’t get overwhelmed on day one.

It’s too early to predict success, but the process was perfect — and the compensation (Nos. 34 and 99 plus a 2026 third-round pick) was not too steep.

Dart started three games as a true freshman at USC in 2021 but left after Lincoln Riley brought in Caleb Williams. Dart then transferred to Ole Miss, where he thrived for three seasons under Lane Kiffin. In his final two seasons, Dart threw a combined 52 touchdown passes to only 11 interceptions while compiling 7,643 yards passing. Last fall, he set an SEC passing-yardage record (4,279) and completed 69.3 percent of his attempts.

Grade: A

26. Atlanta Falcons (from LAR): James Pearce Jr., edge, Tennessee

The Falcons gave up a lot to move up into the bottom of the first round — a 2026 first-round pick plus Nos. 46 and 242 this year for Nos. 25 and 101. And they selected one of the more polarizing players in this draft class. On talent alone, Pearce is absolutely a first-rounder, but teams may have dropped him down their boards after reports of coachability and consistency issues during his time at Tennessee. He’s a dynamic pass rusher, but he also might give up a bit against the run.

It’s not a problem that the Falcons like Pearce and his potential, but this was sort of a strange move, especially after the Falcons took Walker at 15. If the Falcons feel comfortable with Pearce’s character, this pick was more than fine. But they gave up a ton to make it — and the Rams have to feel pretty good about their end of the swap.

Grade: C-plus

27. Baltimore Ravens: Malaki Starks, S, Georgia

Starks was a driving force on Georgia’s defense, which faced the nation’s most difficult schedule last season en route to an SEC championship. Starks finished with a team-high 77 tackles (including four for loss), with an interception and three pass breakups. He started a combined 42 games over three seasons and twice was a first-team All-American.

He should fit nicely in Baltimore’s secondary alongside free safety Kyle Hamilton and nickel Marlon Humphrey. Perhaps corner was a more important need for the Ravens, but Starks is an elite player.

Grade: B

28. Detroit Lions: Tyleik Williams, DT, Ohio State

One of the most underrated defensive linemen in the draft, Williams was an absolute rock inside for Ohio State the last two years. He’s a massive nose tackle who also can slide over and play as a three-technique. Many experts had pegged an edge rusher opposite Aidan Hutchinson as Detroit’s biggest need, but defensive tackle (especially with Alim McNeill still rehabbing a knee injury) was another pretty sizable one.

Williams should be a great fit in the NFC North, a division which loves to hammer the football. The Lions did leave some edge talent on the board here, and Williams is a bit limited in terms of his versatility, but he should be an impact run defender quickly.

Grade: B

29. Washington Commanders: Josh Conerly Jr., OT, Oregon

The Commanders have been hyper-aggressive addressing their offensive line this offseason, first by trading for offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil and now by fortifying the other side with Conerly. During the 2024 regular season, Conerly allowed just four hurries, one hit and one sack, according to PFF, helping earn him first-team All-Big Ten honors. He also started his final 28 games for the Ducks.

Once he refines his skills, Conerly could become a long-term starter. In the short term, he’ll give Washington more protection for Jayden Daniels.

Grade: B

30. Buffalo Bills: Maxwell Hairston, CB, Kentucky

The Bills absolutely needed help in the secondary, and Hairston is fast and competitive enough to hold up on the outside or in the slot. He’s an absolute burner (4.28 40 at the combine) and, despite his light frame, is a long corner (near 32-inch arms). This is a quality pick — and right about the range for where Hairston figured to go.

Now, should he have been selected over Will Johnson? There are speed and health concerns surrounding the former Michigan star corner, but this will be an interesting one to monitor.

Grade: B

31. Philadelphia Eagles (from KC): Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama

When you’re the champion and you draft well, you’re rewarded. The Eagles could use a little more second-level punch, and Howie Roseman saw Campbell as an instant playmaker. So, Philadelphia traded up one spot with Kansas City (tacking on pick No. 164) and landed Brugler’s 14th-ranked prospect.

Campbell played all over the field last year, finishing with 117 tackles, five sacks, two forced fumbles and an interception. He was named first-team All-SEC and second-team All-America, and he boasts good speed (4.52-second 40) and a large wingspan (80 inches). He’s also a strong blitzer and explosive hitter. The best part? He’s still ascending.

Grade: A

32. Kansas City Chiefs (from PHI): Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State

Patrick Mahomes isn’t the only reason the Chiefs are elite. Their ability to find outstanding value at the bottom of the first round, year after year, is something to behold — and they have done it again.

Had Simmons not injured his knee in October, he might’ve been a top-10 pick, possibly even the first offensive lineman taken in this draft. His tape, when he was healthy, was outstanding. He moves around the field like a 300-pound basketball player. The upside here is terrific, so long as Simmons’ injury situation doesn’t linger.

Grade: A

This article originally appeared in The Athletic.