2025 NFL Draft: In-Depth Breakdown of Every First-Round Pick by All 32 Teams

Get the full analysis from Round 1 of the 2025 NFL Draft — every team, every pick, and what it means moving forward. From potential franchise quarterbacks to defensive game-changers, here's how all 32 teams shaped their futures on draft night.


MmmThe 2025 NFL Draft opened with a bang Thursday night in Green Bay, Wisconsin, as the Jacksonville Jaguars made a bold move to trade up to No. 2 overall and select dynamic two-way star Travis Hunter. Two quarterbacks were taken in the first round—but neither was named Sanders.

The action resumed Friday with Rounds 2 and 3, and the draft wraps up Saturday beginning at noon ET. All rounds will be broadcast live on ESPN and ABC.

Throughout the three-day event, NFL Nation's team of 32 reporters is delivering in-depth analysis on every pick. Plus, we’ve got updated depth charts for all 32 teams to track how each roster is taking shape.

Buffalo Bills

With the 30th overall pick, the Bills selected Kentucky cornerback Maxwell Hairston. GM Brandon Beane highlighted Hairston's blazing speed — his 4.28-second 40-yard dash was the fastest at the NFL Combine — and noted that his skill set brings a unique element to Buffalo's secondary. At 5-foot-11 and 192 pounds, the 21-year-old offers versatility, though Beane acknowledged concerns about his ability to consistently bring down bigger opponents, calling him a “willing tackler” who occasionally bounced off larger players.
Analysis by Alaina Getzenberg

[View the Bills Depth Chart]


Miami Dolphins

In need of reinforcements along the defensive line, the Dolphins selected Michigan defensive tackle Kenneth Grant—an immediate-impact player with the potential to anchor the interior. While several prospects on the board also fit Miami's needs, general manager Chris Grier hinted the team might explore free agency for additional help. Still, with a thin DT market, Miami opted to stand pat and secure a player it hopes can deliver a Dexter Lawrence-type impact.
Analysis of every Dolphins pick from Marcel Louis-Jacques
[Dolphins Depth Chart]


New England Patriots
With the No. 4 pick, the Patriots addressed a major need by drafting LSU offensive tackle Will Campbell, giving franchise quarterback Drake Maye a cornerstone protector. Campbell brings a gritty, team-first mentality and a physical edge that fits New England’s identity. “You want him on your team,” one offensive line coach told ESPN pre-draft. After ranking near the bottom of the league in both run block and pass block win rates last season, this pick is a crucial first step in revamping the offensive line.
Analysis of every Patriots pick from Mike Reiss
[Patriots Depth Chart]


New York Jets
The Jets stayed focused on building a dominant offensive front, selecting Missouri tackle Armand Membou at No. 7. Membou completes a young, high-upside line that now includes three other early-round picks: Alijah Vera-Tucker, Joe Tippmann, and Olu Fashanu. With this group, New York is positioning itself to power a ground-heavy attack behind Breece Hall—if he stays—and to maximize Justin Fields through play-action.
Analysis of every Jets pick from Rich Cimini
[Jets Depth Chart]


AFC North

Baltimore Ravens
At No. 27, the Ravens strengthened their already dangerous secondary by picking Georgia safety Malaki Starks, a true chess piece on the back end. Baltimore values versatility, and Starks delivers—he’s the only FBS player with 1,500+ snaps at safety and 500+ at slot corner over the past three seasons. He’s a perfect fit for a unit that thrived late last year when Kyle Hamilton shifted to deep safety.
Analysis of every Ravens pick from Jamison Hensley
[Ravens Depth Chart]


Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals added a much-needed piece on the edge with the selection of Texas A&M defensive end Shemar Stewart at No. 17. Stewart provides immediate rotational depth and long-term starting potential—particularly important with veteran Trey Hendrickson exploring trade options. Stewart told local media he’s eager to learn from Hendrickson and contribute right away.
Analysis of every Bengals pick from Ben Baby
[Bengals Depth Chart]


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Cleveland Browns

After trading down from the No. 2 spot, the Browns used the No. 5 pick to select Michigan defensive tackle Mason Graham. Cleveland sees Graham as an ideal fit for its defensive scheme—a disruptive, penetrating lineman who consistently lived in opposing backfields. The Browns plan to plug him into an already deep and aggressive defensive front, where he’s expected to contribute right away.
Analysis of every Browns pick from Daniel Oyefusi
[Browns Depth Chart]


Pittsburgh Steelers
Despite heavy speculation about selecting a quarterback, the Steelers stayed true to their defensive roots by drafting Oregon defensive tackle Derrick Harmon at No. 21. Passing on Shedeur Sanders and Jaxson Dart, Pittsburgh instead opted to bolster its interior line with a physical presence who can eventually succeed veteran Cameron Heyward. With Heyward turning 36 soon, Harmon lands in a great spot to learn and develop alongside one of the league’s most respected leaders.
Analysis of every Steelers pick from Brooke Pryor
[Steelers Depth Chart]


AFC South

Houston Texans
General manager Nick Caserio was active on Day 1, though the Texans didn’t make a pick. Houston traded the No. 25 selection to the Giants, acquiring picks No. 34 and 99, plus a 2026 third-rounder. The Giants used the traded pick to draft quarterback Jaxson Dart.
Analysis of every Texans pick from D.J. Bien-Aime
[Texans Depth Chart]


Indianapolis Colts
With the No. 14 pick, the Colts landed a top target in Penn State tight end Tyler Warren. Warren had long been on Indianapolis’ radar, and the team was thrilled to see him fall into their lap after Chicago opted for Colston Loveland. The Colts view Warren as a true three-down tight end—versatile enough to contribute in any situation and fill a long-standing need in their offense.
Analysis of every Colts pick from Stephen Holder
[Colts Depth Chart]


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Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars made an early splash, trading up to the No. 2 spot to select Colorado star Travis Hunter. In his first draft as general manager, James Gladstone wanted to make a statement—and he did just that, giving up next year’s first-round pick to move up three spots and land one of the most dynamic players in the class. Widely regarded as the top overall talent, Hunter’s two-way ability gives Jacksonville a true game-changer. Gladstone didn’t hold back, calling Hunter a player who can “alter a football team—and the sport.”
Analysis of every Jaguars pick from Michael DiRocco
[Jaguars Depth Chart]


Tennessee Titans
With the No. 1 overall pick, the Titans selected Washington State quarterback Cam Ward, hoping he can become the franchise leader they’ve long sought. New head coach Brian Callahan, who previously helped develop Joe Burrow in Cincinnati, now takes on a similar challenge in Ward. After a 3-14 campaign and inconsistent quarterback play from Will Levis and Mason Rudolph, Tennessee is betting big on Ward to turn the page.
Analysis of every Titans pick from Turron Davenport
[Titans Depth Chart]


AFC West

Denver Broncos
At No. 20, the Broncos reinforced their secondary with Texas cornerback Jahdae Barron, a versatile and highly regarded prospect some viewed as a top-10 talent. Barron brings speed (4.39 40-yard dash), toughness, and positional flexibility—ideal for a Denver defense already stacked with stars like Pat Surtain II. His football IQ and physical style make him a strong fit in a league where defending the pass is more critical than ever.
Analysis of every Broncos pick from Jeff Legwold
[Broncos Depth Chart]


Kansas City Chiefs
After a trade with the Eagles, the Chiefs selected Ohio State offensive tackle Josh Simmons at No. 32. Kansas City has long searched for a long-term solution at left tackle, and they believe Simmons could be that guy. While a torn patella ended his 2024 season early, team doctors gave a full green light, and coach Andy Reid confirmed Simmons is on track to be ready for training camp in July.
Analysis of every Chiefs pick from Adam Teicher
[Chiefs Depth Chart]




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2025 NFL Draft: Analysis of Every Pick for All 32

Teams

By NFL Nation — April 26, 2025

The 2025 NFL draft kicked off Thursday night in Green Bay, Wisconsin, and immediately delivered fireworks. The Jacksonville Jaguars made a bold move, trading up to the No. 2 overall pick to select two-way Colorado standout Travis Hunter. Only two quarterbacks were selected in the first round—and neither had the last name Sanders.

The draft resumed Friday with Rounds 2 and 3, and will conclude Saturday at noon ET, with coverage continuing live on ESPN and ABC. Throughout the three-day event, NFL Nation’s reporters will provide in-depth analysis of every pick across all 32 teams. Updated depth charts are available for every roster.


AFC EAST

Buffalo Bills
The Bills addressed their secondary at No. 30, selecting Kentucky cornerback Maxwell Hairston. Known for his elite speed (4.28 40-yard dash at the combine), Hairston brings a dynamic edge to Buffalo’s defense. GM Brandon Beane emphasized his versatility and potential, though his size (5-11, 192 lbs) and ability to finish tackles were flagged as areas for development.
Analysis: Alaina Getzenberg | [Depth Chart]

Miami Dolphins
With defensive line help needed, the Dolphins took Michigan DT Kenneth Grant. Miami considered trading down but stayed put to secure a disruptive interior force. GM Chris Grier compared Grant’s upside to Dexter Lawrence II, praising his immediate impact potential on a thinning defensive front.
Analysis: Marcel Louis-Jacques | [Depth Chart]

New England Patriots
New England selected LSU offensive tackle Will Campbell with the No. 4 pick to protect young quarterback Drake Maye. Campbell brings physicality and leadership, filling a critical need for a team that ranked near the bottom in both run and pass block win rates last season.
Analysis: Mike Reiss | [Depth Chart]

New York Jets
The Jets continued investing in the trenches, selecting Missouri OT Armand Membou at No. 7. With a young, talented line anchored by Alijah Vera-Tucker, Olu Fashanu, and Joe Tippmann, New York aims to fuel a punishing ground game and give QB Justin Fields a clean pocket.
Analysis: Rich Cimini | [Depth Chart]


AFC NORTH

Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens added versatility to their secondary with Georgia safety Malaki Starks at No. 27. The only FBS player with 1,500+ safety snaps and 500+ slot corner snaps over the past three years, Starks fits Baltimore’s scheme perfectly, offering flexibility in disguising coverages.
Analysis: Jamison Hensley | [Depth Chart]

Cincinnati Bengals
Cincinnati filled a crucial edge rush need with Texas A&M DE Shemar Stewart at No. 17. With Trey Hendrickson’s future uncertain, Stewart gives the Bengals a long-term option with immediate upside. He’s expected to learn behind Hendrickson as he adjusts to the league.
Analysis: Ben Baby | [Depth Chart]

Cleveland Browns
After trading down from No. 2, the Browns landed Michigan DT Mason Graham at No. 5. A relentless interior penetrator, Graham is expected to be a major contributor in a deep, aggressive front.
Analysis: Daniel Oyefusi | [Depth Chart]

Pittsburgh Steelers
Resisting quarterback hype, Pittsburgh drafted Oregon DT Derrick Harmon at No. 21. Harmon is viewed as the eventual heir to veteran Cameron Heyward, who remains productive but turns 36 this season.
Analysis: Brooke Pryor | [Depth Chart]


AFC SOUTH

Houston Texans
The Texans traded out of the No. 25 spot, sending the pick to the Giants and receiving No. 34, No. 99, and a 2026 third-rounder in return. The Giants used the pick on QB Jaxson Dart.
Analysis: D.J. Bien-Aime | [Depth Chart]

Indianapolis Colts
At No. 14, the Colts took Penn State TE Tyler Warren, who they’d reportedly targeted for months. Versatile and multidimensional, Warren is expected to be a complete tight end for a team that’s been lacking consistency at the position.
Analysis: Stephen Holder | [Depth Chart]

Jacksonville Jaguars
In a dramatic move, the Jaguars traded up to No. 2 to take Colorado’s Travis Hunter. First-time GM James Gladstone called Hunter a transformational player. The cost—a future first-rounder—reflects the team’s confidence in Hunter’s ability to change games on both sides of the ball.
Analysis: Michael DiRocco | [Depth Chart]

Tennessee Titans
The Titans selected QB Cam Ward with the No. 1 overall pick. New head coach Brian Callahan reunites with a top pick after previously mentoring Joe Burrow, and expectations will be high following a 3-14 season.
Analysis: Turron Davenport | [Depth Chart]


AFC WEST

Denver Broncos
Denver grabbed a major defensive piece at No. 20 in Texas CB Jahdae Barron. A potential top-10 talent, Barron adds versatility and speed (4.39 40-yard dash) to a secondary already headlined by Pat Surtain II.
Analysis: Jeff Legwold | [Depth Chart]

Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs closed out Round 1 with Ohio State OT Josh Simmons at No. 32 after a trade with Philadelphia. Despite missing most of 2024 due to a torn patella, Kansas City believes Simmons can be their long-term solution at left tackle.
Analysis: Adam Teicher | [Depth Chart]

Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders stuck at No. 6 and took Boise State RB Ashton Jeanty, the top back in the class. Coach Pete Carroll is building a physical identity, and Jeanty, along with TE Brock Bowers, forms the foundation of a run-heavy offense.
Analysis: Ryan McFadden | [Depth Chart]

Los Angeles Chargers
L.A. added North Carolina RB Omarion Hampton at No. 22, pairing him with new acquisition Najee Harris. The Chargers are aiming to create a dominant rushing duo under coach Jim Harbaugh.
Analysis: Kris Rhim | [Depth Chart]

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