Round 1, Pick 1
Cam Ward, QB | Miami (FL)
Grade: A
The Titans needed a quarterback. They got the best one in the 2025 NFL Draft with Miami’s Cam Ward. Heading into Year 2, Brian Callahan needed to get “his guy”, and Ward is a worthwhile investment with his high-end creative tools and gunslinger skill set. There’s still room for Ward to keep growing, but his rare mix of pocket mobility, change-of-direction, arm elasticity, layering ability, and fearlessness gives him unique roster elevation upside that no other 2025 QB can match. With their prospective franchise QB now in tow, the Titans should turn their focus to attacking lingering deficiencies on defense and bolstering Ward’s weapons core. With the right support, Ward can hit the ground running as a starter and potentially grow into a top-12 QB.
Round 1, Pick 21
Derrick Harmon, DT | Oregon
Grade: A
This was one of the bigger surprises of the first round, as many mock drafts had the Steelers addressing their quarterback situation with the 21st overall pick. Instead, they played the true value of the board and added one of the best players available at another position of need. The Harmon pick is especially intriguing, considering that Harmon has earned comparisons to the Steelers’ own veteran Cameron Heyward. Like Heyward, Harmon has the ideal size and power profile, but is a ruthlessly violent pass-rusher with high-end flashes as a run defender from 3-tech and even further inside. Harmon is a bit high-hipped and stiff in the midsection, which can impact his counter work. And his medicals at least bear noting, as he was flagged with a shoulder issue ahead of the draft.
There’s no question the Cincinnati Bengals need to invest in defense during the 2025 NFL Draft. The Bengals’ biggest free agent addition was run-stuffing defensive tackle Tedarrell Slaton on a modest two-year deal. And even though the Bengals have indicated they won’t trade Trey Hendrickson, he shouldn’t be viewed as a lock to remain in Cincinnati. Negotiating a market-level extension for a 30-year-old edge rusher is difficult enough without also factoring in the three mega-deals Cincinnati is paying on offense. As such, using the No. 17 overall pick on an edge rusher could mean either a bookend starter next to Hendrickson with Sam Hubbard retired or a potential insurance policy in the event that negotiations fall apart.
Round 1, Pick 24
Donovan Jackson, OG | Ohio State
Grade: B+
The Minnesota Vikings had a plethora of options to improve the secondary at 23rd overall, but instead, they decided to further bolster their offensive line, filling the final starting spot with Donovan Jackson. It’s not a flashy move, but you can’t fault the Vikings for choosing to protect J.J. McCarthy, and they couldn’t have picked a better remaining player. At 6’4”, 315 pounds, with near-34” arms, Jackson has a picture-perfect combination of natural leverage, compact mass, and proportional length, and he closed out his career on a high note in 2024, winning a national championship and producing high-level film at both guard and tackle. Guard is where Jackson will slot in for Minnesota, and he profiles best there with his stout, squatty build and heavy hands. In a phone booth, he stays square and gathers rushers with ease, and he can cover ground and drive punishing power in the run game. This is a high-floor pick first and foremost, but it accomplishes a goal and fills a pressing need for Minnesota.
While some mocks have Campbell as high as No. 4 overall to the New England Patriots, there’s no universal sentiment on whether he should play left tackle or guard. As a result, tackle-needy teams could easily draft Missouri’s Armand Membou ahead of Campbell or trade back into the end of the first round when many expect a run on the second tier of tackles to occur. The floor for Campbell should be the Arizona Cardinals, who could justify playing him at guard to begin his career before shifting him out to right tackle to replace Jonah Williams. Arizona needs at least one starting guard, and potentially two depending on its level of belief in 2024 third-rounder Isaiah Adams. Long term, Campbell and Paris Johnson Jr. could form an extremely stout pair of bookend tackles as well.
Murray ranked as PFSN’s 10th-best quarterback in 2021 but hasn’t cracked the top 15 since. With three years left on his deal, Arizona is making a serious push to build a winner around him. If he develops a stronger connection with Harrison, this team could take a major step forward.
Round 1, Pick 22
Omarion Hampton, RB | North Carolina
Grade: B-
It was a fairly accepted stance that multiple running backs would go in Round 1, but there wasn’t any consensus on the landing spots. The Chargers entered the fray at 22nd overall when it was all said and done, selecting Omarion Hampton out of North Carolina. On the one hand, it would’ve been nice for the Chargers to address defensive tackle or wide receiver in Round 1 – both are in greater need after Los Angeles signed Najee Harris. But Harris is also only on a one-year deal, and outside of Matthew Golden, the board didn’t fall too well for L.A. at positions of need. From a bird’s eye view, this pick is quite simple, in actuality. The Chargers have revamped their offensive line, and Jim Harbaugh greatly values the running game. He has an explosive, high-end volume back under contract for at least four years. This was perhaps a slight reach in a deep RB class, but Hampton can put up big numbers in Greg Roman’s scheme with his seam-splitting speed, vision, and downhill physicality.
The Bears had two early second-round picks and a chance to shift their future — but the results feel mixed. Luther Burden III (39th) is a solid underneath option for Caleb Williams, but a running back could’ve better supported him, given the Bears’ NFL-worst 3.5 yards per carry last year. Ozzy Trapilo (56th) is a tall tackle with limited run-blocking upside, and while Shemar Turner (62nd) adds strength to the trenches, secondary help was arguably more urgent. Chicago improved, but with their draft capital, they missed a bigger opportunity.
I thought the Commanders took their medicine in Round 1 by drafting an offensive lineman to further the development of Jayden Daniels, allowing them to pounce on CB Trey Amos, a physically impressive player out of Ole Miss who many had a first-round grade on. His versatility makes him a player who can fit in schemes, not one who has to have something built around what he does well. Washington was our 17th-rated defense a season ago and was a unit that improved with time. Amos gives this team a good chance to continue that upward trajectory and maybe push for an NFC East crown in 2025.
Round 1, Pick 6
Ashton Jeanty, RB | Boise State
Grade: A
Drafting a running back this early would usually have detractors, but Ashton Jeanty is different. Jeanty drew comparisons to a modern-day Barry Sanders, and his production in 2024 followed suit. Jeanty’s level of competition could be scrutinized, but he has the profile to be just as impactful in the NFL, especially with a Raiders offensive line that was trending up last year. At 5’8” and almost 220 pounds, Jeanty has an enthralling mix of contact balance, lower-body density, explosiveness, agility, flexibility, and creative IQ. On top of his running ability, he’s also a versatile and well-versed receiver, and he holds legitimate third-down value. On one hand, the Raiders could’ve selected Armand Membou and forged an elite offensive line, but young pieces such as Jordan Meredith and DJ Glaze showed promise last year, and Jeanty’s creative ability can elevate the unit in front of him.
Round 1, Pick 4
Will Campbell, OT | LSU
Grade: A-
With a franchise quarterback to protect in Drake Maye, it’s no surprise that the Patriots used their top-five selection in the 2025 NFL Draft to shore up their protection unit. Will Campbell accomplishes that goal with aplomb, profiling as a near blue-chip prospect on the blind side. The only reason this pick doesn’t get an A+ is because Armand Membou is slightly higher on my board, but Campbell is still a top-five prospect, with a long-term starter projection. His athleticism at 6’6”, 319 pounds underpins his game, but he’s also polished with his feet, violent with his hands, and well-versed in both phases of the game. At his size, Campbell does play a bit tall with his pads at times, and his sub-33” arms were the source of debate all throughout the draft season. However, Campbell is one of the few who have the physical gifts, operational strengths, and competitive mentality to supersede any limitations and lock down the left side.
