The 2025 NFL Draft is officially in the books, and it’s time to break down the selections and offer our snap judgments on how each team performed. From the high-flying moves to some surprising decisions, here’s a quick rundown of what each team accomplished in the draft.
Arizona Cardinals:
The Cardinals focused on improving their defense, and that trend continued in the draft. Nolen has great potential as a pass rusher, and Johnson was a solid second-round pick. Burch in the third was a questionable choice, as he’s versatile but didn’t stand out at Oregon. Simon provides good depth in the middle, and Burke strengthens the cornerback depth.
Atlanta Falcons:
General manager Terry Fontenot made bold moves, especially with his edge rusher picks, including a trade-up for the talented James Pearce Jr. Watts is a high-floor safety prospect, while Bowman could be a boom-or-bust player with a unique playing style. Overall, a defensive-heavy draft for the Falcons. 
Baltimore Ravens:
General manager Eric DeCosta excelled by staying calm and picking the right players at the right time. Starks brings versatility to the defensive backfield, while Green and Buchanan will add explosiveness on defense. Jones and Vinson are projects on offense but could be long-term starters. Overall, a well-balanced and prudent draft for the Ravens.
Buffalo Bills:
The Bills focused heavily on defense, which was their primary need. Hairston boosts the cornerback room, while Sanders adds depth as an interior rusher. Jackson has edge-rushing potential, and Walker solidifies the defensive line as a massive nose tackle. The rest of the Day 3 picks provide solid depth and help on the back end.
Cincinnati Bengals:
The Bengals had a rocky start but rebounded later. Stewart has potential but is a risky pick, especially after the failed gamble with Myles Murphy two years ago. Knight was a reach in the second round, and the linebacker selections were questionable. However, Fairchild is a solid guard pick, and Brooks and Chase Brown can provide good depth at running back.
Carolina Panthers:
General manager Dan Morgan made a strong start by getting Bryce Young a premier weapon, followed by defensive picks that solidified the front line. Etienne adds versatility in the running game, and Ransom bolsters the secondary. Jackson can be a force inside, and Evans could be a favorite target for Young.
Chicago Bears:
General manager Ryan Poles nailed this draft by giving quarterback Caleb Williams more weapons and improving the offensive line. Loveland and Burden add explosive playmaking potential, while Trapilo adds grit on the offensive line. Turner provides pass-rush depth, and the Frazier pick gives the Bears a high-upside cornerback.
Cleveland Browns:
The Browns took an unconventional approach in this draft, including drafting two running backs despite being in rebuilding mode. They traded back to gain extra picks, including a 2026 first-rounder. Fannin and Schwesinger are dynamic players who will play key roles for years to come.
Dallas Cowboys:
The Cowboys made a strong return to the draft with savvy picks. While I wasn’t fond of selecting Tyler Booker at No. 12, the value at other positions was outstanding. Ezeiruaku adds pass-rush potential, Revel is a steal at No. 76, and Blue adds explosiveness to the backfield. James is a work in progress, but the Cowboys addressed major needs.
Houston Texans:
Houston’s draft was full of intriguing moves, with the Iowa State receiver duo joining C.J. Stroud to give him more weapons. Ersery is a versatile player, although the trade-up for Marks at running back was puzzling. Reed and Driskel provide added depth in the secondary and at quarterback.
Indianapolis Colts:
The Colts had a draft that will help both sides of the ball. Tuimoloau improves the defensive line, while Travis adds size and strength as a potential All-Pro tackle. Giddens complements Jonathan Taylor, and while some picks like Walley were a bit early, the Colts got solid value in the middle of the draft.
Jacksonville Jaguars:
The Jaguars made a big splash by selecting Travis Hunter, but the trade-up was a steep price. Ransaw adds value at linebacker, and Tuten could be a steal at running back. Kiser brings solid fundamentals, while Milum strengthens the offensive line. Overall, it’s an exciting draft for the Jaguars.
Kansas City Chiefs:
General manager Brett Veach had a great draft, focusing on areas of need. Simmons could be a long-term solution at left tackle, while Norman-Lott and Gillotte provide high-upside pass-rushing options. Williams strengthens the secondary, and Royals adds versatility as a receiver. Overall, a solid draft for the Chiefs.
Las Vegas Raiders:
Raiders general manager John Spytek had an impressive debut. Jeanty was one of the top prospects, while Bech is a complete receiver who can make an impact in the middle of the field. Thornton brings speed, and Porter has immense upside at cornerback. The additions of Pegues and Hemingway add depth to the defensive line.
Los Angeles Chargers:
While I’m not sold on Hampton in Round 1, the Chargers made solid moves. Harris adds value at the receiver position, and Caldwell adds depth to the defensive line. Kennard is an athletic prospect with potential, but the late-round picks of Gadsden and Lambert-Smith could bring a fresh dynamic to the offense.
Los Angeles Rams:
General manager Les Snead demonstrated his drafting expertise once again. Moving back to get extra picks for 2026 was a fantastic decision. Ferguson in the second round was a great pick, and Stewart brings speed and pass-rush potential to the defense. Overall, the Rams had a well-executed draft.
Miami Dolphins:
Miami shifted its focus to building through the trenches, making strong selections in the defensive front. Grant may have been a reach, but he could develop into a top-tier nose tackle. Savaiinaea offers positional versatility, and Phillips adds explosiveness to the defense. The defensive back selections weren’t as exciting, but Marshall brings solid man-coverage skills.
Minnesota Vikings:
General manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah nailed this draft, adding the right pieces in key positions. Jackson provides an immediate boost to the offensive line, and Felton offers speed and YAC ability. Ingram-Dawkins adds versatility to the defense, while King and Bartholomew provide depth at linebacker and tight end.
New England Patriots:
The Patriots had a much-needed draft focusing on offensive talent. Campbell brings high-floor potential in Round 1, while Henderson offers dual-threat capability. Williams is a sharp route runner with some YAC potential, and Wilson could become the starting center for Drake Maye. Woodson and Farmer offer valuable depth, and Swinson has big upside as a pass rusher.
New Orleans Saints:
The Saints focused on filling their needs with quality players, although some picks felt a bit early. Banks and Broughton provide depth and stability on the offensive and defensive lines, while Stutsman adds a pro-ready linebacker. Riley has excellent ball skills, and Neal could become a dynamic running back.
New York Giants:
General manager Joe Schoen had a standout draft. Carter can be a future All-Pro edge rusher, and Dart adds risk with upside as a quarterback. Alexander is a power player on the defensive line, and the running back duo of Tyrone Tracy Jr. and Cam Skattebo could add flexibility. Mbow is a versatile offensive lineman, and Fidone brings size and receiving ability to the tight end position. Korie Black is a steal as a cornerback.
New York Jets:
The Jets made solid picks to improve both sides of the ball. Membou bolsters the offensive line, while Thomas adds potential at cornerback. Taylor could become a strong tight end in the future, and Smith is an explosive route runner despite concerns about his hands. Moore and Mauigoa provide strong depth at safety and linebacker.
Philadelphia Eagles:
General manager Howie Roseman continued his strategy of rebuilding the defense. Mukuba, although picked a bit early, brings value to the secondary, while Robinson adds power to the interior. McWilliams provides grit at cornerback, and the picks of Hinton, Williams, and Powell-Ryland add depth with starter potential.
Pittsburgh Steelers:
General manager Omar Khan made solid selections without many picks. Harmon brings a physical presence to the defensive line, while Johnson provides smoothness at running back. Sawyer adds depth to the defensive front, and Black strengthens the interior. A few picks, like Bruener, could surprise as sleepers.
