Breaking Down the 2025 NFL Draft: Who Truly Deserves a First-Round Grade?
With the 2025 NFL Draft set for April 24 in Green Bay, Wisconsin, the question isn’t just who will be drafted in the first round, but who actually deserves a first-round grade. Every year, 32 players hear their names called on Day 1, but true first-round talents are much rarer. Historically, an average of 15 players earn this elite status, though the number fluctuates by draft class.
This year? That number is at an all-time low—just 12 players make the cut. For comparison, 18 players were graded as first-rounders in 2024, and 20 in 2023. There’s still time for movement, but as of now, here are the prospects who have truly earned their place atop draft boards.
Quarterbacks (0)
A year after six quarterbacks went in the first round, this class doesn’t feature a single true first-round passer. Shedeur Sanders (Colorado) and Cam Ward (Miami) are the top prospects, but they rank behind Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels, Drake Maye, and even J.J. McCarthy from the 2024 class. Despite this, both Sanders and Ward are still expected to be drafted early—quarterbacks always rise.
Running Back (1)
Ashton Jeanty (Boise State, No. 6)
The Heisman runner-up put up legendary numbers in 2024—2,601 rushing yards (just 27 shy of Barry Sanders’ all-time record) and 29 touchdowns, with a staggering 1,733 yards after contact. The 5’9″, 215-pound wrecking ball is a complete back with elite patience, vision, speed, and pass-catching ability. True blue-chip prospect.
Wide Receiver (1)
Travis Hunter (Colorado, No. 2)
Comparison: Odell Beckham Jr.
Hunter made history as a two-way Heisman winner, but his NFL future is at receiver. In 2024, he posted 96 receptions for 1,258 yards and 15 TDs, plus four interceptions on defense. He has elite burst, playmaking ability, and natural hands, making him a potential game-changer on Sundays.
Tight Ends (2)
Tyler Warren (Penn State, No. 9)
Comparison: Rob Gronkowski
At 6’6″, 257 pounds, Warren blends size, agility, and playmaking ability. He put up 104 catches for 1,233 yards and 8 TDs and even scored as a passer and rusher. With the right offensive scheme, he could be an immediate Rookie of the Year candidate.
Colston Loveland (Michigan, No. 11)
A preseason top-10 prospect, Loveland battled through a shoulder injury but still deserves a first-round grade. The 6’5″, 245-pound weapon is a physical, polished route-runner and a solid blocker, finishing with 56 catches for 582 yards and 5 TDs in 10 games.
Offensive Tackles (2)
Will Campbell (LSU, No. 7)
A three-year starter at left tackle, Campbell is a technical master with elite footwork and balance. Concerns over his shorter arms and upright stance may push him inside, but he’s a first-round talent no matter where he plays.
Kelvin Banks Jr. (Texas, No. 8)
The anchor of Texas’ O-line since his freshman year, Banks boasts elite footwork and an FBS-best 0.8% pressure rate allowed. At 6’4″, 320 pounds, he’s a powerful run blocker with the agility to hold up against elite pass rushers.
Edge Rushers (3)
Abdul Carter (Penn State, No. 1)
Carter is the top prospect in the draft. At 6’3″, 259 pounds, he exploded in his first full season as an edge rusher with 12 sacks and 61 pressures. His first-step quickness and power scream double-digit sack potential in the NFL.
Jalon Walker (Georgia, No. 5)
A hybrid defender, Walker recorded 6.5 sacks and dominated in big games—four sacks in two matchups vs. Texas. At 6’2″, 245 pounds, he has first-round ability as both an edge rusher and linebacker.
Mykel Williams (Georgia, No. 12)
Williams is a boom-or-bust prospect. The 6’5″, 265-pound rusher destroyed Texas (eight pressures, four sacks) but had just one sack outside of those games. His upside is undeniable, though.
Defensive Tackle (1)
Mason Graham (Michigan, No. 4)
A dominant force at 3-tech, Graham consistently disrupts opposing offenses. The 6’3″, 320-pound lineman had 3.5 sacks, 7.5 tackles for loss, and never seems to lose snaps. An AFC East scout put it best: “He never loses.”
Cornerbacks (2)
Will Johnson (Michigan, No. 3)
Comparison: Pat Surtain II
Johnson played just six games in 2024 due to injury but still recorded two pick-sixes. At 6’2″, 202 pounds, he’s a physical, shutdown corner with elite technique and smarts.
Jahdae Barron (Texas, No. 10)
The 2024 Jim Thorpe Award winner broke out with five interceptions and 10 pass breakups. A versatile inside-outside defender, the 5’11”, 200-pound corner has elite instincts and leadership.
Notable Snubs
- Interior Offensive Linemen: No clear first-rounders yet, though Tyler Booker (Alabama) is rising.
- Linebackers: None have separated from the pack, though Carson Schwesinger (UCLA) and Jihaad Campbell (Alabama) lead the way.
- Safeties: Nick Emmanwori (South Carolina, No. 28) and Malaki Starks (Georgia, No. 30) are borderline first-rounders.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 draft class may be thin at the top, but these 12 players have earned their true first-round status. With the draft still months away, prospects will rise and fall, but these names should be locked in as future NFL stars.
