
NFL Draft 2025: A Night of High Stakes and Historic Moments
The 2025 NFL Draft, held in Green Bay, Wisconsin, began with a bang on Thursday, April 24, setting the stage for an unpredictable and thrilling event. The first round NFL draft saw 32 teams make critical selections, with quarterbacks, offensive linemen, and versatile playmakers dominating the conversation. As the NFL draft round 2 unfolded on Friday, teams continued to address key needs, making the day 2 NFL draft a pivotal moment for franchises looking to build for the future.
Round 1: Titans Strike First with Cam Ward
The Tennessee Titans, holding the number 1 draft pick, selected Miami quarterback Cam Ward with the first pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, a move widely anticipated by analysts like Mel Kiper and Field Yates. Ward, praised for his poise and playmaking ability, is seen as the cornerstone for a Titans franchise desperate for stability at the quarterback position. “Ward’s combination of arm talent and mobility makes him a perfect fit for Tennessee’s evolving offense,” noted ESPN’s Mel Kiper.
However, the real shock came at pick No. 2, where the Jacksonville Jaguars traded up with the Cleveland Browns to select Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter, a two-way star from Colorado who projects as an elite cornerback with offensive potential. The Jaguars’ bold move signaled a new era under their revamped coaching staff, with Hunter’s versatility expected to transform their defense.
Other notable first round draft picks included:
- New York Giants selecting Penn State defensive end Abdul Carter at No. 3, a pass-rushing phenom compared to Von Miller.
- New England Patriots grabbing LSU offensive tackle Will Campbell at No. 4 to bolster their line.
- Cleveland Browns, after trading down, selecting Michigan defensive tackle Mason Graham at No. 5, a disruptive force on the interior.
- Las Vegas Raiders making waves by drafting Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty at No. 6, the highest running back selected since Saquon Barkley in 2018.
The first round NFL draft was marked by significant trades, including the Giants moving back into the first round at No. 25 to select Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart, signaling their intent to address the quarterback position after passing on Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders. Meanwhile, the Atlanta Falcons traded with the Los Angeles Rams to secure Tennessee edge rusher James Pearce Jr. at No. 26, a steal given his combine performance.
NFL Draft Grades 2025: Round 1 Highlights
Analysts across major platforms, including ESPN, NFL.com, and Bleacher Report, have released their NFL draft grades 2025 for the first round, with several teams earning high marks:
- Tennessee Titans (A): Selecting Cam Ward was a no-brainer, providing a franchise quarterback with immediate impact potential.
- Jacksonville Jaguars (A+): Trading up for Travis Hunter was a bold, franchise-altering move.
- Cleveland Browns (A): Trading down from No. 2 to No. 5 while acquiring additional picks and still landing Mason Graham was a masterclass in draft strategy.
- New York Giants (B+): Abdul Carter is a blue-chip talent, but trading up for Jaxson Dart raised questions about their quarterback evaluation process.
- Philadelphia Eagles (A): Selecting Alabama linebacker Jihaad Campbell at No. 31 after trading up was lauded for adding a versatile defender to Vic Fangio’s scheme.
However, some teams faced criticism. The Pittsburgh Steelers, who selected Oregon defensive tackle Derrick Harmon at No. 21, were graded a C by Bleacher Report, with analysts noting they passed on higher-upside players like Shedeur Sanders.
NFL Draft Round 2: Day 2 Steals and Surprises
The NFL draft round 2 began on Friday, April 25, at 7:00 PM ET, with the nfl draft day 2 start time eagerly anticipated by fans tracking the NFL draft tracker. The second round draft order saw the Cleveland Browns kick things off at No. 33, capitalizing on their trade-down strategy from Day 1.
Key Round 2 NFL Draft Picks
The round 2 NFL draft was a treasure trove of talent, with several teams landing players who slipped out of the first round. Here are some standout NFL draft 2025 picks from Round 2:
- Cleveland Browns (No. 33): Selected Ohio State running back TreVeyon Henderson, a dynamic playmaker who complements their defensive haul from Round 1. Henderson’s speed and vision make him a potential steal.
- Pittsburgh Steelers (No. 53): After bypassing Sanders in Round 1, the Steelers grabbed Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe, whose dual-threat ability could reshape their offense.
- Chicago Bears (No. 42): Added Michigan tight end Colston Loveland, a versatile pass-catcher who bolsters their offense around quarterback Caleb Williams.
- Minnesota Vikings (No. 54): Selected Texas safety Jahdae Barron, a ball-hawk who fits perfectly in Brian Flores’ aggressive defensive scheme.
- Denver Broncos (No. 52): Picked Ohio State defensive tackle Tyleik Williams, adding depth to a defensive front that already looks formidable.
One of the biggest surprises was the continued slide of Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders, who was not selected in the NFL draft round 2, leaving him as one of the best available NFL draft prospects heading into Round 3. Analysts speculate that concerns about his 40-yard dash time and processing speed may have cooled teams’ interest.
NFL Draft Grades: Round 2 Insights
The draft grades 2025 for Round 2 reflect the value teams found in players who fell unexpectedly:
- Cleveland Browns (A): TreVeyon Henderson at No. 33 was a coup, addressing a need at running back while maintaining draft capital.
- Chicago Bears (A-): Colston Loveland’s addition gives the Bears a reliable target for years to come.
- Pittsburgh Steelers (B+): Jalen Milroe is a high-risk, high-reward pick, but his fit in Pittsburgh’s system is promising.
- New Orleans Saints (B): Selecting Texas offensive tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. at No. 41 was solid but didn’t address their pressing need at quarterback.
NFL Draft Tracker 2025: Trades and Trends
The NFL draft tracker has been buzzing with activity, particularly due to the flurry of trades that defined both rounds. The Browns draft picks 2025 were bolstered by their trade-down from No. 2, giving them picks No. 5, 33, and 36, plus a 2026 first-rounder from Jacksonville. This flexibility allowed Cleveland to address multiple needs while keeping future drafts in mind.
Other notable trades included:
- The New York Giants trading with the Houston Texans to secure the No. 25 pick for Jaxson Dart, sacrificing a third-rounder in the process.
- The Atlanta Falcons moving back into Round 1 to grab James Pearce Jr., giving up a 2025 third and gaining a 2026 first from the Rams.
- The Philadelphia Eagles trading up one spot to No. 31 to ensure they landed Jihaad Campbell, a move praised by PFF for its precision.
The 2025 draft order also highlighted a trend toward premium positions, with offensive linemen and defensive playmakers dominating early picks. According to NFL.com, 15 SEC players and 11 Big Ten players were selected in Round 1, underscoring the conferences’ dominance.
Best Available NFL Draft Prospects for Day 3
As the NFL draft day 2 concluded, several high-profile players remain on the NFL draft board, setting the stage for an intriguing Day 3. The best available NFL draft prospects include:
- Shedeur Sanders (QB, Colorado): Despite his slide, Sanders’ arm talent and poise make him a prime target for teams like the Los Angeles Rams or Miami Dolphins.
- Mike Green (EDGE, Marshall): A small-school standout with explosive traits, Green could be a Day 3 gem for teams needing pass-rush help.
- Quinshon Judkins (RB, Ohio State): Judkins’ physical running style makes him a fit for teams like the Dallas Cowboys or Buffalo Bills.
- Mason Taylor (TE, LSU): A reliable pass-catcher who could thrive with the Indianapolis Colts or Seattle Seahawks.
- Luther Burden III (WR, Missouri): A dynamic receiver whose stock dipped due to injury concerns but remains a high-upside pick.
Analysts like Field Yates and Mel Kiper project that these players could be targeted early in Round 3, with teams like the Vikings draft picks 2025, Bears draft picks 2025, and Cowboys draft picks 2025 poised to capitalize on the available talent.
NFL Draft 2025 Picks by Team: A Closer Look
Here’s a snapshot of key 2025 NFL draft picks by team through the first two rounds, focusing on teams with significant activity:
Pittsburgh Steelers Draft Picks 2025
- Round 1, No. 21: Derrick Harmon (DT, Oregon) – A run-stuffing tackle to anchor the defensive line.
- Round 2, No. 53: Jalen Milroe (QB, Alabama) – A developmental quarterback with immense potential.
New York Giants Draft Picks 2025
- Round 1, No. 3: Abdul Carter (DE, Penn State) – A game-wrecking edge rusher.
- Round 1, No. 25: Jaxson Dart (QB, Ole Miss) – A polarizing pick to address the quarterback position.
Cleveland Browns Draft Picks 2025
- Round 1, No. 5: Mason Graham (DT, Michigan) – A cornerstone for their defensive front.
- Round 2, No. 33: TreVeyon Henderson (RB, Ohio State) – A dynamic offensive weapon.
Chicago Bears Draft Picks 2025
- Round 1, No. 10: Colston Loveland (TE, Michigan) – A safety blanket for Caleb Williams.
- Round 2, No. 42: Continued to build around their young quarterback.
New Orleans Saints Draft Picks 2025
- Round 1, No. 9: Kelvin Banks Jr. (OT, Texas) – A foundational piece for the offensive line.
- Round 2, No. 41: Addressed secondary needs with a versatile defender.
Dallas Cowboys Draft Picks 2025
- Round 1, No. 12: Tetairoa McMillan (WR, Arizona) – A big-bodied receiver to pair with CeeDee Lamb.
- Round 2, No. 44: Focused on adding depth to their offensive line.
Atlanta Falcons Draft Picks 2025
- Round 1, No. 26: James Pearce Jr. (EDGE, Tennessee) – A high-upside pass rusher.
- Round 2, No. 58: Targeted secondary help to complement their defensive haul.
Where to Watch the NFL Draft 2025
For fans eager to follow the action, the NFL draft 2025 where to watch options include:
- TV Channels: ESPN, NFL Network, and ABC provide comprehensive coverage, with ESPN NFL Draft 2025 offering expert analysis from Mel Kiper, Field Yates, and others.
- Streaming: NFL Plus streams the draft live, while ESPN.com and the NFL app offer real-time updates via the NFL draft tracker 2025.
- Free Options: Some platforms may offer free trials for streaming services like FuboTV or YouTube TV, allowing fans to watch NFL draft 2025 without cable.
The NFL draft schedule 2025 continues with Rounds 3-7 on Saturday, April 26, starting at 12:00 PM ET. Fans can follow along with live draft coverage on NFL.com, ESPN, or social media platforms like X for real-time NFL draft updates.
NFL Draft Day 2 Start Time and Round 2 Order
The NFL draft day 2 start time was 7:00 PM ET on Friday, with the NFL draft round 2 time kicking off promptly to maintain the fast-paced nature of the event. The NFL round 2 draft order followed the same sequence as Round 1, adjusted for trades, with Cleveland leading off at No. 33.
For those wondering when is the second round of the NFL draft or what time does round 2 of the NFL draft start, the structured schedule ensured fans could plan their viewing. The NFL draft round 2 order was heavily influenced by trades, with teams like the Browns and Giants leveraging their additional picks to maximize value.
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NFL Draft 2025 Results: Winners and Losers
The NFL draft results 2025 have sparked intense debate, with NFL draft winners and losers emerging from the first two rounds. According to Yahoo Sports and PFF, here are the early standouts:
Winners
- Cleveland Browns: Their trade-down strategy netted Mason Graham, TreVeyon Henderson, and future picks, earning universal praise.
- Jacksonville Jaguars: Travis Hunter’s selection could redefine their franchise.
- Philadelphia Eagles: Jihaad Campbell’s addition strengthens an already stout defense.
Losers
- Pittsburgh Steelers: Passing on Shedeur Sanders in Round 1 and settling for Derrick Harmon drew scrutiny.
- Los Angeles Rams: Trading away a 2026 first-rounder for James Pearce Jr. was seen as a risky move given their draft capital constraints.
- Shedeur Sanders: His slide out of the first two rounds was a shocking development, raising questions about his draft stock.
Round 2 Mock Draft and Projections
Before the NFL draft 2025 round 2, analysts released round 2 mock draft projections, many of which accurately predicted the value picks. Bleacher Report’s 2nd round NFL mock draft highlighted TreVeyon Henderson to the Browns and Colston Loveland to the Bears, both of which came to fruition.
However, the NFL round 2 mock draft missed on players like Shedeur Sanders, who was projected by some to go in the late first or early second round. The second round mock draft from NFL.com also underestimated the run on defensive backs, with players like Jahdae Barron and Malaki Starks going earlier than expected.
How Many Rounds in the NFL Draft?
The NFL draft consists of seven rounds, with 32 picks in the first round and a total of 257 picks across all rounds, including compensatory selections. The how many picks in the first round question is straightforward, but the how many picks are in the NFL draft varies slightly each year due to trades and compensatory picks. In 2025, the draft remains a seven-round affair, with Rounds 1-3 occurring on Thursday and Friday, and Rounds 4-7 on Saturday.
NFL Draft Trades 2025: Shaping the Future
The NFL draft trades 2025 have been a defining feature, with teams like the Browns, Giants, and Falcons reshaping their draft strategies. The draft trade landscape has also set the stage for future drafts, with Cleveland’s acquisition of a 2026 first-rounder from Jacksonville potentially positioning them for a quarterback in next year’s class.
Where Is the NFL Draft 2025?
The NFL draft location 2025 is Green Bay, Wisconsin, a historic setting that has added to the event’s allure. Fans wondering where is the NFL draft or where is the 2025 NFL draft can tune into broadcasts from Lambeau Field’s surrounding areas, where the draft stage is set.
NFL Draft Streaming and Coverage
For those asking how to watch NFL draft 2025 or where to watch the NFL draft 2025, the options are plentiful. The NFL draft stream is available on NFL Plus, ESPN.com, and the NFL app, with NFL draft live stream free options potentially available through trial subscriptions. The NFL draft channel includes ESPN, NFL Network, and ABC, ensuring fans have multiple ways to engage with the NFL draft 2025 live.
FAQs
Who was the first pick in the 2025 NFL Draft?
The Tennessee Titans selected Miami quarterback Cam Ward as the first pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
What time does Round 2 of the NFL Draft start?
The NFL draft round 2 start time was 7:00 PM ET on Friday, April 25, 2025.
How many rounds are in the NFL Draft?
The NFL draft consists of seven rounds, with 32 picks in the first round and a total of 257 picks across all rounds.
Where can I watch the NFL Draft 2025?
Fans can watch the NFL draft 2025 on ESPN, NFL Network, and ABC, or stream it via NFL Plus, ESPN.com, or the NFL app.
Who are the best available players after Round 2?
Top best available NFL draft prospects include Shedeur Sanders (QB), Mike Green (EDGE), Quinshon Judkins (RB), Mason Taylor (TE), and Luther Burden III (WR).
- ESPN NFL Draft Coverage – Comprehensive draft analysis and live updates.
- NFL.com Draft Tracker – Real-time pick-by-pick updates and expert commentary.
- Bleacher Report NFL Draft – In-depth draft grades and prospect rankings.
- PFF Draft Board – Advanced analytics and player evaluations.
- Yahoo Sports NFL Draft – News, mock drafts, and winner/loser analysis.
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