The 2025 NFL draft officially started when the Tennessee Titans predictably made Cam Ward the No. 1 pick and their new franchise quarterback.
The move has been evident for weeks, but it’s still worth asking whether the Titans made a mistake passing on Travis Hunter and Abdul Carter, the consensus top two prospects in this draft class. That’s the first of many questions we’ll be asking ourselves Thursday night, when The MMQB will be grading every first-round pick, starting with Ward.
We’ll have continuous coverage of everything happening in Green Bay through Saturday, including when Mr. Irrelevant comes off the board with the final pick at No. 257. This post will be updated throughout the draft in real-time as each of the picks are selected.
Let’s get to the grades.
1. Tennessee Titans
Cam Ward, QB, Miami (FL)
The most predictable pick in the NFL draft came to fruition after the Titans announced Ward as their next franchise quarterback.
Ward separated himself from the other QB prospects because of his high football IQ and dazzling off-scripted plays. The hard-throwing Miami product drew comparisons to Kyler Murray and Jordan Love.
Occasionally, Ward got in trouble for his backyard football habits, but he has the ideal skill set to have a successful pro career. Titans coach Brian Callahan and the team’s new front office are taking a risk here, though, prioritizing a need at quarterback instead of selecting the best prospect. But at least the Titans know Ward has the work ethic to possibly reach his high potential, evident from his rise as a no-star recruit who earned his shots at Washington State and Miami after playing for Incarnate Word. —GM
Scouting report: Ward has the arm talent, intelligence, ball placement and ability to extend plays to be a standout NFL starter. The 6' 2", 219-pounder rips passes to all levels, and he’s advanced with his eyes—he moves defenders out of zones, reads coverages well, pre- and postsnap, and is comfortable throwing receivers open in zones. He can throw with different arm angles and can make plays outside of structure, though he’s more of a pocket passer than a true dual threat. Ward, who turns 23 in May, still battles inconsistent decision making, mechanics and accuracy, though he’s made strides in each area. —Daniel Flick
Grade: A
2. Jacksonville Jaguars
Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado
Hunter is one of the most unique talents to ever come into the NFL, starring as both a corner and receiver for the Buffaloes. Over the past two years at Colorado, Hunter caught 153 passes for 1,979 yards and 20 touchdowns, including 15 as a senior. On defense, he notched seven interceptions in that span as well. Last year, Hunter won the Heisman Trophy, the Biletnikoff Award as the nation’s best receiver, and the Bednarik Award as the best defender in college football. In short, Hunter is a generational talent. —MV
Scouting report: Two-way players are rare, but Hunter is unique—he plays both at a high level. The 6' 0", 188-pounder has quick feet, fluid hips and plenty of explosion. Hunter will enter the NFL as a better corner than receiver—he’s not an overly nuanced route-runner at this stage and largely won collegiately with his athleticism—but his ball skills and playmaking ability will translate to big plays as a pro. Defensively, Hunter is proficient in man and zone coverage, and is terrific when the ball is in the air. Hunter should get touches on offense early, but he’s better suited to be a starting cornerback from the moment he arrives. —DF
Grade: A
3. New York Giants
Abdul Carter, edge, Penn State
Along with Hunter, many evaluators in the league believe Carter is the best prospect in the draft. He was a menace for the Nittany Lions, totaling a nation-high 24 tackles for loss and 12 sacks while earning first-team All-American status. At 6' 3" and 250 pounds, Carter has the size, speed and pass-rush tools to be a Day 1 star. —MV
Scouting report: Elite, ready-made pass rushers are invaluable, and Carter fits the bill. He has an incredibly explosive first step, which he pairs with nuanced, effective hands and a bendy lower half to win around the corner. Carter has a fluid spin move to counter inside when tackles overplay his speed. He’s a balanced rusher with quality instincts and innate feel for blockers’ intentions. Carter can hold the point of attack, and makes plays in pursuit against the run, but he’s not an above-average run defender at this stage. Regardless, Carter is a unique athlete, and he should be a dominant pass rusher as a 3-4 outside linebacker. —DF
Grade: A
4. New England Patriots
Will Campbell, OT, LSU
Everyone knows his story at this point. Campbell was everyone’s top offensive tackle prospect until he measured with 32⅝-inch arms at the combine. At the LSU pro day that number was bumped to 33 inches, but the length is still far from ideal. That said, his tape is excellent. With the Tigers, Campbell made first-team All-SEC in 2023 and first-team All-American in '24. —MV
Scouting report: A three-year starter at left tackle, Campbell is an athletic, smooth mover who fared well against the SEC’s gauntlet of pass rushers this fall. Campbell has a strong punch, can displace defenders in the run game and is a dominant pass protector. Campbell allowed only one sack and five quarterback hits in 2024, according to Pro Football Focus. Be it at tackle, where he feels he belongs, or guard, where his length disadvantages are masked, the 6' 6", 319-pounder projects as a steady protector for the foreseeable future. —DF
Grade: C+
5. Cleveland Browns
Mason Graham, DT, Michigan
This is one of the best defensive tackle classes we’ve seen in years, and Graham is universally viewed at the top of the heap. Starring for the Wolverines over the past two years, he’s been a first-team All-Big Ten member and a first-team All-American over that span while notching nine sacks across three years in Ann Arbor. —MV
Scouting report: With a deep bag of moves, nonstop motor, violent hands and high-level athleticism, Graham wins in a variety of ways. He has a strong punch, and his legs rarely stall—he can condense pockets with power and makes it difficult for linemen to anchor. The 6' 2", 296-pounder is fast off the snap, has twitch when changing directions and maximizes his hands to aid his attack from various alignments. Graham had only nine sacks across three seasons, lacks elite length with 32-inch arms and is stable but not special against double teams. Still, Graham’s athleticism, instincts and disruption create an elite blend, and he should make an early impact. —DF
Grade: B
6. Las Vegas Raiders
Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
Jeanty has a case as the best running back prospect to enter the NFL since Saquon Barkley strolled in from Penn State in 2018. The Boise State product led the nation in carries (374), rushing yardage (2,601) and all-purpose yardage (2,750) along with 29 touchdowns. He’s an all-world talent who should immediately be one of the league’s top backs. —MV
Scouting report: Jeanty has high-level athleticism, blending quick feet, a fluid lower half and speed with his compact 5' 8½" and 211-pound frame. Jeanty sees holes developing and has a strong feel for the defense’s flow. He manipulates second-level defenders with his eyes and feet, and he varies his pace dependent on when he needs to hit a gap. Jeanty is a willing and capable blocker who picks up blitzing linebackers with the same power he runs through them as a ballcarrier. Jeanty boasts elite contact balance and lower body strength. He’ll change the complexity of an offense from Day 1. —DF
Grade: A
7. New York Jets
Armand Membou, OT, Missouri
To no surprise, Membou, one of the top-rated tackles, didn’t wait long to hear his name called. Membou is now set to fill the void the Jets have at right tackle after the departure of Morgan Moses.
Membou flourished as a three-year starting right tackle, earning second-team All-SEC honors in his final season at Missouri. In his 29 starts, Membou displayed patience and agility in pass protection. He also built a reputation for being a physical finisher in his run blocks. —GM
Scouting report: An athletic yet proportionally unique right tackle, the 6' 4", 332-pound Membou blends foot quickness, technique, power and balance—and at 21 years old, his upside is tantalizing. Membou didn’t allow a sack or quarterback hit in 2024, according to Pro Football Focus, and pass rushers have a difficult time against him due to his hands and feet. As a run blocker, Membou’s strength helps him finish reps. Despite murmurs of a switch to guard, Membou, who has 33½-inch arms, has the makings of a stout strongside protector. —DF
Grade: B+
8. Carolina Panthers
Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona
Byrce Young is going to enjoy throwing downfield shots to the massive 6' 4", 213-pound wide receiver from Arizona.
McMillan’s sizable catch radius and elite ball skills made him one of the top receiver prospects in this draft. He’s physical at the point of the attack, turning 50/50 balls into favorable odds. There were predraft concerns about his work ethic, but the numbers don’t suggest that, with McMillan coming off back-to-back seasons of recording at least 84 catches, 1,300 yards and eight touchdowns. —GM
Scouting report: McMillan is a fluid mover who is efficient entering and exiting breaks. He’s more of a speed player vertically, and not an elite separator, but his large catch radius, strong hands and high-level concentration allow him to make difficult catches in traffic. McMillan is smart, instinctual, strong and slippery after the catch, and he can play inside and outside. He should be a productive target for Young early in his career. —DF
Grade: A
9. New Orleans Saints
Kelvin Banks Jr., OT, Texas
In a tackle class that doesn’t get anybody all that excited, Banks is a top-three prospect at the position alongside Campbell of LSU and Missouri’s Membou. Banks could kick inside if things don’t work at left tackle, but he’s shown enough to earn playing on the outside to start. At Texas, Banks started 42 games across three years. —MV
Scouting report: A three-year starter at left tackle, Banks enters the NFL ready. At 6' 5" and 315 pounds with 33½-inch arms, Banks has a strong lower half with good linear quickness, enabling him to generate movement at the point of attack and pick up second-level defenders in the run game. As a pass protector, Banks, who allowed only one sack in 2024, can stay in front of speed rushers and anchor against power rushers, but his pad level and body control are tested against physical punches. Banks prefers to stick at tackle, but regardless of where he plays, he has the goods to be a long-term starter in the NFL. —DF
Grade: B
10. Chicago Bears
Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan
Surprisingly, Loveland was the first tight end drafted Thursday night. But there’s no denying he made his presence felt as a pass catcher during his three seasons with Michigan, including being the leading receiver for the national championship team in 2023.
The versatile playmaker recorded a combined 101 catches for 1,332 yards and nine touchdowns in his final two collegiate seasons. He needs to improve as an inline tight end, but he’s a sure bet for being a productive pass catcher at the next level for Bears quarterback Caleb Williams. —GM
Scouting report: Loveland fits the modern mold of an NFL tight end, blending an athletic 6' 6", 248-pound frame with explosiveness and fluid direction changes. He’s capable of stretching defenses vertically down the seam, is a threat after the catch due to his athleticism and contact balance and has impressive ball skills to make plays above the rim and in traffic. As a blocker, Loveland lacks elite strength and struggles with consistent pad level, but he gives effort and has experience pulling, climbing and sealing rushing lanes. He should be an early impact pass catcher who can align in the slot or at the end of the line of scrimmage. —DF
Grade: B
11. San Francisco 49ers
Mykel Williams, edge, Georgia
The 49ers are adding help for Nick Bosa. The hulking 6' 5", 267-pound Williams has the skill set to make an immediate impact. Williams didn’t have the monster junior season many expected him to have for the Bulldogs partly because of a nagging ankle injury. But Williams showed plenty of toughness and still found ways to make plays despite the limitations.
Last season, Williams played 12 games and had 8.5 tackles for loss, five sacks and two forced fumbles. —GM
Scouting report: Williams can win with lateral quickness, power or nuance. He never stops using his hands, and has legitimate power to condense pockets with a bull rush. He’s instinctual with a good feel for approaching blockers, and sets a solid edge. Williams isn’t overly fluid in his lower half, though he has enough bend to cut edges, and he’s a powerful finisher when he gets to the quarterback. Twice a second-team All-SEC pick, Williams needs to reduce his number of ineffective pass-rushing snaps, but his size, athleticism and hands make him an intriguing prospect. —DF
Grade: B-
12. Dallas Cowboys
Tyler Booker, G, Alabama
Booker is the top guard prospect in this class. The 321-pound Connecticut native earned second-team All-American and first-team All-SEC honors in 2024, playing with both power and technique while having 34½’-inch arms. With the Crimson Tide, Booker started 26 games over three seasons. —MV
Scouting report: A physical, big-bodied left guard at 6' 5" and 321 pounds, Booker has tremendous strength to sustain blocks and drive defensive linemen out of rushing lanes. Booker won’t impress with his athleticism—his 1.96 10-yard split and 27-inch vertical jump at the combine leave a lot to be desired—and he’s an average puller. But Booker, who was a team captain in 2024 and has experience at left tackle and both guard positions, has the physicality, strength, intelligence and versatility to be an instant starter in a power-gap system. —DF
Grade: D
13. Miami Dolphins
Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan
Grant doesn’t get the same amount of attention as his former teammate in Mason Graham, but he’s a first-round talent all day. The 331-pounder was a dominant force on the interior for Michigan, showing the ability to stuff the run while also getting upfield to total 6.5 sacks over the past two years. He’s the best pure nose tackle in this class. —MV
Scouting report: Grant naturally takes up considerable space, but he’s more than just a big body against the run. He has the power and length to stack and shed offensive linemen, can win matchups with quickness and is fast enough to make plays in pursuit. Grant’s pass rush, from his plan and counter moves to the depth of his arsenal, is still a work in progress, but he enters the NFL with a clear role. —DF
Grade: C
14. Indianapolis Colts
Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State
Warren, who’s regarded by many as the best tight end prospect in the draft, is expected to make life easier for his new quarterback—whether that’s Anthony Richardson or Daniel Jones. Warren could end up being a “YAC” monster at the next level due to his reputation of extending plays and forcing missed tackles.
Warren had a whopping 104 catches for 1,233 yards and eight touchdowns last season. —GM
Scouting report: At 6' 5 and 256 pounds, Warren made plays nearly everywhere in Penn State’s creative offense. He threw passes, took handoffs and was one of college football’s most productive pass catchers. Warren has terrific ball skills to finish catches above the rim and in tight quarters, and he’s a threat after the catch with his strength, contact balance and physicality. Warren isn’t excessively twitchy, nor is he dynamic at the top of routes, but his frame, ball skills and burst out of breaks make him an elite pass catcher. Warren should be a game-changer early in his pro career. —DF
Grade: A
15. Atlanta Falcons
Jalon Walker, edge, Georgia
The Falcons finally drafted an edge rusher in the first round. Walker could have a standout NFL career as a hybrid defender. He’s undersized as a 6' 1" and 243-pound edge rusher, but that might be his best position because of how he uses his speed and length to his advantage.
Walker said he welcomes the role of being a chess piece. He excels at covering plenty of ground thanks to his outstanding change of direction abilities. The first-team All-American recorded 60 tackles and 6.5 sacks last season. —GM
Scouting report: Walker is an athletic, versatile defender who makes most of his plays working downhill or running to the sideline. He’s physical, a reliable tackler and closes with tremendous burst. Walker is powerful at the punch and can win with both speed and hand refinement as a pass rusher. Walker likely won’t be an every-down edge player, but he can make plays as a traditional off-ball linebacker on early downs while opening creative avenues as a blitzer in passing situations. —DF
Grade: A
16. Arizona Cardinals
Walter Nolen, DT, Ole Miss
Nolen showed flashes of being a game-wrecker in his lone season at Ole Miss. He’ll now join a revamped defensive line in Arizona that just added edge rusher Josh Sweat and defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson.
After two sluggish years at Texas A&M, it clicked for Nolen with his new team, becoming a consensus All-American and first-team All-SEC. Nolen had a team-high 14 tackles for loss and added 6.5 sacks. Developing consistency is key for Nolen, but there’s no denying his high upside after what he flashed at Ole Miss. —GM
Scouting report: He has the strength, quickness and production to be a quality pro. He holds the point of attack and can get off blockers in time to stop the run. But Nolen’s hand usage and pass-rush repertoire aren’t where they need to be. He exposes his body to blockers too often and struggles finding a counter. He has trouble against double teams and can be moved out of rushing lanes. There are highs and lows on Nolen’s tape—he’s uber talented but has kinks to work out at the next level. —DF
Grade: B
17. Cincinnati Bengals
Shemar Stewart, DL, Texas A&M
The Bengals added some much-needed help for their defense. The massive 6' 5", 267-pound Stewart excelled at creating pressure from multiple positions in the Aggies’ crowded defensive front.
There’s plenty of untapped potential with Stewart, but his lack of sacks in college might be concerning for teams. He was held to 1.5 sacks in each of his three seasons. —GM
Scouting report: There may not be a more physically talented prospect in the class than Stewart, who ran a 4.59 40-yard dash at the combine. Stewart pairs a quick first step with a powerful punch, and when he extends his arms, he knocks back tackles and compresses the pocket. But he lacks much of a pass-rush plan, often relying on going speed to power, and his hands are inefficient, which leads to his rushes usually stalling. Stewart is a stout run defender who sets a good edge, and he can play inside and outside. Early on, he’ll be a versatile piece who plays well on early downs while he develops as a pass rusher. —DF
Grade: C-
18. Seattle Seahawks
Grey Zabel, IOL, North Dakota State
Zabel is considered by many as the top center in this draft, but he’s also viewed as one of the best guard prospects. Regardless of where he plays, he has the makings of being a stout blocker for Sam Darnold.
Those are two positions the versatile Zabel didn’t play last season, starting 16 games as North Dakota State’s left tackle. He started 12 games at right tackle the year prior and started games at left guard and right guard in his five collegiate seasons. Zabel is an exceptional run blocker thanks to his footwork and balance. —GM
Scouting report: Zabel is intelligent, has smooth feet and is a terrific anchor, which helps him stall pass rushers. As a run blocker, Zabel has the pop to create space, though his short arms—32 inches—are a detriment to staying engaged on the perimeter. Zabel impressed at center against quality opponents during Senior Bowl practices, and his quickness and position flexibility should give him a good chance to start early. —DF
Grade: B+
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State
Egbuka spent much of his time with the Buckeyes in the shadow of Marvin Harrison Jr., but became the top option for Ohio State’s national title team in 2024. Egbuka caught 81 passes for 1,011 yards and 10 touchdowns while making third-team All-Big Ten. Along with McMillan, Matthew Golden and Luther Burden III, Egbuka belongs in the top tier of receivers in this class. —MV
Scouting report: While Egbuka won’t amaze with his numbers or explosion, he’s a steady, dependable pass catcher who’s quite good in a lot of areas. Egbuka has enough speed to make plays vertically, his ball skills are impressive and he’s a sudden, fluid mover who can separate against man coverage. Ohio State creatively involved him in blocking schemes, a nod to Egbuka’s toughness and selflessness. He projects as a quality No. 2 wideout. —DF
Grade: B-
20. Denver Broncos
Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas
Barron is the best slot corner in this draft. The former Longhorns star played 57 games over his five years in Austin, notching eight interceptions including five as a redshirt senior. He comes into the league with solid size for a nickel back at 5'11" and 195 pounds, helping him utilize physicality on the inside. —MV
Scouting report: The winner of the Jim Thorpe Award given annually to the nation’s top defensive back, Barron is a versatile playmaker who finished tied for fourth in the FBS with five interceptions in 2024. Barron is a good tackler, and often puts himself in advantageous positions due to his instincts and route recognition. He’s physical in coverage, at times too much, and has only average burst. Barron can play nickel, outside corner or safety. —DF
Grade: B+
21. Pittsburgh Steelers
Derrick Harmon, DT, Oregon
Harmon is firmly in the second tier of defensive tackles in this class, only trailing Michigan’s Mason Graham. At Oregon, Harmon started 13 games after spending his first three years with the Michigan State Spartans. All told, the second-team All-American totaled 10.5 tackles for loss and five sacks with the Ducks, putting himself squarely in the first round conversation. —MV
Scouting report: Long and explosive at 6' 4½" and 313 pounds, Harmon generates pressure inside and outside on the defensive line. He has powerful hands and can win at the line of scrimmage, but he’s laterally quick enough to navigate the edge of blockers, too. Once free, Harmon has terrific closing burst, though he’s an inconsistent finisher. Harmon has a three-down skill set, and with his diverse repertoire of pass-rush moves, he can be part of rush units early in his professional career. —DF
Grade: A
22. Los Angeles Chargers
Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina
Hampton has all the traits of an elite running back, and is the clear-cut top prospect at the position outside of Jeanty. At North Carolina, the 221-pound star ran for 1,660 yards and 15 touchdowns last season, ranking third nationally in the former category. He also has quality pass-catching chops, notching 38 receptions for 373 yards as a junior. Running a 4.46 40-time, his speed is solid, but everything else is top-notch. —MV
Scouting report: Twice a second-team All-American, Hampton is a strong, physical runner best suited for a power-gap scheme that highlights his downhill running style. Hampton has quick feet, impressive contact balance, well-timed patience and a strong base that makes him difficult for defenders to wrap up. He lacks an elite top gear, but Hampton has a good feel for angles, which maximizes his straight-line gains. Hampton is a serviceable security blanket out of the backfield, but his game mostly revolves around wearing down defenses and punishing prospective tacklers. —DF
Grade: B
23. Green Bay Packers
Matthew Golden, WR, Texas
Seen as a top-tier receiver in this class, Golden should step into his new role as an immediate starter with star-level upside. With the Longhorns, Golden played 16 games last season after spending two years with the Houston Cougars, and caught 58 passes for 987 yards and nine touchdowns. At 5'11" and 191 pounds, Golden ran a blazing 4.29 40-time at the combine. —MV
Scouting report: Golden played his best ball during the Longhorns’ College Football Playoff run, and he’s one of the more explosive receivers in the class. Golden has legitimate juice to threaten and stack cornerbacks vertically, and he’s a smooth route runner. He has strong hands and makes plays in traffic, but he battles the occasional drop. He projects as a quality starting wideout. —DF
Grade: A-
24. Minnesota Vikings
Donovan Jackson, G, Ohio State
Jackson is a mountain of a man at 6' 4" and 315 pounds, and started 40 games for the Buckeyes including nine at left tackle after Justin Simmons tore his patellar tendon last autumn. Going forward, Jackson is expected to kick back inside where he spent the bulk of his college career. He’s a two-time, first-team All-Big Ten selection and last year was named a second-team All-American. —MV
Scouting report: Jackson earned 31 starts from 2022 to ’24. He has smooth feet to redirect and anchor as a pass blocker, and he’s an explosive mover when pulling and climbing in the run game. Jackson is best suited for a wide-zone scheme where he can get in space and seal rushing lanes. —DF
Grade: B
25. New York Giants
Jaxson Dart, QB, Ole Miss
There may be no more polarizing prospect in this class than Dart. The 21-year-old Utah native led the SEC in 2024 with a 69.3% completion rate and 4,279 passing yards to accompany 29 touchdowns against six interceptions. At 6'2" and 223 pounds, Dart has solid size but there are questions abound about his process and footwork. —MV
Scouting report: Dart checks a lot of boxes. He has the arm talent to make every throw, and he routinely threads tight windows on the perimeter and over the middle. He has a good feel for pressure with the athleticism to navigate the pocket, and is a threat with his legs primarily as a scrambler but with the occasional designed run mixed in. Dart can create out of structure, he’s accurate on the move and showed he can work through reads. But his accuracy is sporadic, and he struggles with pressure. Dart didn’t work under center at Ole Miss, which will create another learning curve. There are traits to work with but also concerns to address—and he likely needs at least one year to fix them. —DF
Grade: B-
26. Atlanta Falcons
James Pearce Jr., Edge, Tennessee
The Falcons doubled up on edge rusher with the athletically gifted Pearce. If Pearce reaches his potential, he could be the best edge rusher in this class.
Pearce is a freak athlete, but he needs to improve as a technician and not rely as much on his physical gifts. Teams also had character concerns, questioning Pearce’s passion for the game. Perhaps the work ethic could explain why Pearse didn’t average more than 35 defensive snaps per game during the past two seasons at Tennessee. But in that span, Pearse consistently applied pressure, racking up a combined 17.5 sacks and 27.5 tackles for loss. —GM
Scouting report: Pearce is a high-gear speed rusher with a quick first step, excellent change of direction and flexible ankles. He’s slender at 6' 5" and 243 pounds, and lacks proportional length with 32¾-inch arms, but he’s capable of going speed to power with a strong punch. Pearce had 55 quarterback hurries and 7.5 sacks in 2024, his second year as a first-team All-SEC selection. Pearce needs to get stronger to become a more consistent run defender, but his speed and power generate an enticing pass-rush profile—and his production backs it up. —DF
Grade: A-
27. Baltimore Ravens
Malaki Starks, S, Georgia
Starks was a productive do-it-all defensive back for the Bulldogs. His versatile skill set allowed him to play at free safety and nickel corner.
He’s a savvy playmaker who could also earn snaps as a special teams ace. A three-year starter, Starks had a team-high 77 tackles with one interception last season. —GM
Scouting report: A versatile chess piece on the back end, Starks can play deep zones, man coverage in the slot and rotate down in the box in run defense. Starks, who earned All-American honors in his final two seasons and recorded six interceptions, is a loose mover with quick feet and fluid hips. He opens his hips prematurely at times in man coverage, and while he moves well downhill, he struggles taking on blockers in the box. He takes narrow pursuit angles that lead to big plays, and he lost discipline in zone too often in 2024. But Starks, with his versatility, athleticism, ball skills and instincts, can immediately help a defense. —DF
Grade: B
28. Detroit Lions
Tyleik Williams, DT, Ohio State
Williams is an imposing run defender. He needs to improve as a pass rusher, but he won’t have to worry about job security if the elite run defense skills carry into Sundays.
The massive 6' 3", 329-pound space eater recorded a combined 18 tackles for loss the past two seasons. —GM
Scouting report: Williams spent much of his time at 3-technique on Ohio State’s defensive line. Nimble and powerful at the point of attack, Williams is a quality run defender who can reset the line of scrimmage and get off blocks to make plays. He has enough pop in his hands to routinely displace blockers, though he struggles at times to anchor against double teams. Williams can condense pockets, but he’s an inconsistent pass rusher due to high pad level and a lack of counter moves. He had only 2.5 sacks and one quarterback hit in 2024. —DF
Grade: C+
29. Washington Commanders
Josh Conerly Jr., OT, Oregon
Conerly was viewed by many as a borderline first-round pick as one of the top five offensive tackles in the class. At Oregon, Conerly started 28 games over the past two years while being named first-team All-Big Ten and third-team All-American. Projected to be a starter on the left side, he could kick inside down the line. —MV
Scouting report: Conerly has started at left tackle each of the past two years but has experience protecting quarterbacks’ blind and strong sides. He’s quick and smooth-footed in his kick slide as a pass protector, and when he wins the race to first contact, he’s difficult to beat—he allowed only one sack in 2024. Conerly has enough strength to drive defensive ends out of rushing lanes and help spring big runs. The 6' 5", 311-pounder struggles anchoring against power rushers and is only average in space as a run blocker. Conerly has the requisite tools to play tackle, though he may need some seasoning before being thrown into the fire.
Grade: B
30. Buffalo Bills
Maxwell Hairston, CB, Kentucky
Hairston is one of the smallest players in this draft, standing 5'11" and 183 pounds. He’s also one of the fastest after running a 4.28 40-time at the combine. In three years with the Wildcats, Hairston played 32 games including 20 starts. In 2024, he was limited to seven games with a shoulder injury. The year prior, he led the SEC with five interceptions. —MV
Scouting report: Hairston has the instincts, footwork and fluidity to thrive in both man and zone systems. Hairston is confident and smart, which enables him to play man coverage and balance responsibilities in zone. He had two pick-sixes in 2023. He provides very little in run support, but in coverage, he has the athleticism and refinement to be a starter. —DF
Grade: B+
31. Philadelphia Eagles
Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama
Campbell is one of the best prospects in this class regardless of position, and is almost certainly the top pure linebacker. Campbell was a stud with the Crimson Tide, playing 35 games over the past three years including 26 over the past two campaigns. In 2024, Campbell was a first-team All-SEC member while totaling 117 tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss and five sacks. —MV
Scouting report: Campbell looks the part at 6' 3" and 235 pounds, and he’s a loose, fluid mover with tremendous range in pursuit. He breaks down well in space, and with his length, strength and quickness, he’s a quality open field tackler. Campbell is an asset on passing downs—he gets tremendous depth on his zone drops, and his five sacks highlight his effectiveness as a blitzer. Campbell’s inconsistent with his hands and can be handled by blockers, and his instincts and run fits aren’t fully developed. But his athleticism helps mitigate his immediate shortcomings, and the more he plays, the closer he should get to reaching his ceiling as an impactful, three-down linebacker. —DF
Grade: A+
32. Kansas City Chiefs
Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State
The Chiefs are rolling the dice on Simmons, who probably would have heard his name called a lot sooner if he hadn’t injured his knee in October to cut short his senior year.
After starting his collegiate career as a right tackle for San Diego State, Simmons ascended as one of the best left tackles in the country. The nimble 6' 5", 317-pound lineman started 13 games at left tackle in 2023 before suffering a knee injury six games into his ’24 season. —GM
Scouting report: A 32-game starter, Simmons is athletic and strong enough to start early in his professional career. In pass protection, he’s efficient with his hands, has a strong core and moves with tremendous balance, allowing him to handle both speed and power rushers. He’s explosive leaving his stance, though he too often misses at the second level as a run blocker. Simmons suffered a torn patellar tendon after six games in 2024, and his 33-inch arms are serviceable but unspectacular for a tackle. He’s expected to be healthy for the start of the season and should be a factor as a rookie. —DF
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This article was originally published on www.si.com as 2025 NFL Draft First-Round Grades for All 32 Picks.
