The excitement of the National Football League (NFL) Draft reached a fever pitch Thursday night, officially kicking off with the Tennessee Titans making headlines by selecting quarterback Cam Ward with the first overall pick of the 2025 NFL Draft. This selection had been the subject of constant speculation and mock drafts leading up to the event, solidifying the Titans' commitment to building a competitive team.

As the draft unfolded in Green Bay, I provided real-time analysis and graded every selection, ensuring fans were engaged and informed about whether their favorite teams made the right choices. Here are my thoughts on the first round of picks and their implications.

Cam Ward - Tennessee Titans
Grade: B
In my experience as an NFL Draft analyst for over 25 years, I can say that Ward's evolution as a prospect throughout his college career is truly remarkable. Early on at Washington State, I was skeptical about his potential even for a Canadian Football League career. However, after transferring to Miami, Ward displayed undeniable NFL talent, earning recognition as a mid-round prospect. This past season, competing against the highest level of collegiate talent, he showcased a significantly improved release, a stronger arm, and enhanced pocket awareness. While he tends to play a more improvisational style rather than a traditional quarterback, his playmaking ability is undeniable. Its clear that the Titans are aiming for a Super Bowl run with this selection, prioritizing immediate competitiveness over merely returning to relevance.

Travis Hunter - Jacksonville Jaguars
Grade: B
The Jaguars made a bold move trading up to secure Hunter, a player who excels in both offensive and defensive roles. Hunter is a unique talent, earning my highest grade as a receiver, cornerback, and overall prospect. With Trevor Lawrence needing playmakers to return Jacksonville to playoff contention, Hunter's addition could be transformative for the Jaguars offense, which already features rising star Brian Thomas Jr. However, the Jaguars must be vigilant since they traded a future first-round pick to move up, a decision that carries significant risk.

Jared Carter - New York Giants
Grade: A-
Carter's explosive abilities were evident on tape, despite not running for scouts before the draft. His transition from an off-ball linebacker to a dominant edge rusher is an exciting development, and he has the potential to become a Defensive Rookie of the Year candidate. His selection fills an immediate need for a Giants defense looking to make a statement.

Sam Campbell - New England Patriots
Grade: B+
Campbell possesses all the attributes NFL teams desire in a tackle, with the exception of ideal arm length. However, his agility and movement at 6-foot-6 and 319 pounds make him a perfect fit for protecting the Patriots' investment in rookie quarterback Drake Maye. New head coach Mike Vrabels approach emphasizes a return to the physicality that defined the franchise, and this pick aligns with that philosophy.

Graham - Cleveland Browns
Grade: B
Graham embodies the tough, blue-collar mentality that the Browns are cultivating. His disruptive presence should flourish alongside star Myles Garrett, drawing attention from opponents and enhancing the overall defensive unit. The fact that the Browns also acquired a 2026 first-round pick in this deal adds further value to the selection.

Ashton Jeanty - Seattle Seahawks
Grade: A
Jeantys speed and agility make him one of the most exciting prospects in this draft class, drawing comparisons to Hall of Famer LaDainian Tomlinson. His ability to navigate through defenses and break tackles positions him as an immediate star, likely to become the focal point of the Seahawks' offense.

Overall Impressions of Day 1:
As a long-time analyst and scout, I can assert that this years draft has been filled with surprises, standout selections, and teams taking calculated risks. The analysis of each pick reveals the strategic considerations that franchises must weigh as they look toward the future. The 2025 NFL Draft has laid the groundwork for a thrilling season ahead.

Stay tuned for continuous updates as we delve deeper into the outcomes of the draft and its impact on team rosters and strategies moving forward.