What has been mocked in every single place for months grew to become official Thursday evening: The Tennessee Titans chosen quarterback Cam Ward with the No. 1 general choose within the 2025 NFL Draft.
Sure, draft day in Inexperienced Bay is lastly right here, and FOX Sports activities draft knowledgeable Rob Rang is analyzing and grading each first-round choice in actual time. Did your crew make the fitting transfer?
Rang: Ward’s enchancment as an NFL prospect over the course of his faculty profession is among the most inspirational and unlikely I’ve seen in 25 years as an NFL Draft analyst. Early on at Washington State, I wasn’t certain he’d make it within the CFL. By the point he’d left Pullman for Miami, it was clear Ward was an NFL expertise, however a middle-round prospect at that. After which this previous season — in opposition to the very best competitors of his life — Ward unleashed a faster launch, stronger arm and higher pocket consciousness for Miami than he’d ever proven at WSU (or Incarnate Word earlier than that), tantalizing scouts together with his still-untapped potential. Put merely, Ward does not have the identical ground of most QB1s. He’s too cavalier with the soccer, excelling in additional of a yard fashion than I might favor. However he’s a born playmaker with the expertise and work ethic to spark a franchise. There are extra surefire NFL stars on this class, however not at quarterback, so give the Titans credit score, they’re attempting to compete for a Tremendous Bowl and never only a return to relevancy with this choice.
Grade: B
Rang: In 25 years of evaluating NFL prospects, I’ve by no means come throughout a participant as versatile and proficient as Hunter. He’s actually one in every of one, incomes my high grade as a receiver, as a cornerback and general prospect. I completely imagine that he can play each roles within the NFL, theoretically justifying the Jaguars’ aggressive commerce up for him. Liam Coen was dropped at Jacksonville to assist Trevor Lawrence stay as much as his potential and get the Jaguars again into the playoffs. Including Hunter to an offense that already boasts one of many NFL’s greatest younger wideouts in Brian Thomas Jr. will try this. Including a cornerback to problem Thomas, as nicely, helps make this daring commerce make sense. It had higher, as buying and selling their 2026 first-round choice to maneuver up three spots is borderline reckless.
Grade: B
Rang: Carter by no means ran for scouts previous to the draft, however he did not need to, as his explosiveness off the ball and in pursuit is simply so apparent on tape. Whereas definitely speedy off the ball, some have issues about his capacity to carry up in run assist as Carter lacks splendid girth in his decrease physique — which is why he started his faculty profession as an off-ball linebacker. In a league that prioritizes edge rushers greater than every other defensive position, nevertheless, Carter’s worth as an instantaneous 10-plus sack candidate justifies this choice. The right “finisher” to cap a dominant Giants defensive entrance, Carter is an apparent Defensive Rookie of the 12 months candidate.
Grade: A-
Rang: Campbell has every thing NFL groups are in search of on the deal with place besides splendid arm size. However, some have made far an excessive amount of of his 33-inch arms, particularly given how agile the 6-foot-6, 319-pounder strikes. For a membership determined to guard the funding made a yr in the past of their rookie quarterback Drake Maye, this choose makes the entire sense on this planet and is the proper manner for brand new head coach Mike Vrabel to place his stamp on the crew. It is not flashy, however neither is Vrabel. This choose is about New England returning to the blue-collar physicality that epitomized the “Patriot Manner.”
Grade: B+
Rang: As protected because the cracker that shares his title, Graham is the blue-collar powerful man that matches what the Cleveland Browns are attempting to construct. He’s a disruptive presence whose recreation ought to solely take off with the entire consideration opponents shall be dedicating to Myles Garrett. Graham is an efficient participant, however the great thing about this choice is the truth that the Browns additionally acquired the 2026 first-round choose from Jacksonville as a part of the deal.
Grade: B
Rang: It’s exhausting to explain Jeanty and never enterprise into hyperbole. The comparability that I and others see with him is LaDainian Tomlinson, and anytime you are evaluating a prospect to a Corridor of Famer, issues are already a little ridiculous. However make no mistake, so is Jeanty’s expertise. He’s so fast to and thru the opening, darting in both path, bouncing off of would-be tacklers after which exploding to sunlight. All of us noticed what Saquon Barkley dropped at the Philadelphia Eagles a yr in the past. Jeanty is an on the spot star and an apparent front-runner for Offensive Rookie of the 12 months honors given how Pete Carroll will lean on him to hold the load.
Grade: A
Rang: In immediately’s period of huge blockers on the line of scrimmage, Membou is definitely a bit shorter than scouts would like — truly showing extra like a guard than a conventional deal with at 6-foot-4 and 332 kilos. However the 21-year-old Membou is simply so athletic for his “blocky” body, providing a better upside than every other deal with on this class due to his athleticism, youth and the nasty enjoying fashion that can shortly make him a favourite of Justin Fields and Jets followers.
Grade: B+
Rang: The 6-4, 213-pound McMillan is a gliding gymnast of a receiver, gobbling up yardage together with his lengthy strides and utilizing his peak, lengthy arms and uncommon physique management to soar over defensive backs. I am not fairly as excessive on him as others appear to be, as he is not as bodily after the catch or as a downfield blocker as his dimension suggests. I see shades of Tee Higgins in T-Mac’s recreation, which is to say that I imagine he’ll be an excellent NFL receiver, however is perhaps extra of a complementary risk than a real No. 1. Nonetheless, Bryce Younger wanted a pass-catcher and McMillan’s dimension and manufacturing speaks for itself.
Grade: C+
Rang: Sorry for the phrase play, however the funding in Banks makes loads of sense (or is it cents?). Nonetheless simply 21 years outdated, Banks is coming off three seasons as a fixture at left deal with for the pass-heavy Texas Longhorns. He is agile off the snap, mirroring the actions of pass-rushers with coordinated footwork and lively palms. He is perhaps requested to maneuver to proper deal with with final yr’s high choose Taliese Fuaga simply settling in on the blindside. Or, maybe the Saints will transfer Fuaga again to proper deal with (the place he starred at Oregon State) and push Trevor Penning both inside to protect (or to the sideline). Both manner, this can be a sturdy funding within the offensive line to guard the injury-prone Derek Carr … or maybe construct the road early for Spencer Rattler, Arch Manning or whomever else the Saints is perhaps as their quarterback of the long run.
Grade: B+
Rang: Critics will query Loveland’s manufacturing at Michigan, however the offense wasn’t catered round him the way in which it was with among the different tight ends on this class, together with Penn State’s Tyler Warren. Bears followers will not essentially respect this word, however Loveland is lower from the identical fabric because the Detroit Lion’s Sam LaPorta or the Las Vegas Raiders’ Brock Bowers, enjoying tight finish like an enormous receiver. After all, nobody is aware of LaPorta’s affect higher than new Bears head coach Ben Johnson. I am stunned that Loveland went forward of Warren, however the Michigan product’s agility, {smooth} acceleration and gentle palms ought to make him an instantaneous difference-maker for Caleb Williams and the Bears.
Grade: B+
Rang: The 49ers wanted so as to add new blood to their entrance seven and few provide as a lot upside as Williams, a physically-imposing 6-5, 267 pounder who comes with extra instruments than the native House Depot. He lacked eye-popping statistics at Georgia however provides go off the sting, in addition to terrific size and energy to carry up within the working recreation. There’s some threat to Williams, as he’s removed from a completed product, however that is the form of blue-collar choice the 49ers wanted to rebuild a protection struggling after the wage cap bloodletting of this offseason.
Grade: B-
Rang: They are saying every thing is greater in Texas and that now applies once more to their offensive line with Booker, among the many most imposing gamers on this class. Booker’s sheer dimension (6-foot-5, 321 kilos with almost 35-inch arms and 11 1/8-inch palms) permits him to easily latch and lockout opponents. It’s far too early on this younger man’s profession to warrant a comparability to the Cowboys’ legendary guard Larry Allen, however Booker has the potential to be a decade-long difference-maker for Dallas?
Grade: A-
Rang: The harm to Tua Tagovailoa was clearly the largest think about Miami’s disappointing 8-8 season, however do not overlook the lack of defensive deal with Christian Wilkins to the Raiders in free company. This membership wanted girth and energy inside and few on this class present that greater than Grant, a burly intimidator within the center. Grant is exclusive in that alongside together with his bulk, he is additionally a really sensible defender, getting his palms as much as knock down passes and kicks. That mentioned, whereas the place was clearly one in every of want for Miami, I did not see Grant as worthy of a top-20 choice and query the worth of this choose.
Grade: C-
Rang: Whether or not it’s Anthony Richardson or Daniel Jones throwing the passes, the Colts have to encompass their quarterbacks with extra weapons. I considered Warren as one of many 4 true blue-chip prospects on this class (together with Travis Hunter, Abdul Carter and Ashton Jeanty), so clearly I imagine he’ll show a steal at this level within the draft. At 6-foot-6 and 256 kilos, Warren possesses the scale to contribute as a blocker — not like many of the different tight ends on this class — and he possesses the agility and physique management of a a lot smaller man, contorting in area to make acrobatic catches look routine. Whether or not down the seam or sideline, Warren is a matchup monster with All-Professional potential.
Grade: A
Rang: With all due respect to No. 2 general choose Travis Hunter — simply essentially the most celebrated versatile prospect of this class — nobody ought to sleep on Walker’s capacity to play each off-ball linebacker and rush the quarterback. Some scouts, actually, favored him much more than Abdul Carter, the Giants’ choose at No. 3. Walker combines an explosive first step with core energy, physicality and instincts. The Falcons wanted to spice up their rush as final season was the third since 2020 by which the Falcons completed both thirty first or thirty second within the NFL in sacks.
Grade: A-
Rang: Probably the most disruptive inside defensive lineman of the category, Nolen is an intriguing match for the Cardinals, particularly given the addition of edge rusher Josh Sweat in free company. Nolen was terrific at Ole Miss in 2024, however wasn’t as spectacular as anticipated on the Senior Bowl. As such, there’s some plain boom-or-bust issue with Nolen.
Grade: C+
Rang: Because the Bengals’ de facto basic supervisor since 1999, Duke Tobin has made a profession out of playing on prospects with distinctive upsides. Few provide extra of that on this class than the 6-foot-5, 267-pound Stewart, who might be both the complement or alternative the Bengals want with star edge rusher Trey Hendrickson a candidate to be traded. His athleticism wowed on the Mix, however his troubling lack of manufacturing at Texas A&M makes this one other increase or bust choose.
Grade: C+
Rang: A moveable chess piece on the offensive line, Zabel performed all 4 of the skin positions at North Dakota State after which practiced — and fairly nicely, at that — at heart on the Senior Bowl. He then wowed scouts on the Mix, as nicely, together with with a 36.5-inch vertical soar that’s usually related to a skill-position participant. Zabel is agile and instinctive, flying off the road to assault defenders on the second degree. He’s the proper schematic match within the new wide-zone blocking philosophy the Seahawks have introduced in with new offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak.
Grade: A-
Rang: A silky-smooth route-runner with sufficient dimension and pace to maneuver exterior, as wanted, Egbuka was lethal from the slot place all through his time at Ohio State, projecting equally as his former Buckeye teammate Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Egbuka would possibly lack the elite measureables of among the different wideouts on this class, however he is the most secure within the class. Positive, the Bucs already boast two of the NFL’s greatest in Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, however Egbuka and Jalen McMillan are essential parts of the long run, as nicely.
Grade: B+
Rang: The Broncos have been extensively projected to take a working again and so some would possibly query this choice, however I like it. Barron is the reigning Thorpe Award winner, exhibiting not solely the protection abilities however the ball-skills and open-field tackling reliability completely required if enjoying reverse a famous person like Patrick Surtain Jr. With the quarterbacks within the AFC West, cornerback is all the time a necessity, and the Broncos bought a great one.
Grade: A-
Rang: One of many nice honors of my life was serving on the board for the now defunct Morris Trophy — an award yearly given to the very best offensive and defensive linemen of the Pac-12. With the convention crumbling, so too did the award. Had it been round in 2025, nevertheless, Harmon would have been the straightforward alternative as he’s a bodily dominant defender, using energy, agility and pure nastiness to wreak havoc on the level of assault. The priority I’ve with Harmon is conditioning. He weighed in 9 kilos heavier at his Professional Day than on the Mix. However with the management in place in Pittsburgh, I imagine Harmon will show a longtime anchor.
Grade: A-
Rang: Love him or hate him, Jim Harbaugh goes to play energy soccer. With all due respect to Ashton Jeanty, the 6-0, 221-pound Hampton is perhaps the very best mixture of dimension, pace and energy on this distinctive working again class. Hampton did not simply run quick (4.46 40) in exercises, he performs quick, exhibiting uncommon acceleration between second and third gear that interprets nicely to the NFL. And Chargers followers will love his grit, as Hampton barrels forward, grinding for each inch. Hampton is the true bell cow Harbaugh requires.
Grade: A-
Rang: Jordan Love’s emergence as one of many NFL’s higher younger gunslingers is all of the extra spectacular on condition that the Packers lack a real No. 1 receiver. Two of his favourite targets — Romeo Doubs and Christian Watson — are each getting into the ultimate yr of their respective rookie offers and neither possesses Golden’s straight-line pace (4.29 40), making the Texas product an excellent deep risk for Love. Golden is not simply quick, he is fast and aggressive. I really like this choice for the Packers.
Grade: A
Rang: This is among the stunners for me, given how the Vikings invested a lot in free company on inside offensive linemen. That mentioned, I actually like Jackson, one in every of my favourite blockers on this class due to his dimension, energy, sturdiness and flexibility. Defending J.J. McCarthy is the highest precedence and the Vikings clearly are targeted on that.
Grade: B-
Rang: I just like the Giants’ aggression with this transfer. Whereas I assumed Shedeur Sanders can be the Giants’ alternative, Dart has every thing wanted to change into a star quarterback within the NFL, besides expertise in a pro-style assault. Fairly frankly, Dart has higher upside than Sanders. He possesses a powerful, correct arm with good contact on the deep ball, agility, energy and grit as a runner and the management abilities anticipated at quarterback. Iconic former NFL head coach Jerry Glanville as soon as famously characterised the NFL as standing for “not for lengthy,” and that describes the quantity of persistence followers — and, extra importantly, coaches — will seemingly have with Dart’s growth. That mentioned, the Giants are one of many higher suits for Dart given the presence of Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston. As such, Dart will not be rushed onto the sector and might develop at his personal tempo.
Grade: B+
Rang: As talked about beforehand with the choice of Jalon Walker at No. 15, the Falcons desperately wanted to deal with their cross rush and Pearce Jr. has actual juice off the sting. He’s a bit excessive lower, providing extra burst and bend than energy or method. However after double-dipping at quarterback a yr in the past, the Falcons did the identical with edge rushers — one thing that ought to have Raheem Morris’ membership producing a a lot higher cross rush and playoff push in 2025.
Grade: B
Rang: The Ravens are frequent draft-day winner largely as a result of they let the draft fall to them, relatively than attain to fill wants. The Ravens have a star at security in Kyle Hamilton, after all, however Starks’ capacity to not solely play deep however drop down and play nickel makes him a top quality match right here.
Grade: B
Rang: The accidents to Aidan Hutchinson and Alim McNeill made it pretty predictable that the Lions can be specializing in line of defense, particularly given the expertise of this yr’s class. At 6-foot-3, 331 kilos, Williams is bodily much like McNeill and performs with the fireplace that Dan Campbell requires.
Grade: B
Rang: Arguably essentially the most athletic deal with on this class — his 10-yard break up of 1.70 seconds led all blockers examined this yr — Conerly Jr. possesses the elite ft that translate very nicely to the pass-happy NFL. He is not fairly as highly effective as among the different blockers of this class, projecting “solely” exterior, which restricted his worth to some. However for a membership that simply invested in Laremy Tunsil at left deal with, this choice is a terrific follow-up, ought to Tunsil fail to stay as much as expectations for no matter motive or if the Commanders aren’t satisfied Andrew Wylie is not the long-term reply at proper deal with.
Grade: B
Rang: The Payments wanted defensive playmakers on this draft to assist Josh Allen get excessive and into the Tremendous Bowl, they usually definitely discovered a playmaker within the 2025 Mix pace champ. Hairston, who wins with pure man-to-man cowl abilities and big-play aptitude, returning half of his six profession touchdowns again for touchdowns. That is one in every of my favourite picks given his expertise and match with a crew needing a “finisher.”
Grade: A
Rang: Howie Roseman and the Eagles win massive but once more, aggressively buying and selling up for the linebacker with essentially the most upside on this class. Campbell possesses uncommon agility for a 6-foot-3, 235-pound linebacker, exhibiting not solely the pace to run sideline to sideline but in addition the agility and consciousness for protection duties. He is additionally explosive upfield as a rusher and as a hitter. The priority golf equipment had with him is he’s nonetheless creating his instincts, as Campbell started his faculty profession as an edge rusher. Additional, he comes with some medical issues. Campbell wants some refining, however his greatest soccer nonetheless lies forward of him.
Grade: A
Rob Rang is an NFL Draft analyst for FOX Sports activities. He has been protecting the NFL Draft for greater than 20 years, with work at FOX, Sports activities Illustrated, CBSSports.com, USA In the present day, Yahoo, NFL.com and NFLDraftScout.com, amongst others. He additionally works as a scout with the BC Lions of the Canadian Soccer League. Observe him on X @RobRang.
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