2025 NFL Draft Round 1: Winners and Losers – Tennessee Titans and New York Giants Find Their QB

Winners

Jacksonville Jaguars’ Offense Explodes with Travis Hunter

The Jacksonville Jaguars, led by new general manager James Gladstone, made a statement in the first round by trading up to select Colorado cornerback/wide receiver Travis Hunter at No. 2. Hunter, who projects as a game-changing talent on both sides of the ball, becomes the highest-drafted non-quarterback to move up inside the top two since 1997. The Jags shipped off a second- and fourth-round pick this year, along with a first next year to make the deal happen.

“F— them picks” — a mantra of Gladstone’s mentor, Les Snead — seems to summarize the Jaguars’ approach as they look to transform their offense around quarterback Trevor Lawrence.

New England Patriots Fortify Line for Drake Maye

The Patriots addressed a critical need, selecting LSU tackle Will Campbell at No. 9 to protect third-year quarterback Drake Maye. With Campbell in tow, who allowed just two sacks across his last 30 starts in college, Maye should have improved pocket awareness and more time to throw.

Campbell’s no-nonsense attitude and commitment to protecting his teammates bode well for Mike Vrabel’s new culture in Foxboro.

Indianapolis Colts Acquire Playmaking Tight End Tyler Warren

Indianapolis general manager Chris Ballard delivered what Colts fans craved, drafting Penn State tight end Tyler Warren at No. 12. With Warren’s versatility and athletic ability, he provides a much-needed target for either Anthony Richardson or Daniel Jones, depending on who wins the QB competition in training camp.

Carolina Panthers Equity in Weapons for Bryce Young

For the second consecutive year, the Carolina Panthers added adynamic wide receiver to support quarterback Bryce Young. Dan Morgan’s selection of Arizona’s Tetairoa McMillan at No. 8 gives Young another playmaker to grow with in his third season.

New York Giants Boost Offense and Defense with Trades

The Giants had an eventful night, moving up for Penn State edge rusher Abdul Carter at No. 3, then trading back into the first round to grab Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart at No. 28. Though Wilson and Winston are still in the mix, Dart provides hope for the future behind center.

With Carter joining a loaded defensive line featuring Brian Burns and Kayvon Thibodeaux, the Giants have reason to believe they’re turning the corner under Brian Daboll and Joe Schoen.

Green Bay Packers Bolster Young Receiving Corp with Matthew Golden

The Packers added another weapon for quarterback Jordan Love, selecting Texas wide receiver Matthew Golden at No. 14. Golden joins a deep and young receiving group that includes Romeo Doubs, Jayden Reed, and Christian Watson, giving Love plenty of options in 2025.

Philadelphia Eagles Continue Love Affair with SEC Defenders

In the final pick of the first round, the Eagles added another impressive SEC defender to their roster, drafting Alabama linebacker Jihaad Campbell at No. 31. Campbell, despite some health concerns, is well-regarded by the Eagles, who believe he could have gone in the top 10.

Losers

Colorado QB Shedeur Sanders Left Waiting

Despite being considered a potential top-five pick, Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders fell out of the first round entirely. With Miami’s Cam Ward and Ole Miss’ Jaxson Dart going ahead of him, Sanders will have to wait until Friday to hear his name called.

Quarterback Situation Remains murky for Browns, Steelers

Both the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers failed to address their quarterback situations in the first round. The Browns, despite trading back from No. 2, left Jabaal Sheard and the worst quarterback room in the league intact. The Steelers, meanwhile, have Mason Rudolph penciled in as their starter, with Aaron Rodgers as an uncertain savior.

Will Levis’ Tennessee Tenure Comes to an End

The Tennessee Titans’ selection of Cam Ward at No. 1 signals the end of Will Levis’ time in Nashville. After being benched for Rudolph last season, Levis’ days in Tennessee appear numbered.