Draft Huddle’s Quick Reactions for Each First-Round Pick
Syndication: Journal Sentinel
Wide Receiver Matthew Golden of Texas poses with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and President and CEO of the Green Bay Packers Mark Murphy after being selected twenty-third overall pick by the Green Bay Packers during the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft at Lambeau Field on April 24, 2025 in Green Bay.
The first round of the NFL Draft is finally in the books. There were some surprises, starting right after the expected first overall pick made by the Tennessee Titans.
Draft Huddle’s Quick Reactions for Each First-Round Pick
Here’s one quick reaction for each of the first 32 picks.
1. Tennessee Titans
Cam Ward (QB) | Miami
The Titans finally take a big swing after trying to fix the most important position with a third-rounder and a second-rounder in 2022 and 2023. Cam Ward has the talent to become one of the better passers in the league.
2. Jacksonville Jaguars
Travis Hunter (CB) | Colorado
Most expected Travis Hunter to go here, but it’s the Jaguars pulling the trigger, not the Browns. Hunter will play both ways, and that’s a good reason to tune in when the season begins. A true unicorn.
3. New York Giants
Abdul Carter (EDGE) | Penn State
Nov 30, 2024; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; (Editors Notes: Caption Correction) Penn State Nittany Lions defensive end Abdul Carter (11) reacts after sacking Maryland Terrapins quarterback MJ Morris (not pictured) during the first quarter at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O’Haren-Imagn Images
Abdul Carter is the real deal and the Giants could have a phenomenal defensive line if he’s getting up to speed quickly.
4. New England Patriots
Will Campbell (OT) | LSU
The Patriots had one task and that was to surround Drake Maye with better teammates. Adding the top blocker on the draft isn’t the worst idea.
5. Cleveland Browns
Mason Graham (DT) | Michigan
Some Browns fans might not be happy about them passing on Hunter, but Mason Graham is a fantastic football player, and the defense should continue to be the heart of the franchise.
6. Las Vegas Raiders
Ashton Jeanty (RB) | Boise State
The Raiders get the workhorse running back, and Pete Carroll had one of those in Seattle. An offense with Brock Bowers and Ashton Jeanty could be fun despite the lack of a true WR1.
7. New York Jets
Armand Membou (OT) | Missouri
The Jets bolster the offensive line once again. Aaron Glenn took a page from the Detroit Lions playbook with him.
8. Carolina Panthers
Tetairoa McMillan (WR) | Arizona
The Panthers give Bryce Young a true alpha wideout. This is a make-or-break year for the former first-overall pick and surrounding him with another weapon to determine the future is a good call.
9. New Orleans Saints
Kelvin Banks (OT) | Texas
The Saints have a ton of holes and draft offensive line. This could be a rough year for them, but one of Banks’ college teammates could arrive next year.
10. Chicago Bears
Colston Loveland (TE) | Michigan
Just like Glenn, Ben Johnson wants to build a Lions offense. Colston Loveland is his Sam LaPorta, and this seems like a perfect fit.
11. San Francisco 49ers
Mykel Williams (EDGE) | Georgia
The 49ers lost some guys on their line, and Mykel Williams can quickly become a running mate for Nick Bosa.
12. Dallas Cowboys
Tyler Booker (iOL) | Alabama
The Cowboys with a true vintage pick. Building a kick-ass offensive line has always been their go-to, and Booker can bully defenders.
13. Miami Dolphins
Kenneth Grant (DT) | Michigan
The other Michigan defensive tackle heads to Miami and closes the hole Christian Wilkins left last offseason. The Dolphins needed more toughness, and Grant is perfect for that job.
14. Indianapolis Colts
Penn State Nittany Lions tight end Tyler Warren (44) celebrates his touchdown catch against the Boise State Broncos during their Vrbo Fiesta Bowl matchup at State Farm Stadium in Glendale on Dec. 31, 2024. © Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images.
Tyler Warren (TE) | Penn State
This pick has been anticipated for months, and here is Tyler Warren in a Colts jersey. One of the best football players in the draft, regardless of position.
15. Atlanta Falcons
Jalon Walker (EDGE) | Georgia
An EDGE rusher has been missing in Atlanta, so why not just acquire one from the Georgia Bulldogs? Jalen Walker will fit in nicely in Raheem Morris’ defense.
16. Arizona Cardinals
Walter Nolen (DT) | Ole Miss
Another defensive head coach, Jonathan Gannon, will get the interior disruptor Walter Nolen. This could be a sneaky good defense, and folks still can’t name more than three players of that unit.
17. Cincinnati Bengals
Shemar Stewart (EDGE) | Texas A&M
The Bengals desperately needed some defensive help. Mr. Stewart might have been hired to replace Trey Hendrickson but one can only hope that Joe Burrow gets to play with both because there’s only so much he can do.
18. Seattle Seahawks
Grey Zabel (iOL) | North Dakota State
Mar 1, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; North Dakota State University offensive lineman Grey Zabel (OL50) answers questions at a press conference during the 2025 NFL Combine at Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images.
Just like Warren, this was a commonly mocked draft pick, and Zabel improves Sam Darnold’s offensive line.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Emeka Egbuka (WR) | Ohio State
This was a mini shocker, but it makes sense. The Buccs employ two aging wideouts. If they again miss time, Egbuka can step in. If they don’t he can learn from two phenomenal pros and build an exciting trio.
20. Denver Broncos
Jahdae Barron (CB) | Texas
The Broncos upgrade their defense. Barron could play nickel.
21. Pittsburgh Steelers
Derrick Harmon (DT) | Oregon
No quarterback here, Derrick Harmon will complete an already-good defensive line.
22. Los Angeles Chargers
Omarion Hampton (RB) | North Carolina
Harbaugh gets a workhorse running back. Najee Harris might be in trouble because Hampton is the real deal.
23. Green Bay Packers
Matthew Golden (WR) | Texas
Green Bay waited more than two decades to draft a wideout in year one. Matthew Golden is a much-needed WR help and has the speed to fully test Jordan Love’s arm strength.
24. Minnesota Vikings
Donovan Jackson (iOL) | Ohio State
The final puzzle piece of an interior offensive line overhaul. J.J. McCarthy will be happy to play with his former college rival.
25. New York Giants
Jaxson Dart (QB) | Ole Miss
The Giants trade up and secure their new quarterback. He might need a year or two, but he has some intriguing tools and can sit behind Russell Wilson.
26. Atlanta Falcons
James Pearce Jr. (EDGE) | Tennessee
The Falcons pay a big price to move up but grab another edge rusher.
27. Baltimore Ravens
Malaki Starks (S) | Georgia
A classic Ravens pick. A phenomenal player is there, so just take him. Starks next to Kyle Hamilton is a nasty combination.
28. Detroit Lions
Jan 20, 2025; Atlanta, GA, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes defensive tackle Tyleik Williams (91) against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the CFP National Championship college football game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Tyleik Williams (DT) | Ohio State
Most expected edge, but it’s a nose tackle instead. Stopping the run is key in the NFC North, and Williams does that at an elite level.
29. Washington Commanders
Josh Conerly Jr. (OT) | Oregon
Protecting franchise quarterback Jayden Daniels is a smart idea.
30. Buffalo Bills
Maxwell Hairston (CB) | Kentucky
The Bills add to the secondary, where they parted ways with some guys. Hairtson is a day-one starter.
31. Philadelphia Eagles
Jihaad Cambpell (ILB) | Alabama
Comparable to the Ravens, the Eagles always end up with a slam dunk. Campbell next to Zach Baun between an elite secondary and an elite defensive line is just unfair.
32. Kansas City Chiefs
Josh Simmons (OT) | Ohio State
The Chiefs desperately needed to add protection for Patrick Mahomes. Simmons was the logical pick.
Janik Eckardt is a football fan who was drawn to the sport by Adrian Peterson’s excellence. He is a walking soccer encyclopedia, loves watching sitcoms, and has an affinity for Classic rock. His Twitter page can be found here. His work can be found on PurplePTSD, VikingsTerritory, and DraftHuddle.
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