So, the 2025 season is basically wrapped up, and we’re all sitting here looking at the carnage. It’s funny, honestly. Every April, we watch these kids walk across the stage in Green Bay, and we act like we know exactly how their careers will go. We hand out "A" grades like candy to the teams that picked the guys we saw on Saturday afternoons. Then the real games start.
If you’re looking for a simple list of who "won" the draft, you’re kinda looking at it the wrong way. Grading NFL draft picks 2025 isn't about the night of the draft anymore. It’s about who actually survived the transition to the pros. Some of the "can't-miss" prospects looked lost, and a few second-rounders basically saved their franchises.
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Let's get into the weeds of what actually happened versus what we thought would happen.
The Top 10: High Stakes and Mixed Bags
Everyone was obsessed with the QBs, as usual. The Tennessee Titans went all-in on Cam Ward at No. 1. If you just look at the box score, you might think he struggled. He fumbled 11 times. That’s a lot. But the tape? Man, the tape is different. He was playing behind an offensive line that was basically a screen door. Despite the chaos, he made throws that only about five people on Earth can make. PFF gave him a 58.9 offensive grade, which is "meh," but he’s clearly the guy in Nashville.
Then you have the Travis Hunter situation in Jacksonville. The Jags took him at No. 2 to be a two-way superstar. It was working, too, until that knee injury ended his season early. It’s hard to grade a guy who only played a handful of games, but when he was out there, he was the best player on the field. Period.
The Real Winners of the Top 10
- Will Campbell (Patriots, No. 4): This was a home run. Campbell stepped in at left tackle and played like a ten-year vet. He’s the reason Drake Maye isn't seeing ghosts right now. He’s currently on IR with an MCL sprain, but the Patriots finally have their blindside protector. Grade: A
- Tetairoa McMillan (Panthers, No. 8): This guy is a monster. 70 catches, over 1,000 yards, and 7 touchdowns as a rookie? He saved Bryce Young's career. Carolina actually won the NFC South because they finally gave their QB a target who wins every contested ball. Grade: A+
- Kelvin Banks Jr. (Saints, No. 9): People thought he might have to move to guard because of his arm length. Wrong. He started every game at left tackle and was a brick wall. Grade: A-
Why the Giants and Browns Swapped Identities
The trade between Cleveland and Jacksonville was the shocker of the draft. Cleveland moved back to No. 5 and still landed Mason Graham, the defensive tackle from Michigan. Graham was exactly as advertised: a pro-ready brawler. But the real story in Cleveland is Carson Schwesinger. This kid was a second-round pick (No. 33) and he led all rookies in tackles. He’s probably going to win Defensive Rookie of the Year.
Meanwhile, the Giants are in a weird spot. They took Abdul Carter at No. 3. On paper, it was a "flashy" pick. But Carter’s rookie year was a mess. There were whispers about his professionalism, and he just didn't produce the sacks people expected. They also took Jaxson Dart late in the first round. Dart’s season was a total roller coaster. One week he looks like the next Eli Manning, the next week he’s throwing three picks in the first half. It’s stressful being a Giants fan right now.
The Mismatch Kings: Tight Ends are Back
If you look at the middle of the first round, the tight ends really stole the show. It’s rare to see two TEs go in the top 15 and both actually live up to the hype.
Tyler Warren (Colts, No. 14) became Anthony Richardson’s best friend. He’s basically a bigger wide receiver who can actually block. The Colts’ offense looks completely different with him in the middle. He’s probably the safest pick of the entire 2025 class.
Colston Loveland (Bears, No. 10) did the same thing for Caleb Williams. The Bears' offense is actually... fun? Loveland, DJ Moore, and Rome Odunze are a nightmare for defensive coordinators. If you're grading NFL draft picks 2025, the Bears get a massive "B+" or "A-" just for making life easier for their young QB.
Steals and "What Happened?" Moments
The Steelers always seem to find guys. Derrick Harmon (No. 21) was a force on the interior. When he was on the field, the Steelers' run defense was elite. When he was out, teams were gashed for 200 yards. That’s the definition of an impactful rookie.
On the flip side, some guys just didn't click.
Ashton Jeanty (Raiders, No. 6) was the "can't-miss" running back. He wasn't bad, but he wasn't the game-changer people expected. He looked like a guy who was still adjusting to the speed of NFL linebackers.
The Defensive Disappointments
- Mike Green (Marshall): People loved his pass-rush stats in college, but he got pushed around in the NFL. He’s basically a situational player right now.
- Barrett Carter (Bengals): He struggled to shed blocks. He’s a great athlete, but he’s playing more special teams than linebacker right now.
- Walter Nolen (Cardinals): Another injury-plagued season. The talent is there, but you can't help the team from the training room.
The Logic Behind the Grades
Honestly, grading a draft after one year is still a bit of a guess. You’ve got to look at the context. A guy like Jalon Walker (Falcons, No. 15) looks like a superstar because the Falcons used him perfectly as a pass-rush specialist. If he was asked to play traditional linebacker every snap, his grade might be lower.
The New England Patriots are the "experts' choice" for the best overall class. They didn't just get Will Campbell; they got TreVeyon Henderson in the second and Kyle Williams in the third. They built a foundation. They didn't chase highlights; they chased solid, dependable starters.
What Most People Get Wrong
Most fans look at stats. Scouts look at "translatable traits."
Cam Ward’s fumbles are a stat. His ability to move the pocket and throw off-platform is a trait. The Titans are betting that they can fix the fumbles, but you can't teach that arm talent. That’s why his "grade" in the building is likely much higher than what you see on social media.
Actionable Insights: What to Watch in 2026
If you’re following these 2025 rookies into their second season, here is what you should actually be looking for:
- Year 2 Leap for QBs: Watch Cam Ward’s ball security in the first four games of 2026. If the fumbles don't drop, the Titans have a problem.
- The "Injury Bounce Back": Travis Hunter and Mykel Williams are coming off major injuries. Their early-season explosiveness will tell us if they’re still franchise cornerstones.
- The Trench Growth: Watch Armand Membou (Jets) and Will Campbell (Patriots). These guys were great as rookies, but the jump from "good rookie" to "All-Pro" usually happens in year two.
- Deep Sleepers: Keep an eye on Elic Ayomanor in Tennessee. He was a late-round steal who started to emerge late in the season.
The 2025 draft was heavy on "safe" offensive linemen and "high-upside" defensive ends. Now that we have the data, it’s clear that the teams who prioritized the trenches (Patriots, Saints, Browns) are the ones in the best shape moving forward.
Next Steps:
Start monitoring the 2026 mock drafts to see how teams are trying to fix the mistakes they made in 2025. If your team missed on a pass rusher last year, expect them to double down this April. Check out the updated 2026 Big Boards to see which college stars are rising to fill those holes.