The NFL Draft is right around the corner, with most players currently participating in the combine or pro days. Teams are finalizing their boards and now have the task of choosing the next faces of the NFL. The 2025 NFL Draft Class has a stacked roster this year, with star quarterbacks, flashy wide receivers, and talented corners ready for the next level of pro play. Here are my predictions for the first ten picks of round one of this year’s NFL Draft:
- Tennessee Titans, Cam Ward (QB, Miami)
Cam Ward is this year’s draft’s clear number-one overall pick. This star quarterback was a Heisman finalist who threw 39 touchdown passes, led the FBS with only seven interceptions, threw for more than 4,000 yards, and had an 88.0 QBR, leading college football. Cam Ward has proven throughout the season that he is the best quarterback in college football, displaying impressive athleticism and excellent game knowledge. The Titans have struggled the last few years and desperately need a star player they can build upon. Even though the Titans drafted quarterback Will Levis in the second round of last year’s draft, he had an abysmal season, having a QBR of 27.8, the worst in the NFL, and throwing for only 2,000 yards. The Titans desperately need an upgrade at the quarterback position, and Ward is the best player available.
- Cleveland Browns, Travis Hunter (WR/CB, Colorado)
Travis Hunter is the most complete and versatile player in this year’s draft, showing amazing offensive skills as a wide receiver and defensive skills as a cornerback, earning him the Heisman Trophy. Yes, the quarterback role is an evident need for the Browns with starter Deshaun Watson out with an Achilles injury. Still, I don’t see them picking up Shedeur Sanders when Watson will be back next year and when they can pick up the Ole Miss quarterback, Jaxson Dart, in the second round. They need to address their even more significant problems with the skill positions surrounding the quarterback. The Browns’ only actual viable starting wide receiver is Jerry Jeudy, and with Nick Chubb not being re-signed as of now, the Browns’ offense desperately needs help. I see Travis Hunter as the best wide receiver option in the draft, and even if Hunter plays on both sides of the ball (which I don’t think he will), he has proven that stamina is not a problem. Hunter scored 15 touchdowns last year while also posting an impressive 1,200+ yard receiving season for Colorado, showing that he is a natural playmaker and will be a star on the Browns.
- New York Giants, Shedeur Sanders (QB, Colorado)
Even though the Giants signed future Hall of Famer Russell Wilson to a 1-year deal, I don’t see them passing up on the star quarterback Shedeur Sanders. Like the Titans, the Giants have struggled the past couple of seasons due to poor offensive output from quarterback Daniel Jones and a subpar defensive effort. The Giants need to establish a star player, like what they had with Eli Manning, and Sanders would be perfect for a big-market team like the Giants. Sanders is all too familiar with being the center of attention. Being the son of Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, Shedeur has always had the spotlight on him and has not disappointed. This year, Sanders threw for more than 4,000 yards while having 37 touchdown passes and only throwing 10 interceptions. Wilson can serve as a mentor for Sanders throughout his first season, and eventually, Sanders will be lethal as a duo with star wide receiver Malik Nabers at the start of the 2026 NFL season.
- New England Patriots, Abdul Carter (DE, Penn State)
The Patriots are in a rebuilding phase for their franchise after the departure of Tom Brady and have cemented their quarterback as Drake Maye for years to come. While the Patriots do need to address their problems at offensive positions, such as their wide receivers and offensive line, Abdul Carter is hard to pass on. Being the best defensive end in the draft, Carter can help support the underwhelming defensive line for the Patriots. Last year, the Patriots did not have a good pass rush defense, ranking well below the average for the league in pressures and sacks. However, if the Patriots sign free agents Josh Sweat or Chase Young to the roster, Abdul Carter would be great to cement a promising defensive line for next season. Carter had an impressive 12 sacks last year for the Lions and would be an excellent addition for the Pats.
- Jacksonville Jaguars, Mason Graham (DT, Michigan)
Jacksonville has many holes on the defensive side of the ball, but their defensive line is especially in need of help. The Jags picked up corner Jordan Lewis in free agency to bolster their nickel; however, other than signing veteran defensive tackle Arik Armstead, they failed to get more help for their d-line. Mason Graham is a very safe yet great pick for the Jaguars, as he has proven himself to be the best defensive tackle in the draft. In combination with his elite physicality and pass-rushing capabilities, Graham has proven that he has the intelligence and understanding of the game necessary to succeed at the NFL level. Graham would also complement Jags’ edge rushers Josh Hines Allen and Trevon Walker, and together the trio could help to create a dangerous unit.
- Las Vegas Raiders, Ashton Jeanty (RB, Boise State)
With the Raiders lacking at the running back position after letting Josh Jacobs walk, they are relying on a 33-year-old Raheem Mostert to carry the load. This is why Ashton Jeanty should be the clear pick for the Raiders. The Heisman runner-up had arguably the best running back season in college football history, racking up a historical 2,601 yards, scoring 29 touchdowns, and averaging 7 yards a carry. The Raiders were dismal at the run game last year, posting a measly 3.6 yards per carry and 79.8 total rush yards per game, both bottom of the league. Additionally, with the introduction of Pete Carroll as Las Vegas’ head coach, he has historically favoured the run game, so Jeanty would slot in perfectly into the Raiders’ offense. Jeanty has tremendous potential, but this pick could be controversial considering the risks associated with taking a running back this high in the draft.
- New York Jets, Tetairoa McMillan (WR, Arizona)
After a disappointing season, the New York Jets wish to rebound this year by improving their defense but, most importantly, establishing an offense that can score. The Jets signed improviser quarterback Justin Fields for a 2-year deal, but lost key components of their offense in the form of wide receiver Davante Adams and tight end Tyler Conklin. McMillan would be a great addition to the Jets’ lineup, as he is one of the best wide receivers in the draft class. At an astounding 6’5 and 212 pounds, McMillan is an instant mismatch at the wide receiver position and offers a second weapon for Fields in the Jets’ offense. McMillan averaged a remarkable 15.7 yards last season while also scoring 8 touchdowns, making him a solid choice with lots of upside for the Jets.
- Carolina Panthers, Jalon Walker (LB, Georgia)
The Panthers are still a somewhat unstable franchise, with quarterback Bryce Young trying to cement himself as their franchise quarterback and fill the legacy of Cam Newton. However, the biggest weakness that the Panthers need to address is their subpar defensive line. The Panthers had the fewest sacks in the NFL last season, with 32 sacks, and gave up an average of 6 yards per play, the most in the NFL. Walker would be a great addition to the Panthers’ defense as he is a very versatile player and fits into most defensive sets involving four down-line men and three down-line men sets. Walker can line up from the edge and the linebacker position, making him a very valuable asset to any defense.
- New Orleans Saints, Will Johnson (CB, Michigan)
Will Johnson is the best cornerback in this year’s draft due to his elite size, speed, and playmaking ability. He has proven that he was the best corner in his class when he helped Michigan win the National Championship in 2023, and has had a very respectable season this year. The New Orleans Saints restructured quarterback Derek Carr’s contract, probably marking his last season as the quarterback for the Saints. The Saints will probably retain their pick at ninth overall and seek to take a franchise quarterback in the next NFL draft. That being said, the Saints desperately need help with their secondary positions due to long-time Saints cornerback Marshawn Lattimore being traded to the Washington Commanders in the middle of the last season. The Saints need to boost their secondary, and Will Johnson brings a combination of size, ball skills, and versatility that will translate well at the pro level.
- Chicago Bears, Will Campbell (OT/G, LSU)
The Bears had the number one overall pick in last year’s draft and picked up the Heisman-winning quarterback Caleb Williams. During last year’s offseason, they made significant moves to bolster their offense, picking up the veteran wide receiver Keenan Allen and elusive running back DeAndre Swift. However, even with these new, exciting additions, the Bears had a relatively poor season, finishing with only five wins. The Bears’ poor season can mostly be attributed to a poor offensive line, which allowed 68 sacks, the most in the NFL. Offensive tackle Will Campbell would be a perfect addition for the Bears and should be a no-brainer, as the Bears desperately need help in the front line to protect Caleb Williams.