The 2025 NFL draft began Thursday night in Green Bay, Wisconsin, with the Tennessee Titans selecting Miami quarterback Cam Ward with the No. 1 overall pick. All 32 teams were scheduled to make first-round picks on Thursday, but the New York Giants‘ move up to No. 25 to select Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart took the Houston Texans out of the first round. One pick later, the Atlanta Falcons made a deal with the Los Angeles Rams to move back into the first round and select Tennessee defensive end James Pearce Jr.
We will be tracking all 257 picks for Rounds 1-7, and you also can check out all the best available draft prospects.
The draft continues with Rounds 2-3 on Friday (7 p.m. ET) and concludes with Rounds 4-7 on Saturday (noon ET).
ESPN’s NFL draft 2025 team of reporters submitted pros and cons below for each of the 32 players selected in Thursday’s first round:
Why they picked him: Ward is the best quarterback in the draft class and fits the biggest need on the Titans’ roster. Having played 38 games in college, Ward has the experience to play right away if called upon. Titans coach Brian Callahan utilizes similar passing concepts to what Ward was asked to execute at Miami. Callahan’s immediate future depends upon the success he’s able to achieve with Ward under center. The Titans like Ward’s confidence and believe that will help NFL draft 2025 him handle the pressure that comes with being the top pick.
Biggest question: Will Ward’s playmaking ability be a gift or a curse? His arm strength and confidence will lead to some ill-advised throws that can result in turnovers. The Titans’ success will depend on whether Callahan can balance Ward’s desire to take risks with the potential for big plays. Callahan acknowledged there’s a delicate balance when coaching a player with that tendency. Tennessee isn’t built to overcome turnovers, but also needs to be more explosive on offense. — Turron Davenport
NFL draft 2025
Why they picked him: NFL draft 2025 Hunter is an elite player on both sides of the ball and he instantly upgrades a Jaguars offense that has few playmakers. He’ll draw attention from receiver Brian Thomas Jr. and is a massive boost for quarterback Trevor Lawrence, who has struggled with his consistency over the past two seasons. The Jaguars say they believe Hunter is the best player in the draft and in addition to his considerable talent he brings star power to a franchise that hasn’t had much of that over the past decade.
Biggest question: How are the Jaguars going to use him? The key is to have a plan for him, and they’re likely to start him on offense and give him a package on defense, which could expand as he grows more comfortable. The Jaguars gave up a lot for Hunter — the No. 5 pick, No. 36 and No. 126 this year and their No. 1 pick in 2026 — and there will be tremendous pressure to get him on the field as much as possible but they must make sure they avoid overworking him mentally early. — Michael DiRocco
Why they picked him: NFL draft 2025 is considered the kind of blue-chip or generational NFL draft 2025 prospect that general manager Joe Schoen said “you don’t pass on that type of player.” He has explosive traits that have evaluators making comparisons to All-Pro Von Miller. It’s also a clear indication that the Giants had a clear distinction between Carter and any of the other remaining quarterbacks (including Jaxson Dart and Shedeur Sanders). Carter helps Schoen fulfill his desire to get the best players for 2025 with the pressure on to produce wins this season.
Biggest question: What do the Giants do now at quarterback? They passed on Sanders, Dart and Jalen Milroe, among others, at No. 3. Do they move back into the bottom of Round 1 to find their potential quarterback of the future? That probably depends on the cost. Or maybe they wait until Friday. The Giants obviously didn’t like any of the quarterbacks enough to take them at the top of the draft over Carter. Still, Schoen and coach Brian Daboll have yet to draft and develop a quarterback entering Year 4. At some point it’s going to be necessary, especially considering owner John Mara said earlier this year that finding a quarterback of the future is the team’s top NFL draft 2025priority this offseason. — Jordan Raanan
hy they picked him: Pete Carroll wants to run the ball. And that’s something Las Vegas struggled to do last season, averaging 79.8 rushing yards NFL draft 2025 per game — the fewest by any team over the past two seasons. Jeanty, a Heisman Trophy finalist, will provide an immediate boost in the backfield. In 2024, Jeanty totaled 2,601 rushing yards — second most in a season in FBS history. With the addition of NFL draft 2025, the Raiders can take some pressure off new quarterback Geno Smith.