2025 NFL Draft First-Round Grades for All 32 Picks

NBA OFFICIAL HIGHLIGHTS

-02:21

The 2025 NFL draft officially started when the Tennessee Titans predictably made Cam Ward the No. 1 pick and their new franchise quarterback. 

The move has been evident for weeks, but it’s still worth asking whether the Titans made a mistake passing on Travis Hunter and Abdul Carter, the consensus top two prospects in this draft class. That’s the first of many questions we’ll be asking ourselves Thursday night, when The MMQB will be grading every first-round pick, starting with Ward.

We’ll have continuous coverage of everything happening in Green Bay through Saturday, including when Mr. Irrelevant comes off the board with the final pick at No. 257. This post will be updated throughout the draft in real-time as each of the picks are selected. 

Let’s get to the grades.  

1. Tennessee Titans

Cam Ward, QB, Miami (FL)

The most predictable pick in the NFL draft came to fruition after the Titans announced Ward as their next franchise quarterback. 

Ward separated himself from the other QB prospects because of his high football IQ and dazzling off-scripted plays. The hard-throwing Miami product drew comparisons to Kyler Murray and Jordan Love. 

Occasionally, Ward got in trouble for his backyard football habits, but he has the ideal skill set to have a successful pro career. Titans coach Brian Callahan and the team’s new front office are taking a risk here, though, prioritizing a need at quarterback instead of selecting the best prospect. But at least the Titans know Ward has the work ethic to possibly reach his high potential, evident from his rise as a no-star recruit who earned his shots at Washington State and Miami after playing for Incarnate Word. —GM

Scouting report: Ward has the arm talent, intelligence, ball placement and ability to extend plays to be a standout NFL starter. The 6' 2", 219-pounder rips passes to all levels, and he’s advanced with his eyes—he moves defenders out of zones, reads coverages well, pre- and postsnap, and is comfortable throwing receivers open in zones. He can throw with different arm angles and can make plays outside of structure, though he’s more of a pocket passer than a true dual threat. Ward, who turns 23 in May, still battles inconsistent decision making, mechanics and accuracy, though he’s made strides in each area. —Daniel Flick

Grade: A

2. Jacksonville Jaguars

Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado

Hunter is one of the most unique talents to ever come into the NFL, starring as both a corner and receiver for the Buffaloes. Over the past two years at Colorado, Hunter caught 153 passes for 1,979 yards and 20 touchdowns, including 15 as a senior. On defense, he notched seven interceptions in that span as well. Last year, Hunter won the Heisman Trophy, the Biletnikoff Award as the nation’s best receiver, and the Bednarik Award as the best defender in college football. In short, Hunter is a generational talent. —MV

Scouting report: Two-way players are rare, but Hunter is unique—he plays both at a high level. The 6' 0", 188-pounder has quick feet, fluid hips and plenty of explosion. Hunter will enter the NFL as a better corner than receiver—he’s not an overly nuanced route-runner at this stage and largely won collegiately with his athleticism—but his ball skills and playmaking ability will translate to big plays as a pro. Defensively, Hunter is proficient in man and zone coverage, and is terrific when the ball is in the air. Hunter should get touches on offense early, but he’s better suited to be a starting cornerback from the moment he arrives. —DF

Grade: A

3. New York Giants

Abdul Carter, edge, Penn State

Along with Hunter, many evaluators in the league believe Carter is the best prospect in the draft. He was a menace for the Nittany Lions, totaling a nation-high 24 tackles for loss and 12 sacks while earning first-team All-American status. At 6' 3" and 250 pounds, Carter has the size, speed and pass-rush tools to be a Day 1 star. —MV

Scouting report: Elite, ready-made pass rushers are invaluable, and Carter fits the bill. He has an incredibly explosive first step, which he pairs with nuanced, effective hands and a bendy lower half to win around the corner. Carter has a fluid spin move to counter inside when tackles overplay his speed. He’s a balanced rusher with quality instincts and innate feel for blockers’ intentions. Carter can hold the point of attack, and makes plays in pursuit against the run, but he’s not an above-average run defender at this stage. Regardless, Carter is a unique athlete, and he should be a dominant pass rusher as a 3-4 outside linebacker. —DF

Grade: A

4. New England Patriots

Will Campbell, OT, LSU

Everyone knows his story at this point. Campbell was everyone’s top offensive tackle prospect until he measured with 32⅝-inch arms at the combine. At the LSU pro day that number was bumped to 33 inches, but the length is still far from ideal. That said, his tape is excellent. With the Tigers, Campbell made first-team All-SEC in 2023 and first-team All-American in '24. —MV

Scouting report: A three-year starter at left tackle, Campbell is an athletic, smooth mover who fared well against the SEC’s gauntlet of pass rushers this fall. Campbell has a strong punch, can displace defenders in the run game and is a dominant pass protector. Campbell allowed only one sack and five quarterback hits in 2024, according to Pro Football Focus. Be it at tackle, where he feels he belongs, or guard, where his length disadvantages are masked, the 6' 6", 319-pounder projects as a steady protector for the foreseeable future. —DF

Grade: C+

5. Cleveland Browns

Mason Graham, DT, Michigan

This is one of the best defensive tackle classes we’ve seen in years, and Graham is universally viewed at the top of the heap. Starring for the Wolverines over the past two years, he’s been a first-team All-Big Ten member and a first-team All-American over that span while notching nine sacks across three years in Ann Arbor. —MV

Scouting report: With a deep bag of moves, nonstop motor, violent hands and high-level athleticism, Graham wins in a variety of ways. He has a strong punch, and his legs rarely stall—he can condense pockets with power and makes it difficult for linemen to anchor. The 6' 2", 296-pounder is fast off the snap, has twitch when changing directions and maximizes his hands to aid his attack from various alignments. Graham had only nine sacks across three seasons, lacks elite length with 32-inch arms and is stable but not special against double teams. Still, Graham’s athleticism, instincts and disruption create an elite blend, and he should make an early impact. —DF

Grade: B

6. Las Vegas Raiders

Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State

Jeanty has a case as the best running back prospect to enter the NFL since Saquon Barkley strolled in from Penn State in 2018. The Boise State product led the nation in carries (374), rushing yardage (2,601) and all-purpose yardage (2,750) along with 29 touchdowns. He’s an all-world talent who should immediately be one of the league’s top backs. —MV

Scouting report: Jeanty has high-level athleticism, blending quick feet, a fluid lower half and speed with his compact 5' 8½" and 211-pound frame. Jeanty sees holes developing and has a strong feel for the defense’s flow. He manipulates second-level defenders with his eyes and feet, and he varies his pace dependent on when he needs to hit a gap. Jeanty is a willing and capable blocker who picks up blitzing linebackers with the same power he runs through them as a ballcarrier. Jeanty boasts elite contact balance and lower body strength. He’ll change the complexity of an offense from Day 1. —DF

Grade: A

7. New York Jets

Armand Membou, OT, Missouri

To no surprise, Membou, one of the top-rated tackles, didn’t wait long to hear his name called. Membou is now set to fill the void the Jets have at right tackle after the departure of Morgan Moses.

Membou flourished as a three-year starting right tackle, earning second-team All-SEC honors in his final season at Missouri. In his 29 starts, Membou displayed patience and agility in pass protection. He also built a reputation for being a physical finisher in his run blocks. —GM

Scouting report: An athletic yet proportionally unique right tackle, the 6' 4", 332-pound Membou blends foot quickness, technique, power and balance—and at 21 years old, his upside is tantalizing. Membou didn’t allow a sack or quarterback hit in 2024, according to Pro Football Focus, and pass rushers have a difficult time against him due to his hands and feet. As a run blocker, Membou’s strength helps him finish reps. Despite murmurs of a switch to guard, Membou, who has 33½-inch arms, has the makings of a stout strongside protector. —DF

Grade: B+

8. Carolina Panthers

Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona

Byrce Young is going to enjoy throwing downfield shots to the massive 6' 4", 213-pound wide receiver from Arizona. 

McMillan’s sizable catch radius and elite ball skills made him one of the top receiver prospects in this draft. He’s physical at the point of the attack, turning 50/50 balls into favorable odds. There were predraft concerns about his work ethic, but the numbers don’t suggest that, with McMillan coming off back-to-back seasons of recording at least 84 catches, 1,300 yards and eight touchdowns. —GM

Scouting report: McMillan is a fluid mover who is efficient entering and exiting breaks. He’s more of a speed player vertically, and not an elite separator, but his large catch radius, strong hands and high-level concentration allow him to make difficult catches in traffic. McMillan is smart, instinctual, strong and slippery after the catch, and he can play inside and outside. He should be a productive target for Young early in his career. —DF

Grade: A

9. New Orleans Saints

Kelvin Banks Jr., OT, Texas

In a tackle class that doesn’t get anybody all that excited, Banks is a top-three prospect at the position alongside Campbell of LSU and Missouri’s Membou. Banks could kick inside if things don’t work at left tackle, but he’s shown enough to earn playing on the outside to start. At Texas, Banks started 42 games across three years. —MV

Scouting report: A three-year starter at left tackle, Banks enters the NFL ready. At 6' 5" and 315 pounds with 33½-inch arms, Banks has a strong lower half with good linear quickness, enabling him to generate movement at the point of attack and pick up second-level defenders in the run game. As a pass protector, Banks, who allowed only one sack in 2024, can stay in front of speed rushers and anchor against power rushers, but his pad level and body control are tested against physical punches. Banks prefers to stick at tackle, but regardless of where he plays, he has the goods to be a long-term starter in the NFL. —DF

Grade: B

10. Chicago Bears

Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan

Surprisingly, Loveland was the first tight end drafted Thursday night. But there’s no denying he made his presence felt as a pass catcher during his three seasons with Michigan, including being the leading receiver for the national championship team in 2023. 

The versatile playmaker recorded a combined 101 catches for 1,332 yards and nine touchdowns in his final two collegiate seasons. He needs to improve as an inline tight end, but he’s a sure bet for being a productive pass catcher at the next level for Bears quarterback Caleb Williams. —GM

Scouting report: Loveland fits the modern mold of an NFL tight end, blending an athletic 6' 6", 248-pound frame with explosiveness and fluid direction changes. He’s capable of stretching defenses vertically down the seam, is a threat after the catch due to his athleticism and contact balance and has impressive ball skills to make plays above the rim and in traffic. As a blocker, Loveland lacks elite strength and struggles with consistent pad level, but he gives effort and has experience pulling, climbing and sealing rushing lanes. He should be an early impact pass catcher who can align in the slot or at the end of the line of scrimmage. —DF

Grade: B

11. San Francisco 49ers

Mykel Williams, edge, Georgia

The 49ers are adding help for Nick Bosa. The hulking 6' 5", 267-pound Williams has the skill set to make an immediate impact. Williams didn’t have the monster junior season many expected him to have for the Bulldogs partly because of a nagging ankle injury. But Williams showed plenty of toughness and still found ways to make plays despite the limitations. 

Last season, Williams played 12 games and had 8.5 tackles for loss, five sacks and two forced fumbles. —GM

Scouting report: Williams can win with lateral quickness, power or nuance. He never stops using his hands, and has legitimate power to condense pockets with a bull rush. He’s instinctual with a good feel for approaching blockers, and sets a solid edge. Williams isn’t overly fluid in his lower half, though he has enough bend to cut edges, and he’s a powerful finisher when he gets to the quarterback. Twice a second-team All-SEC pick, Williams needs to reduce his number of ineffective pass-rushing snaps, but his size, athleticism and hands make him an intriguing prospect. —DF

Grade: B-

12. Dallas Cowboys

Tyler Booker, G, Alabama

Booker is the top guard prospect in this class. The 321-pound Connecticut native earned second-team All-American and first-team All-SEC honors in 2024, playing with both power and technique while having 34½’-inch arms. With the Crimson Tide, Booker started 26 games over three seasons. —MV

Scouting report: A physical, big-bodied left guard at 6' 5" and 321 pounds, Booker has tremendous strength to sustain blocks and drive defensive linemen out of rushing lanes. Booker won’t impress with his athleticism—his 1.96 10-yard split and 27-inch vertical jump at the combine leave a lot to be desired—and he’s an average puller. But Booker, who was a team captain in 2024 and has experience at left tackle and both guard positions, has the physicality, strength, intelligence and versatility to be an instant starter in a power-gap system. —DF

Grade: D

13. Miami Dolphins

Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan

Grant doesn’t get the same amount of attention as his former teammate in Mason Graham, but he’s a first-round talent all day. The 331-pounder was a dominant force on the interior for Michigan, showing the ability to stuff the run while also getting upfield to total 6.5 sacks over the past two years. He’s the best pure nose tackle in this class. —MV

Scouting report: Grant naturally takes up considerable space, but he’s more than just a big body against the run. He has the power and length to stack and shed offensive linemen, can win matchups with quickness and is fast enough to make plays in pursuit. Grant’s pass rush, from his plan and counter moves to the depth of his arsenal, is still a work in progress, but he enters the NFL with a clear role. —DF

Grade: C

14. Indianapolis Colts

Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State

Warren, who’s regarded by many as the best tight end prospect in the draft, is expected to make life easier for his new quarterback—whether that’s Anthony Richardson or Daniel Jones. Warren could end up being a “YAC” monster at the next level due to his reputation of extending plays and forcing missed tackles. 

Warren had a whopping 104 catches for 1,233 yards and eight touchdowns last season. —GM

Scouting report: At 6' 5 and 256 pounds, Warren made plays nearly everywhere in Penn State’s creative offense. He threw passes, took handoffs and was one of college football’s most productive pass catchers. Warren has terrific ball skills to finish catches above the rim and in tight quarters, and he’s a threat after the catch with his strength, contact balance and physicality. Warren isn’t excessively twitchy, nor is he dynamic at the top of routes, but his frame, ball skills and burst out of breaks make him an elite pass catcher. Warren should be a game-changer early in his pro career. —DF

Grade: A

15. Atlanta Falcons

Jalon Walker, edge, Georgia

The Falcons finally drafted an edge rusher in the first round. Walker could have a standout NFL career as a hybrid defender. He’s undersized as a 6' 1" and 243-pound edge rusher, but that might be his best position because of how he uses his speed and length to his advantage.

Walker said he welcomes the role of being a chess piece. He excels at covering plenty of ground thanks to his outstanding change of direction abilities. The first-team All-American recorded 60 tackles and 6.5 sacks last season. —GM

Scouting report: Walker is an athletic, versatile defender who makes most of his plays working downhill or running to the sideline. He’s physical, a reliable tackler and closes with tremendous burst. Walker is powerful at the punch and can win with both speed and hand refinement as a pass rusher. Walker likely won’t be an every-down edge player, but he can make plays as a traditional off-ball linebacker on early downs while opening creative avenues as a blitzer in passing situations. —DF

Grade: A

16. Arizona Cardinals

Walter Nolen, DT, Ole Miss

Nolen showed flashes of being a game-wrecker in his lone season at Ole Miss. He’ll now join a revamped defensive line in Arizona that just added edge rusher Josh Sweat and defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson. 

After two sluggish years at Texas A&M, it clicked for Nolen with his new team, becoming a consensus All-American and first-team All-SEC. Nolen had a team-high 14 tackles for loss and added 6.5 sacks. Developing consistency is key for Nolen, but there’s no denying his high upside after what he flashed at Ole Miss. —GM

Scouting report: He has the strength, quickness and production to be a quality pro. He holds the point of attack and can get off blockers in time to stop the run. But Nolen’s hand usage and pass-rush repertoire aren’t where they need to be. He exposes his body to blockers too often and struggles finding a counter. He has trouble against double teams and can be moved out of rushing lanes. There are highs and lows on Nolen’s tape—he’s uber talented but has kinks to work out at the next level. —DF

Grade: B

17. Cincinnati Bengals

Shemar Stewart, DL, Texas A&M

The Bengals added some much-needed help for their defense. The massive 6' 5", 267-pound Stewart excelled at creating pressure from multiple positions in the Aggies’ crowded defensive front. 

There’s plenty of untapped potential with Stewart, but his lack of sacks in college might be concerning for teams. He was held to 1.5 sacks in each of his three seasons. —GM

Scouting report: There may not be a more physically talented prospect in the class than Stewart, who ran a 4.59 40-yard dash at the combine. Stewart pairs a quick first step with a powerful punch, and when he extends his arms, he knocks back tackles and compresses the pocket. But he lacks much of a pass-rush plan, often relying on going speed to power, and his hands are inefficient, which leads to his rushes usually stalling. Stewart is a stout run defender who sets a good edge, and he can play inside and outside. Early on, he’ll be a versatile piece who plays well on early downs while he develops as a pass rusher. —DF

Grade: C-

18. Seattle Seahawks

Grey Zabel, IOL, North Dakota State

Zabel is considered by many as the top center in this draft, but he’s also viewed as one of the best guard prospects. Regardless of where he plays, he has the makings of being a stout blocker for Sam Darnold. 

Those are two positions the versatile Zabel didn’t play last season, starting 16 games as North Dakota State’s left tackle. He started 12 games at right tackle the year prior and started games at left guard and right guard in his five collegiate seasons. Zabel is an exceptional run blocker thanks to his footwork and balance. —GM

Scouting report: Zabel is intelligent, has smooth feet and is a terrific anchor, which helps him stall pass rushers. As a run blocker, Zabel has the pop to create space, though his short arms—32 inches—are a detriment to staying engaged on the perimeter. Zabel impressed at center against quality opponents during Senior Bowl practices, and his quickness and position flexibility should give him a good chance to start early. —DF

Grade: B+

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State

Egbuka spent much of his time with the Buckeyes in the shadow of Marvin Harrison Jr., but became the top option for Ohio State’s national title team in 2024. Egbuka caught 81 passes for 1,011 yards and 10 touchdowns while making third-team All-Big Ten. Along with McMillan, Matthew Golden and Luther Burden III, Egbuka belongs in the top tier of receivers in this class. —MV

Scouting report: While Egbuka won’t amaze with his numbers or explosion, he’s a steady, dependable pass catcher who’s quite good in a lot of areas. Egbuka has enough speed to make plays vertically, his ball skills are impressive and he’s a sudden, fluid mover who can separate against man coverage. Ohio State creatively involved him in blocking schemes, a nod to Egbuka’s toughness and selflessness. He projects as a quality No. 2 wideout. —DF

Grade: B-

20. Denver Broncos

Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas

Barron is the best slot corner in this draft. The former Longhorns star played 57 games over his five years in Austin, notching eight interceptions including five as a redshirt senior. He comes into the league with solid size for a nickel back at 5'11" and 195 pounds, helping him utilize physicality on the inside. —MV

Scouting report: The winner of the Jim Thorpe Award given annually to the nation’s top defensive back, Barron is a versatile playmaker who finished tied for fourth in the FBS with five interceptions in 2024. Barron is a good tackler, and often puts himself in advantageous positions due to his instincts and route recognition. He’s physical in coverage, at times too much, and has only average burst. Barron can play nickel, outside corner or safety. —DF

Grade: B+