The 2025 NFL Draft has come to a close, and as always, it brought forth a mix of shockers, solid selections, and a few questionable choices. Let’s dive into the first round, a spectacle that had fans buzzing with excitement. Who’s poised to make an immediate impact? Who was a reach? Here is what AI graded each NFL team on their first round picks.
Tennessee Titans
Needs: QB, WR, Edge
Drafted: Cam Ward (QB)
Grade: A
The Titans made headlines by sticking to their guns and selecting their quarterback of the future with the first overall pick. Cam Ward out of Miami steps in as a dynamic playmaker—perhaps the nonchalant gunslinger that this franchise desperately needs. After a rocky past with Will Levis, this seems like a fresh start for Tennessee. Ward could very well transform the Titans’ offensive identity, making this pick an A in my book.
Jacksonville Jaguars (Trade Up From CLE)
Needs: CB, DT, S
Drafted: Travis Hunter (WR/CB)
Grade: A+
The Jaguars struck gold by making an aggressive move to snag Travis Hunter, a dual-threat player who can light it up on offense and provide much-needed support in the secondary. Pairing him with Brian Thomas Jr. offers a tantalizing blend of talent to complement Trevor Lawrence. This pick feels like a home run—Hunter adds an exciting dimension to their playbook, and it certainly cements the Jaguars as a team to watch.
New York Giants
Needs: QB, DL, G
Drafted: Abdul Carter (DE)
Grade: A+
For the Giants, selecting Abdul Carter was an absolute no-brainer. A game-changing defensive end was a priority, and Carter fits the bill perfectly. Grabbing him at No. 3 was a statement move, and you can bet Giants fans are thrilled about this addition.
New England Patriots
Needs: OT, Edge, WR
Drafted: Will Campbell (OT)
Grade: A-
The Patriots did well to secure Will Campbell, a top-tier tackle, addressing a significant need on their roster. Protecting their quarterback, be it Drake Maye or someone else, is crucial, and Campbell will anchor the line. While it may not have the flair of a skill position pick, it was an essential step in solidifying their offense.
Cleveland Browns
Needs: QB, DL, WR, OL
Drafted: Mason Graham (DT)
Grade: A
With Myles Garrett wreaking havoc on opposing quarterbacks, the addition of Mason Graham is a frightening prospect for rival offenses. Graham—in pairing with Garrett—strengthens an already formidable defensive line. This selection makes sense for a team aiming to bolster their defense dramatically.
Las Vegas Raiders
Needs: RB, WR, CB, OL
Drafted: Ashton Jeanty (RB)
Grade: A+
Jeanty is exactly the explosive addition the Raiders needed after struggling in the run game. With a history of powerful backs like Marshawn Lynch, he could be the kind of player who becomes a fan favorite in Las Vegas. This pick brings excitement back to the running game and fixes a critical issue the team faced last season.
New York Jets
Needs: WR, IOL, OT
Drafted: Armand Membou (OT)
Grade: B
Given their quarterback’s struggles last season, securing an offensive lineman was imperative for the Jets. Membou should help improve the protection, cutting down the number of hits on their QB. A steady choice, the Jets are on the right track in fortifying their front.
Carolina Panthers
Needs: Edge, S, LB, WR
Drafted: Tetairoa McMillan (WR)
Grade: B+
The Panthers got a solid player in McMillan, providing additional firepower to their receiving corps. As Carolina looks to build out its offensive identity, having a standout receiver in the mix could serve them well.
New Orleans Saints
Needs: QB, OL, WR, DL
Drafted: Kelvin Banks Jr. (OT)
Grade: B+
The Saints have some gaps to fill, and addressing the offensive line with Banks is a wise move. Protecting whoever takes snaps next season should be a priority, and securing solid talent in the trenches marks a step in the right direction.
Chicago Bears
Needs: OL, DL, RB
Drafted: Colston Loveland (TE)
Grade: B-
While this pick had its question marks initially, Loveland brings versatility to the tight end position that will complement Cole Kmet. Though it may not be the flashiest choice, it’s a smart move if they envision him making an impact down the line.
San Francisco 49ers
Needs: DT, DE, OT
Drafted: Mykel Williams (DE)
Grade: A
Adding Williams to an already stacked defensive line makes this pick quite intimidating for opponents. With names like Nick Bosa on the roster, the Niners are building a juggernaut on defense.
Dallas Cowboys
Needs: WR, CB, RB
Drafted: Tyler Booker (OG)
Grade: B+
Replacing Zach Martin with Booker addresses a pivotal need. The Cowboys are making a sensible choice here by enhancing their offensive line, vital for the success of their offensive game plan.
Miami Dolphins
Needs: DL, CB, OL, S, TE
Drafted: Kenneth Grant (DT)
Grade: A-
The Dolphins needed help on the defensive line, and Grant’s addition should provide that much-needed spark. He’s set to prove valuable in Miami, coming in to strengthen the unit.
Indianapolis Colts
Needs: TE, OL, LB
Drafted: Tyler Warren
Grade: A
Warren is a fantastic grab for the Colts, meeting a glaring need at tight end. His potential impact is hard to overlook, and fans should be eager to see how the Colts will utilize him in their offense.
Atlanta Falcons
Needs: DL, OL, CB
Drafted: Jalon Walker (LB)
Grade: B-
The selection of Walker adds depth to an area of concern, even if many didn’t see linebacker as a top priority. His presence in the defense could be significant, depending on how they plan to deploy him.
Arizona Cardinals
Needs: OG, Edge, WR, LB, CB
Drafted: Walter Nolen (DT)
Grade: B
Focusing on the defense, the Cardinals chose to boost their line with Nolen. Strong along the line, he’ll make plays that could turn the tide for Arizona’s defense moving forward.
Cincinnati Bengals
Needs: EDGE, IOL, LB, DT, S, RB
Drafted: Shemar Stewart (Edge)
Grade: B+
The Bengals are making strides to rectify last season’s defensive woes, and adding Stewart helps in that area. He’ll be tasked with bolstering an important pass rush that needs to be consistent.
Seattle Seahawks
Needs: OL, DL, ILB
Drafted: Grey Zabel (OG)
Grade: B
As the Seahawks continue their rebuild, securing Zabel to fortify the offensive line is a step in the right direction. This is an essential piece to protect their quarterback while they shape their roster for the future.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Needs: CB, Edge, LB, S, WR
Drafted: Emeka Egbuka (WR)
Grade: A
In a surprising twist, the Buccaneers opted for offense, securing Egbuka as a game-changing receiver. The team is looking to the future while addressing their present needs. This could be a game-changer for the Bucs.
Denver Broncos
Needs: RB, WR, CB
Drafted: Jahdae Barron (CB)
Grade: A-
A smart move by Denver, securing Barron to bolster the secondary. This selection rounds out a solid unit and should enhance their defensive game plan.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Needs: DT, QB, RB, WR, CB, OT
Drafted: Derrick Harmon (DT)
Grade: B-
Harmon was a surprising choice for many, but the Steelers opted to fill a defensive need that wasn’t widely anticipated. It will be intriguing to see how this pick develops within their strategy.
Los Angeles Chargers
Needs: WR, TE, IOL, RB
Drafted: Omarion Hampton (RB)
Grade: A
Hampton comes with a reputation as an explosive playmaker, and pairing him with Najee Harris is going to create fireworks in the backfield. The Chargers certainly upgraded their run game with this selection.
Green Bay Packers
Needs: WR, DT, CB
Drafted: Matthew Golden (WR)
Grade: A+
The Packers effectively turned to the air, addressing a pressing need for playmakers to support Jordan Love with the addition of Golden. This pick is sure to light up the offense and give Love the tools he needs.
Minnesota Vikings
Needs: CB, DT, IOL
Drafted: Donovan Jackson (OT)
Grade: A-
Though offensive line wasn’t at the top of the list, getting a solid talent like Jackson can only bolster their front. He’s a smart investment as they build a more robust offensive unit.
New York Giants (Trade Up From HOU)
Needs: QB, DL, OL
Draft: Jaxon Dart (QB)
Grade: B
Trading back into the first round for Dart raised eyebrows, especially with established QBs already in the mix. While there’s talent, the value at that point might complicate their quarterback situation.
Atlanta Falcons (Trade Up From LAR)
Needs: Edge, DT, LB, CB, S, OT
Drafted: James Pearce Jr. (Edge)
Grade: A
The Falcons made a calculated move to grab Pearce Jr., enhancing their pass rush and filling a key defensive role. His ability to impact games will be essential as Atlanta builds a robust defense.
Baltimore Ravens
Needs: EDGE, S, OL
Drafted: Malaki Starks (S)
Grade: A
Another strong draft move from the Ravens, adding Starks to a solid defense creates even more challenges for opponents moving forward. His skill set fits right in with Baltimore’s style of play.
Detroit Lions
Needs: Edge, IOL, LB
Drafted: Tyleik Williams (DT)
Grade: B-
While not a primary need, Williams’ tape shows why the Lions were eager to add him. His performance at Ohio State caught attention for a reason, and it’ll be interesting to see how they utilize him.
Washington Commanders
Needs: Edge, CB, RB, OL
Draft: Josh Conerly Jr. (OT)
Grade: B-
Protecting Jayden Daniels is critical, and adding Conerly bolsters that front. He should provide the necessary security on the line as the Commanders reshape their offense.
Buffalo Bills
Needs: CB, DT, WR, Edge
Draft: Maxwell Hairston (CB)
Grade: B+
Hairston is an engaging pick for the Bills, addressing a notable gap in their secondary. His personality and skills indicate he could be an immediate contributor on defense.
Philadelphia Eagles (Trade Up From KC)
Needs: DT, S, LB, OL, CB, Edge
Drafted: Jihaad Campbell (LB)
Grade: A+
The Eagles struck gold with Campbell, landing one of the draft’s premier defensive talents at a bargain. His shoulder concerns are a minor detail in comparison to the value he brings to a defense that’s already tough. Expect him to make waves in NFC.
Kansas City Chiefs
Needs: OT, DT, TE
Drafted: Josh Simmons (OT)
Grade: A
Addressing the offensive line was crucial for the Chiefs, and securing Simmons is a solid investment. This pick should bolster an offense that already possesses dynamic playmakers, creating a more complete unit.
Overall, the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft was filled with intriguing decisions and critical moves, laying the groundwork for the upcoming season. Teams filled many of their needs and added talent that could make an impact right away. The stage is set—now it’s all about watching these rookies step onto the field and prove their worth.
