2025 NFL Draft Day One Recap: Top Picks, Biggest Surprises, Notable Slides & Best Available for Day Two

Early Order Holds, Then Chaos Unfolds

Round One of the 2025 NFL Draft opened with predictability and closed in chaos. As expected, the Titans selected Cam Ward first overall, followed by a surprise trade—Jacksonville leaping up to No. 2 to snag two-way star Travis Hunter. The Giants went with pass rusher Abdul Carter at No. 3, a pick aligned with most consensus boards. But things got weird quickly. The Browns moved down from No. 2 to No. 5 and still landed our top-graded player, Michigan’s Mason Graham, while the Patriots locked in on foundational left tackle Will Campbell. The Bears shocked some by taking Colston Loveland at No. 10, the highest tight end selection in years, though his talent justifies the spot.

2025 NFL Draft Day One Recap: Top Picks, Biggest Surprises, Notable Slides & Best Available for Day Two

Value Hits, Head-Scratching Reaches, and Franchise Gambles

The Raiders took RB Ashton Jeanty at No. 6, making him the highest-drafted running back since Saquon Barkley, while the Falcons doubled down on front-seven talent with Jalon Walker and later James Pearce Jr. Several consensus favorites went in expected ranges, including Tyler Warren to the Colts and Malaki Starks to the Ravens, both considered strong value picks. On the other end, there were a few stunning reaches—none bigger than the Giants trading back into Round One to take Jaxson Dart at No. 25, passing on Shedeur Sanders for the second time. Seattle’s pick of Grey Zabel at 18 and the Lions reaching for Tyleik Williams at 28 also drew raised eyebrows.

Round One Trades Set Stage for Day Two Opportunities

Add in several key trades—Jacksonville jumping up for Hunter, the Giants swapping back in for Dart, and the Browns’ calculated move down to No. 5—and it’s clear Round One delivered fireworks. With an abundance of top-50 talent still available, including players with first-round grades on our board, teams with early picks in Rounds 2 and 3 are in prime position to find immediate starters. Expect aggressive movement at cornerback, running back, and safety as Day Two kicks off.

Trench Warfare Headlines Day One: A Positional Breakdown

Evaluating the positional breakdown of picks on Day One of the 2025 NFL Draft, the trends reflected exactly what we’ve been anticipating for months. There were five offensive tackles and six interior defensive linemen selected in the first round, highlighting just how dominant the trenches were in this draft class. The volume of defensive line picks was no surprise—I’ve been pounding the table on the depth and versatility of this group since last summer. It’s one of the strongest interior DL classes we’ve seen in years, and NFL teams clearly agreed.

On the offensive side, the run on linemen—particularly interior offensive linemen, with three selected in Round One—was more about necessity than depth. This year’s class lacks high-end depth on the offensive line, especially on the interior. That scarcity drove up the value for players like Grey Zabel and Donovan Jackson, who came off the board earlier than projected but filled critical needs for their new teams.

All told, Day One delivered a clear message: if you wanted quality in the trenches, you had to strike early—and the teams that did walked away with instant-impact starters.

Top Day One Picks Based on Big Board Rankings

Mason Graham, IDL, Michigan (Browns, No. 5)

📊 Big Board Rank: 1 | Consensus Pick Probability: 25%

The Browns played this perfectly. They moved down from No. 2, still landed the No. 1 player on our board, and secured extra draft capital. Graham’s elite production and power make him an instant fit next to Myles Garrett — a foundational piece for Jim Schwartz’s defense.

Abdul Carter, EDGE, Penn State (Giants, No. 3)

📊 Big Board Rank: 2 | Consensus Pick Probability: 58.33%

No surprises here — a match made in pass-rushing heaven. Carter brings elite burst, bend, and motor, and he instantly upgrades the Giants' front. They needed an alpha edge presence, and Carter checks every box.

Travis Hunter, CB/WR, Colorado (Jaguars, No. 2)

📊 Big Board Rank: 3 | Consensus Pick Probability (Browns): 58.33%

Stunning trade-up aside, the value is undeniable. Hunter is a two-way weapon and a generational talent. The Jaguars’ boldness will be judged on how well they unleash his versatility, but the upside is All-Pro on both sides of the ball.

Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State (Raiders, No. 6)

📊 Big Board Rank: 4 | Consensus Pick Probability: 41.67% (Jaguars)

Jeanty becomes the first running back selected inside the top six since Saquon Barkley. His blend of vision, contact balance, and explosiveness fits perfectly in a Chip Kelly system built to maximize space and tempo. A tone-setter for a new era in Vegas.

Will Campbell, OT, LSU (Patriots, No. 4)

📊 Big Board Rank: 7 | Consensus Pick Probability: 50%

A rock-solid projection from the consensus and a premium pick for a franchise in reset mode. Campbell brings rare polish for a college tackle — long arms, clean footwork, and a powerful anchor in pass pro. New England lands a day-one starter with All-Pro upside.

Cam Ward, QB, Miami (Titans, No. 1)

📊 Big Board Rank: 9 | Consensus Pick Probability: 66.67%

The Titans stuck to the script and made the right move. Ward is the most dynamic quarterback in the class — combining off-platform creativity, pocket toughness, and elite arm talent. While some boards had him outside the top 10 or even as far back as day two, our grading saw a clear QB1 with franchise-level tools and untapped ceiling.

Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan (Bears, No. 10)

📊 Big Board Rank: 10 | Consensus Pick Probability (Colts/Broncos/Chargers): ~41.67%

The Bears break the mold by taking a tight end in the top 10 — and it’s absolutely justified. Loveland is a modern mismatch weapon with elite body control, route polish, and explosive YAC ability. With D.J. Moore and Roe Odunze outside, Loveland gives Chicago a dynamic seam threat to unlock the middle of the field for 2nd year QB Caleb Williams.

Best Day One Value Picks Based on Big Board Rankings

Jahdae Barron, DB, Texas (Broncos, No. 20)

📊 Big Board Rank: 8 | Consensus Pick Probability: 33.33% (49ers/Dolphins)

Denver capitalized on Barron's slight slide to secure one of the most complete defensive backs in the class. A top-10 talent on our board, Barron brings elite instincts, position flexibility (slot, perimeter, safety), and a fearless mentality in run support. He gives defensive coordinator Vance Joseph a smart, scheme-versatile piece to pair with Patrick Surtain II.

Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State (Colts, No. 14)

📊 Big Board Rank: 11 | Consensus Pick Probability: 33.33% (Colts)

The Colts didn’t overthink it. Chris Ballard let the board come to him and secured a three-down tight end with elite production and red-zone upside. Warren posted the second-highest overall draft score in the NGS model and was TE1 on most mocks — but TE2 on our board.

Malaki Starks, S, Georgia (Ravens, No. 27)

📊 Big Board Rank: 12 | Consensus Pick Probability: 41.67% (Vikings/Bills)

Baltimore sat tight and scooped up the best safety in the class. Starks was mocked higher across most boards and lands in a perfect system to unleash his range and instincts. His ability to erase deep balls and fly downhill as a run defender gives the Ravens another versatile chess piece in the secondary. This is a classic Ravens value pick — BPA meets long-term need.

Jalon Walker, LB/EDGE, Georgia (Falcons, No. 15)

📊 Big Board Rank: 13 | Consensus Pick Probability: 16.67%

Atlanta passed on more conventional edge players to take one of the most versatile defenders in the class. Walker's rare ability to rush off the edge and drop in coverage makes him a hybrid weapon in Raheem Morris’ front. He was top-15 on our board thanks to his explosiveness and closing speed — and he’ll be a Day One subpackage nightmare for opposing offenses.

Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina (Chargers, No. 22)

📊 Big Board Rank: 17 | Consensus Pick Probability: 16.67%

With Najee Harris in the backfield, some questioned the fit — but the value is real. Hampton is a workhorse with home-run ability who posted back-to-back 1,500+ yard seasons at UNC. He’s got the size-speed combo to be a true three-down back, and in a Jim Harbaugh offense built around physicality and balance, Hampton might end up leading all rookies in touches. This was a classic case of talent over depth chart.

Biggest Day One Surprise Picks (Outliers vs. Board)

Jaxson Dart, QB, Ole Miss (Giants, No. 25)

📊 Big Board Rank: 68 | Consensus Pick Probability: 0%

While late-week reports suggested the Giants were higher on Dart than most teams, this still qualifies as a major reach. New York passed on Shedeur Sanders twice — including at No. 3 overall — then traded back into Round 1 to take Dart, a quarterback ranked well outside our top 50. He impressed in interviews and on the whiteboard, but this is a high-stakes swing that could ultimately define the Daboll-Schoen regime.

Grey Zabel, IOL, North Dakota State (Seahawks, No. 18)

📊 Big Board Rank: 48 | Consensus Pick Probability: 36.36%

Zabel was a projected fringe Round 1/2 player who rocketed into the top 20. While Seattle prioritizes toughness in the trenches, this felt early for a developmental interior lineman — even one as physically dominant as Zabel. Not a bad pick, but much earlier than projected.

Tyleik Williams, IDL, Ohio State (Lions, No. 28)

📊 Big Board Rank: 86 | Consensus Pick Probability: <1%

The biggest reach of the night relative to our board. While the raw tools are there, Williams was projected as a Day 2 developmental player. Dan Campbell clearly sees upside, but it’s a big swing with more polished DL options still on the board.

Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona (Panthers, No. 8)

📊 Big Board Rank: 16 | Consensus Pick Probability: 16.67% (Texans)

McMillan is a talented vertical threat, but going inside the top 10 was earlier than expected. With other needs on the board, Carolina bet big on his size, tracking ability, and contested-catch dominance. He’ll be counted on immediately to elevate Bryce Young’s downfield game.

Derrick Harmon, IDL, Oregon (Steelers, No. 21)

📊 Big Board Rank: 45 | Consensus Pick Probability: 16.67%

With Shedeur Sanders still on the board — and strongly linked to Pittsburgh in the consensus (50% probability) — this pick turned heads. Harmon is a stout, high-floor interior defender, but passing on a potential franchise QB for a rotational IDL was unexpected. It signals the Steelers are either all-in on a veteran or still eyeing a Day 2 quarterback.

Notable Day One Slides Relative to Big Board

Will Johnson, CB, Michigan

📊 Big Board Rank: 5 | Consensus Pick Probability: Projected to 6 teams (Saints, Dolphins, Bucs, Jaguars, Packers, Giants)

A top-five talent on our board and the top-graded cornerback in the class. Johnson’s slide is directly tied to lingering medical concerns — specifically a flagged knee issue from 2023 — despite reports that he was cleared by doctors. With elite coverage instincts and the second-lowest passer rating allowed in FBS from 2022–2024, this is the best pure cover corner still available.

Mike Green, EDGE, Marshall

📊 Big Board Rank: 6 | Consensus Pick Probability: Projected to 3 teams (Panthers, Bengals, Falcons)

Green’s exclusion from Round 1 is one of the bigger surprises from a production standpoint. He finished with a top-10 pass rush win rate and has positional versatility as a stand-up EDGE or hand-in-the-dirt DE. Several teams in need of pass rush help passed on a ready-made disruptor with elite testing numbers.

Benjamin Morrison, CB, Notre Dame

📊 Big Board Rank: 18 | Consensus Pick Probability: Mid-to-late Round 1 projection

Smooth mover with strong ball skills and instincts. Morrison was mocked as high as the early teens in several expert mocks, yet remains available after Round 1. Durability and scheme questions may have pushed him down, but the tape shows a top-tier press man corner.

Shavon Revel, CB, ECU (Unselected)

📊 Big Board Rank: 19 | Consensus Pick Probability: Fringe Round 1 projection

One of the most explosive athletes in the class, Revel pairs elite length with press-man upside. Though still developing technically, his raw traits and physical profile give him one of the highest ceilings among cornerbacks in this draft. Teams seeking scheme-versatile perimeter defenders will be eager to grab him early on Day Two.

Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri

📊 Big Board Rank: 27 | Consensus Pick Probability: Tied for 2nd or 3rd WR in most mocks

Arguably the best YAC weapon in the class. He profiles as a high-end WR2 in the slot with vertical juice and toughness after the catch. Some teams may have docked him for size or alignment versatility, but he’ll be a weapon from Day One.

Nick Emmanwori, S, South Carolina

📊 Big Board Rank: 28 | Consensus Pick Probability: Projected to Eagles, Vikings, Ravens

A downhill enforcer with hybrid linebacker/safety traits, Emmanwori was one of the most consistent tacklers in college football. He brings physicality and range, and was viewed as a top-32 player on multiple boards. He’ll appeal to teams running zone-heavy or big nickel schemes.

Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado

📊 Big Board Rank: 26 | Consensus Pick Probability: 50% (Steelers), 33.33% (Raiders), 16.67% (Saints)

Expected to go in the top 15 for most of the cycle. Harsh pre-draft critiques, including anonymous comments about his demeanor and play under pressure, caused a dramatic slide. Still a high-upside QB with strong mechanics and poise — he’ll be one of the most-watched names on Day Two with interest from the Browns, Raiders, Saints, and Steelers.

🔎 🔭 Day Two Outlook: Top 50 Talent Still on the Board

Day One of the 2025 NFL Draft delivered chaos, trades, and a few surprise omissions — and that sets the stage for an absolutely loaded Day Two. Multiple top-50 prospects, including several first-round grades on our board, are still available entering Rounds 2 and 3.

The headliners? Shedeur Sanders, Will Johnson, TreVeyon Henderson, and Quinshon Judkins — all players with the traits to become Day One NFL starters. Whether it’s medical flags, positional runs, or front office fit concerns, their fall now presents an opportunity for smart franchises to strike.

We expect runs at cornerback, running back, and safety to shape the action early on Friday. Teams that remained patient through Round 1 are now poised to walk away with premium value.

📊 Top Remaining Prospects (Football Scout 365 Big Board – Top 50)

CBs:

5. Will Johnson – Michigan (elite cover skills, flagged medical)
18. Benjamin Morrison – Notre Dame (polished zone/press specialist, flagged medical)
19. Shavon Revel – ECU (explosive traits, high ceiling, flagged medical)
30. Azareye’h Thomas – Florida State
41. Trey Amos – Mississippi

EDGE/DL:

6. Mike Green – Marshall (disruptive pass rusher with positional flexibility)
34. Donovan Ezeiruaku – Boston College
36. Darius Alexander – Toledo
43. Jack Sawyer – Ohio State
50. T.J. Sanders – South Carolina

QBs:

26. Shedeur Sanders – Colorado (sharp mechanics, high ceiling, polarizing off-field evaluations)

WRs:

27. Luther Burden III – Missouri (elite YAC weapon)
32. Jaylin Noel – Iowa State (dynamic in space, crisp separator)
44. Jayden Higgins – Iowa State

RBs:

37. TreVeyon Henderson – Ohio State (home-run hitter with burst)
46. Quinshon Judkins – Ohio State (vision + contact balance = NFL starter)

S/LB:

28. Nick Emmanwori – South Carolina (box safety with hybrid versatility)
42. Xavier Watts – Notre Dame
47. Carson Schwesinger – UCLA (athletic off-ball LB)

OT:

40. Aireontae Ersery – Minnesota (athletic tackle with long arms and upside)