NFL Draft 2025: Full list of drafted players in the first round

Inside the wild opening night that turned analysts' mock drafts to dust

Updated

The moment has arrived. The 2025 NFL Draft is officially underway, and anticipation is sky-high as all 32 teams converge on Green Bay's Titletown District for what promises to be one of the most unpredictable drafts in recent memory.

With a consensus forming around the top four selections and Miami quarterback Cam Ward a near lock to go No. 1 overall to the Tennessee Titans, attention is quickly turning to the wild cards that could shake the first round--starting with the Jacksonville Jaguars at No. 5. The unpredictability is driven by what analysts are calling a "top-light" draft class, meaning there's less consensus talent at the top and more room for variance. (NFL Network, April 22)

The big news? Cam Ward is indeed headed to Nashville. The Titans made it official moments after the clock started, drafting the Miami standout quarterback No. 1 overall. Ward, who threw for over 4,200 yards and 39 touchdowns last season, is expected to become the face of a rebuilding franchise that parted ways with Ryan Tannehill and saw a disappointing 6-11 season in 2024. (CBS Sports)

Next up: chaos. With the Bears, Patriots, and Commanders rounding out the top four, early projections went mostly to plan. But at No. 5, the Jaguars stunned analysts by trading their pick to the Las Vegas Raiders, who leapfrogged to grab Ohio State edge rusher Myles Graham--viewed by many as a mid-first rounder. (Pro Football Focus)

The trade sent shockwaves through the draft room. "Nobody saw that coming," said ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. during the live broadcast. "The Raiders just took a big swing." (ESPN Draft Show)

The tension only rises from here. The famed 10-minute clock keeps the pressure on, but it's also a hotbed of behind-the-scenes negotiations, frantic phone calls, and split-second decisions.

And yes--it's happened before: if a team lets the clock expire, the next franchise can leap ahead, as seen with the Vikings in 2003. (Sports Illustrated)

As Round 1 unfolds, stay locked in--this year's draft is just getting started.

NFL Draft 2025 LIVE: Order, picks and tracker by round

Ladies and gentleman, that's a wrap from Green Bay!

The first round of the NFL Draft is over with a lot of talen moving on from college an still plenty more left for night number two.

Chiefs end the first round of the draft with a bang!

Time to protect Patrick Mahomes as T Josh Simmons is headed to Kansas City.

Another Alabama star to Philly!

Linebacker Jihaad Campbell only making the Eagles stronger wih the 31 pick in the draft.

Talent to Western New York

The Bills needed speed on th outside with their defense and it's Maxwell Hairston to one picked to help.

Protection for Daniels

Josh Conerly Jr. is the newest member of the Washington Commanders as he will play tackle for the young star QB.

Tyleik jumps to the first round

The Detroit Lions know what they like, as they pick DT Tyleik Williams from Ohio State as they much needed defensive players.

Malaki to Baltimore!

This guy is a ball player, Malaki Starks will only improve the Baltimore Ravens defense to keep their tradition.

A defensive star!

James Pierce Jr. from Tennessee is headed to Atlanta to help the Falcons.

Another trade!

The Falcons look to pick again as the Rams move out for now, Atlanta is on the clock once more.

G-Men have their QB!

Jaxson Dart is headed to the Big Apple, as the Giants pick him after trading back to the first round.

Huge pick for Minnesota!

Donovan Jackson will provide a strong o-line for the Vikings so now their offense will be even more dangerous.

The Golden pick!

Matthew Golden becomes the first wide receiver picked by the Green Bay Packers in like forever, one of the most talented wideout in the draft.

Chargers have their RB tandem

After g Najee Harris, now their first pick is Omarion Hampton out of North Carolina.

No Shedeur still!

The Pittsburgh Steelers go defense with DT Derrick Harmon in at #21 and people are still wondering about Shedeur Sanders.

Another CB to Denver!

Jahdae Barron is a force out wide and he can play all over the field, he will complicate things for the QBs out west in the AFC.

What a weapon for Baker!

Emeka Egbuka will go into Tampa Bay and provide dure hands and an explosive talent to the Buccaneers.

A good on for Seattle

Gray Zabel out of North Dakota State will provide a powerful and secure pocket for Sam Darnold for the Seahawks.

It's time to go defend

Cincy has their Edge rusher in Shemar Stewart, after g their offensive stars it was time to go focus on pressuring the QB.

Interesting pick for Arizona

Defensive tackle Walter Nolen from Ole Miss is headed to the desert after many believed that the Cardinals would go for an offensive player.

Jalon Walker stays in Georgia!

The talented young linebacker is redy to help the Atlanta Falcons after being picked at number 15.

Folowing Pollard and Clark!

The Indianapolis Colts have a confident tight end in Tyler Warren to help Trent Richardson, or who ends up being thei starter.

Dolphins go defensive

Kenneth Grant is going to Florida as the Dolphins have their man with a strong DL.

Cowboys won the lottery here

Guard Tyler Booker from Alabama is a menace and he is going to Dallas as he will help Dak Presscott and that protection game.

Armed Forces pick it!

The of the US Military stationed in Japan gave the commish the mic for the 49ers pick of Mykel Williams.

Caleb Williams has a his new target!

Tight end Colston Loveland is going to Chicago as the Bears select him at number 10.

Schedule release date set!

Every team will know what their opponents will be on May 14, so get ready because the schedule release os coming up soon.

No QB for the Saints

It's tackle Kelvin Bakns Jr going to New Orleans as they were on the Jaxson Dart sweetstakes and still no Shedeur Sanders.

He feels right at home

Ashton Jeanty seems to be getting along with the Raiders fans already in Green Bay after his selection.

A weapon in Carolina!

Tetairoa McMillan is headed to the Panthers, as he can provide Bryce Young an option though the aire and he is ready to go.

Jets have their man!

Number seven over all and Armand Membou is a beast on the line, he will help the team with pocket security.

Pete Carroll builds from the ground up

The legendary head coach likes to have a strong running back and Ashton Jeanty gives that to the team as the Raiders will be a headache for the rest of the AFC West.

Ashton Jeanty to Sin City!

The Boise State star running back goes to Las Vegas as the Raiders have their man in the AFC West!

Mason and Myles!

Myles Garrett has a new partner in the Cleveland Browns defense and everyone is excited but there is a question their QB situation.

Browns go D!

No Shedeur Sanders in the Top 5 as Cleveland take Mason Graham to give a strong push to their defense and their fans seem to like it.

Time to protect their QB!

The New England Patriots are all in on giving security to Drake Maye as they have their man wit LSU's Will Campbell being picked at number four.

People are getting excited in the Big Apple

Many have slready started to compare the two and the fans are very much excited for what the future holds.

Showing some love

He is a Green Bay Packers fan but game recognizes game, as Lil Wayne send much love to Travis Hunter after his selection.

Travis Hunter to Jacksonville!

The two way star is heading back home to Florida, as he looks to improve the team on both sides of the ball and help a Jaguars team in need. The risk for Jacksonville looks to pay off soon.

The trade

It looks like the Jacksonville Jaguars have their guy after trading three spots with the Cleveland Browns.

Ladies and gentlemen, chills...

Last minute performances before the start of the draft.

Did anybody catch this?

This one has turned heads, as every team has kept their pick

The NFL Draft is a pivotal event that shapes the future of each team in the league. With every franchise vying to secure the best talent available, the draft process has undergone significant changes over the years to ensure fairness and competitiveness.

Ashton Jeanty will get paid eventually

The young star is set to shine

This Thursday, the spotlight will be on the 2025 NFL Draft, an event that not only excites millions of fans, but also represents the starting point for young talent aspiring to reach one of the most prestigious leagues in world sport.

The prospects are in!

Is Shedeur Sanders the top one?

The NFL Draft promises to be an exciting event, as it is one of the most anticipated events for football fans. It is a great opportunity for the 32 franchises to select the top college prospects.

NFL Draft is on the clock!

What are the dates and times for the NFL Draft?

  • Thursday, April 24: First round begins at 8 p.m. EST
  • Friday, April 25: Second and third rounds at 7 p.m. EST
  • Saturday, April 27: Fourth to seventh rounds, starting at 12:00 pm EST

There are multiple ways to follow the draft: you can watch it live on ABC, ESPN, NFL Network, ESPN Deportes, as well as streaming alternatives on NFL+ and NFL Game International.

How much do NFL rookies get paid?

Although the NFL is known for its high salaries, players making the jump from college football do not immediately receive seven-figure salaries. Entry into the professional league imposes certain salary restrictions, especially for rookies.

Each new player signed must agree to a contract with a maximum duration of four years. In the case of those selected in the first round, teams have the option to extend that contract to a fifth year. On the other hand, players who the league as undrafted free agents receive an initial three-year contract. These rules are part of the system designed by the league to maintain financial balance between teams.

Draft moment made even more special

The NFL announced that prospects who get selected in tonight's Draft will walk out on stage "MLB-style".

Is Cam Ward the next 'Patrick Mahomes'?

The confidence in Cam Ward is such that he did not hesitate to issue a serious warning to the 32 NFL teams in February

"If they don't select me, it's their fault," Ward said at the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine. "They should that they are the same team that will have to play with me for the rest of my career, and I will that."

The resume of the Miami Hurricanes quarterback is impressive. A 2024 Heisman Trophy finalist, Ward holds the NCAA record for most ing touchdowns with 158.

Ward also set school records with 4,313 ing yards and 39 ing touchdowns last season on his way to winning the ACC Player of the Year award and the Davey O'Brien Award (best quarterback in the country).

Abdul Carter, sought after by several teams

One name is resonating strongly in scouting circles as an early pick is Abdul Carter. The Penn State product has evolved from a versatile linebacker to a fearsome edge rusher. In 2024, he recorded 12 sacks and 23.5 tackles for loss, leading the entire country in the latter category, and generated pressure on nearly one in five plays. His transition to full-time defensive end has been key to experts ranking him among the top defensive prospects of the year.

Despite suffering a minor foot injury during Combine week, Carter has avoided surgery, which has not diminished interest from teams.The Arizona Cardinals or Chicago Bears, who are looking to rebuild their defensive lines with young, dominant talent, appear as possible destinations. Even franchises like the Seattle Seahawks or New York Giants, who could sacrifice other needs for a defensive playmaker of his caliber, are keeping a close eye on him.

2025 NFL Draft Red Carpet will break from tradition

Green Bay is putting its own twist on a time-honored tradition as it hosts the NFL Draft for the first time. Rather than a traditional red carpet, prospects will walk a green synthetic turf runway designed to mirror Lambeau Field itself, complete with hash marks and sideline detail, offering fans a fully immersive football experience.

The red carpet festivities run from 4 to 6 p.m. ET ahead of Thursday night's opening round, giving fans a first look at the next wave of NFL talent.

The event is being staged inside the iconic Lambeau Field bowl, and about 2,000 people are expected in designated viewing sections.

Patriots Hold the Key to Draft Drama at No. 4

With the top three picks in the NFL Draft seemingly locked--Cam Ward to the Titans, Travis Hunter to the Browns, and Abdul Carter to the Giants--the spotlight now shifts to New England at No. 4.

The Patriots are expected to target LSU tackle Will Campbell, a safe but imperfect fit for a team with major O-line needs. Trade talks have cooled, making it likely they stay put. If anything wild happens early, it starts here.

Jaxson Dart Overtakes Shedeur Sanders in Giants Draft Odds

Just one day before the draft, Ole Miss QB Jaxson Dart has better odds to be drafted by the Giants (+200) than Shedeur Sanders (+350), per BetMGM. New York holds the No. 3 pick but is expected to take Penn State edge rusher Abdul Carter (-800). With Winston and Wilson as temporary fixes, the Giants' long-term QB plan remains uncertain.

2025 NFL Draft: Quarterback Prospects and Team Strategies

As the 2025 NFL Draft unfolds today, the quarterback class presents a mix of certainties and uncertainties. Cam Ward from Miami is widely expected to be the first overall pick by the Tennessee Titans, solidifying his status as the top quarterback prospect.

Beyond Ward, projections vary:

Shedeur Sanders: Once considered a top-five pick, his draft stock has fluctuated. Some mock drafts predict he could be selected late in the first round, potentially by the Pittsburgh Steelers at No. 21.

Jaxson Dart: The New York Giants have shown interest, with scenarios where they trade back into the first round to select him.

Jalen Milroe: Known for his athleticism, Milroe is considered a high-upside prospect but may require development time, making his first-round selection uncertain.

Analysts like Eric Edholm project up to four quarterbacks being selected in the first round, while others, such as Charles Davis, suggest only Ward will be taken on Day 1. The actual number will depend on team strategies and potential trades as the draft progresses

Steelers Emerge as Betting Favorite to Draft Shedeur Sanders

As the 2025 NFL Draft kicks off today in Green Bay, the Pittsburgh Steelers have emerged as the odds-on favorite to draft Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders. BetMGM lists the Steelers at -145, ahead of other quarterback-needy teams.

Despite holding the 21st overall pick, Pittsburgh's growing interest in Sanders -- son of Hall of Famer Deion Sanders -- has sparked speculation about a potential trade-up. One of the draft's most polarizing prospects, Sanders brings big-arm talent and elite poise, but some scouts remain divided on his transition to the pro level.

All eyes will be on the Steelers tonight to see if they make their move.

Shemar Stewart Wows at Combine, Worries Scouts

Texas A&M's Shemar Stewart posted jaw-dropping combine numbers -- 4.59 40, 40-inch vertical, 10-11 broad -- at 6'5", 267 pounds. But with just 1.5 sacks in any college season, scouts are split.

The NFL Draft is always part football showcase, part high-stakes drama. This year's edition, held in Green Bay, didn't waste any time delivering both.

Most expected the Tennessee Titans to grab Miami quarterback Cam Ward with the No. 1 overall pick--and they did. No surprises there. Ward, who lit up college football last year with over 4,000 ing yards and nearly 40 touchdowns, is now the new face of a franchise eager for a reset.

The next three picks--Chicago, New England, and Washington--went more or less as predicted. But when Jacksonville hit the clock at No. 5, things took a hard left turn.

Instead of drafting, the Jaguars pulled the trigger on a trade. The Las Vegas Raiders moved up from No. 13 and sent a haul of picks to jump into the top five, selecting Ohio State edge rusher Myles Graham.

This wasn't just unexpected--it was a total rewrite of what analysts thought they knew. Graham was projected to go mid-to-late first round, but Vegas clearly saw something others didn't. "That's a pick you make when you're swinging for upside," said ESPN's Field Yates during the broadcast.

According to Pro Football Focus, Graham ranked third in total pressures among FBS edge rushers last season. He's raw, but explosive--a classic Raiders pick in both risk and reward.

Backstage, the 10-minute draft clock added its usual tension, with war rooms scrambling, phones buzzing, and scouts whispering last-second advice. The Raiders-Jaguars trade showed just how fast plans can change when the pressure's on.