2025 NFL Draft First Round Grades

2025 NFL Draft First Round Grades Breakdown

Total Apex

The 2025 NFL Draft is officially in the books, and each team made moves to reshape its future heading into the 2026 season. Some franchises filled crucial needs with perfect value, while others left fans and analysts scratching their heads. Here’s a team-by-team breakdown of every first-round pick with a quick look at why each grade was earned, based on need, fit, and upside.  

All 32 Teams Draft Grades  

  1. Titans – Cam Ward – A

Needed a young QB to build around. Ward gives them upside and mobility.

  1. Jaguars – Travis Hunter – A+

Elite versatility at corner and receiver. Immediate impact weapon for Lawrence.

  1. Giants – Abdul Carter – A+

Hard-hitting linebacker fills a major hole in the middle of the defense.

  1. Patriots – Will Campbell – A

Franchise left tackle to protect their new QB. Smart, safe pick.

  1. Browns – Mason Graham – A

Interior disruptor to bolster the defensive line. Fits their aggressive front.

  1. Raiders – Ashton Jeanty – A+

Explosive back to pair with Pete Carroll. Dynamic and reliable weapon.

  1. Jets – Armand Membou – B-

Solid O-line help, but could’ve gone bigger with a more impactful pick.

  1. Panthers – Tetairoa McMillan – B+

Much-needed target for Bryce Young. Good value for a big-bodied WR.

  1. Saints – Kelvin Banks Jr. – B+

Smart pick to stabilize the line. QB still a bigger need with Carr’s injuries.

  1. Bears – Colston Loveland – D

Tight end wasn’t a pressing need. Ignored bigger holes on defense and O-line.

  1. 49ers – Mykel Williams – B

Solid pick, but not a top need. Still, a high-upside edge talent.

  1. Cowboys – Tyler Booker – B+

Boosts the O-line depth. Helps Dak stay upright and Pollard hit lanes.

  1. Dolphins – Kenneth Grant – C+

Interior DL wasn’t the top need. Grant’s solid, but not a needle-mover.

  1. Colts – Tyler Warren – A

Big, athletic tight end to help Richardson grow. Great scheme fit.

  1. Falcons – Jalon Walker – A+

Versatile defender who can rush and cover. Ideal for a young, fast D.

  1. Cardinals – Walter Nolen – C+

Name value over need. Defense still lacks coverage help.

  1. Bengals – Shemar Stewart – B+

Edge depth needed. Stewart has long-term starter potential.

  1. Seahawks – Grey Zabel – C-

Questionable reach. Better linemen were still on the board.

  1. Buccaneers – Emeka Egbuka – B-

Talented receiver, but WR wasn’t urgent. 

  1. Broncos – Jahdae Barron – B-

Solid secondary piece. Not flashy, but fills a depth need.

  1. Steelers – Derrick Harmon – C

DT helps, but they need a QB badly. Mason Rudolph isn’t the answer.

  1. Chargers – Omarion Hampton – A

Explosive RB, big-time weapon for Justin Herbert.

  1. Packers – Matthew Golden – A-

Smooth, reliable receiver to pair with Jayden Reed. Boosts Love’s arsenal.

  1. Vikings – Donovan Jackson – B-

Interior line upgrade, but defense needed more attention.

  1. Giants (via Texans) – Jaxson Dart – C

Dart’s a developmental QB. Could be a backup more than a starter.

  1. Falcons (via Rams) – James Pearce Jr. – A++

Elite pass rusher. Perfect scheme fit. May be the steal of the draft.

  1. Ravens – Malaki Starks – A

Do-it-all safety. Classic Ravens pick: tough, smart, versatile.

  1. Lions – Tyliek Williams – D+

Big miss. Didn’t match team’s need for secondary or linebacker help.

  1. Commanders – Josh Conerly Jr. – B-

O-line needed help, but edge was a bigger need. 

  1. Bills – Maxwell Hairston – B-

Adds youth to a thin secondary. Solid but unspectacular pick.

  1. Eagles – Jihaad Campbell – A

Fast, physical linebacker fills a big need. Philly gets another athlete.

  1. Chiefs – Josh Simmons – A

Protecting Mahomes is always smart. Simmons is athletic and moldable.

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