2025 NFL Draft grades: Ought to Giants have taken Jaxson Dart over Shedeur Sanders?

Rob Rang

NFL Draft Analyst

What has been mocked in every single place for months grew to become official Thursday night time: The Tennessee Titans chosen quarterback Cam Ward with the No. 1 general choose within the 2025 NFL Draft.

Sure, draft day in Inexperienced Bay is lastly right here, and FOX Sports activities draft skilled Rob Rang is analyzing and grading each first-round choice in actual time. Did your group make the proper transfer?

Rang: Ward’s enchancment as an NFL prospect over the course of his school profession is without doubt one of the most inspirational and unlikely I’ve seen in 25 years as an NFL Draft analyst. Early on at Washington State, I wasn’t positive he’d make it within the CFL. By the point he’d left Pullman for Miami, it was clear Ward was an NFL expertise, however a middle-round prospect at that. After which this previous season — towards the most effective competitors of his life — Ward unleashed a faster launch, stronger arm and better pocket consciousness for Miami than he’d ever proven at WSU (or Incarnate Phrase earlier than that), tantalizing scouts along with his still-untapped potential. Put merely, Ward would not have the identical ground of most QB1s. He’s too cavalier with the soccer, excelling in additional of a yard type than I might desire. However he’s a born playmaker with the expertise and work ethic to spark a franchise. There are extra surefire NFL stars on this class, however not at quarterback, so give the Titans credit score, they’re attempting to compete for a Tremendous Bowl and never only a return to relevancy with this choice.

Grade: B

Rang: In 25 years of evaluating NFL prospects, I’ve by no means come throughout a participant as versatile and gifted as Hunter. He’s really one in all one, incomes my prime grade as a receiver, as a cornerback and general prospect. I completely consider that he can play each roles within the NFL, theoretically justifying the Jaguars’ aggressive commerce up for him. Liam Coen was dropped at Jacksonville to assist Trevor Lawrence dwell as much as his potential and get the Jaguars again into the playoffs. Including Hunter to an offense that already boasts one of many NFL’s greatest younger wideouts in Brian Thomas Jr. will try this. Including a cornerback to problem Thomas, as effectively, helps make this daring commerce make sense. It had higher, as buying and selling their 2026 first-round choice to maneuver up three spots is borderline reckless.

Grade: B

Rang: Carter by no means ran for scouts previous to the draft, however he did not should, as his explosiveness off the ball and in pursuit is simply so apparent on tape. Whereas actually speedy off the ball, some have issues about his capability to carry up in run help as Carter lacks ideally suited girth in his decrease physique — which is why he started his school profession as an off-ball linebacker. In a league that prioritizes edge rushers greater than some other defensive position, nevertheless, Carter’s worth as a right away 10-plus sack candidate justifies this choice. The right “finisher” to cap a dominant Giants defensive entrance, Carter is an apparent Defensive Rookie of the Yr candidate.

Grade: A-

Rang: Campbell has all the things NFL groups are in search of on the deal with place besides ideally suited arm size. However, some have made far an excessive amount of of his 33-inch arms, particularly given how agile the 6-foot-6, 319-pounder strikes. For a membership determined to guard the funding made a 12 months in the past of their rookie quarterback Drake Maye, this choose makes the entire sense on this planet and is the right means for brand new head coach Mike Vrabel to place his stamp on the group. It is not flashy, however neither is Vrabel. This choose is about New England returning to the blue-collar physicality that epitomized the “Patriot Method.”

Grade: B+

Rang: As secure because the cracker that shares his identify, Graham is the blue-collar powerful man that matches what the Cleveland Browns try to construct. He’s a disruptive presence whose sport ought to solely take off with the entire consideration opponents will probably be dedicating to Myles Garrett. Graham is an effective participant, however the great thing about this choice is the truth that the Browns additionally acquired the 2026 first-round choose from Jacksonville as a part of the deal.

Grade: B

Rang: It’s onerous to explain Jeanty and never enterprise into hyperbole. The comparability that I and others see with him is LaDainian Tomlinson, and anytime you are evaluating a prospect to a Corridor of Famer, issues are already a bit of ridiculous. However make no mistake, so is Jeanty’s expertise. He’s so fast to and thru the outlet, darting in both course, bouncing off of would-be tacklers after which exploding to sunlight. All of us noticed what Saquon Barkley dropped at the Philadelphia Eagles a 12 months in the past. Jeanty is an prompt star and an apparent front-runner for Offensive Rookie of the Yr honors given how Pete Carroll will lean on him to hold the load.

Grade: A

Rang: In at the moment’s period of huge blockers on the line of scrimmage, Membou is definitely a bit shorter than scouts would like — really showing extra like a guard than a conventional deal with at 6-foot-4 and 332 kilos. However the 21-year-old Membou is simply so athletic for his “blocky” body, providing the next upside than some other deal with on this class due to his athleticism, youth and the nasty enjoying type that can shortly make him a favourite of Justin Fields and Jets followers.

Grade: B+

Rang: The 6-4, 213-pound McMillan is a gliding gymnast of a receiver, gobbling up yardage along with his lengthy strides and utilizing his peak, lengthy arms and uncommon physique management to soar over defensive backs. I am not fairly as excessive on him as others appear to be, as he is not as bodily after the catch or as a downfield blocker as his dimension suggests. I see shades of Tee Higgins in T-Mac’s sport, which is to say that I consider he’ll be an excellent NFL receiver, however is likely to be extra of a complementary menace than a real No. 1. Nonetheless, Bryce Younger wanted a pass-catcher and McMillan’s dimension and manufacturing speaks for itself.

Grade: C+

Rang: Sorry for the phrase play, however the funding in Banks makes numerous sense (or is it cents?). Nonetheless simply 21 years previous, Banks is coming off three seasons as a fixture at left deal with for the pass-heavy Texas Longhorns. He is agile off the snap, mirroring the actions of pass-rushers with coordinated footwork and lively fingers. He is likely to be requested to maneuver to proper deal with with final 12 months’s prime choose Taliese Fuaga simply settling in on the blindside. Or, maybe the Saints will transfer Fuaga again to proper deal with (the place he starred at Oregon State) and push Trevor Penning both inside to protect (or to the sideline). Both means, this can be a robust funding within the offensive line to guard the injury-prone Derek Carr … or maybe construct the road early for Spencer Rattler, Arch Manning or whomever else the Saints is likely to be as their quarterback of the longer term.

Grade: B+

Rang: Critics will query Loveland’s manufacturing at Michigan, however the offense wasn’t catered round him the best way it was with a few of the different tight ends on this class, together with Penn State’s Tyler Warren. Bears followers will not essentially admire this word, however Loveland is reduce from the identical material because the Detroit Lion’s Sam LaPorta or the Las Vegas Raiders’ Brock Bowers, enjoying tight finish like a giant receiver. In fact, nobody is aware of LaPorta’s impression higher than new Bears head coach Ben Johnson. I am shocked that Loveland went forward of Warren, however the Michigan product’s agility, {smooth} acceleration and tender fingers ought to make him a right away difference-maker for Caleb Williams and the Bears.

Grade: B+

Rang: The 49ers wanted so as to add new blood to their entrance seven and few supply as a lot upside as Williams, a physically-imposing 6-5, 267 pounder who comes with extra instruments than the native Dwelling Depot. He lacked eye-popping statistics at Georgia however gives go off the sting, in addition to terrific size and power to carry up within the working sport. There may be some threat to Williams, as he’s removed from a completed product, however that is the sort of blue-collar choice the 49ers wanted to rebuild a protection struggling after the wage cap bloodletting of this offseason.

Grade: B-

Rang: They are saying all the things is greater in Texas and that now applies once more to their offensive line with Booker, among the many most imposing gamers on this class. Booker’s sheer dimension (6-foot-5, 321 kilos with almost 35-inch arms and 11 1/8-inch fingers) permits him to easily latch and lockout opponents. It’s far too early on this younger man’s profession to warrant a comparability to the Cowboys’ legendary guard Larry Allen, however Booker has the potential to be a decade-long difference-maker for Dallas?

Grade: A-

Rang: The harm to Tua Tagovailoa was clearly the most important think about Miami’s disappointing 8-8 season, however do not overlook the lack of defensive deal with Christian Wilkins to the Raiders in free company. This membership wanted girth and energy inside and few on this class present that greater than Grant, a burly intimidator within the center. Grant is exclusive in that alongside along with his bulk, he is additionally a really good defender, getting his fingers as much as knock down passes and kicks. That mentioned, whereas the place was clearly one in all want for Miami, I did not see Grant as worthy of a top-20 choice and query the worth of this choose.

Grade: C-

Rang: Whether or not it’s Anthony Richardson or Daniel Jones throwing the passes, the Colts must encompass their quarterbacks with extra weapons. I considered Warren as one of many 4 true blue-chip prospects on this class (together with Travis Hunter, Abdul Carter and Ashton Jeanty), so clearly I consider he’ll show a steal at this level within the draft. At 6-foot-6 and 256 kilos, Warren possesses the scale to contribute as a blocker — in contrast to many of the different tight ends on this class — and he possesses the agility and physique management of a a lot smaller man, contorting in area to make acrobatic catches look routine. Whether or not down the seam or sideline, Warren is a matchup monster with All-Professional potential.

Grade: A

Rang: With all due respect to No. 2 general choose Travis Hunter — simply essentially the most celebrated versatile prospect of this class — nobody ought to sleep on Walker’s capability to play each off-ball linebacker and rush the quarterback. Some scouts, the truth is, preferred him much more than Abdul Carter, the Giants’ choose at No. 3. Walker combines an explosive first step with core power, physicality and instincts. The Falcons wanted to spice up their rush as final season was the third since 2020 during which the Falcons completed both thirty first or thirty second within the NFL in sacks.

Grade: A-

Rang: Probably the most disruptive inside defensive lineman of the category, Nolen is an intriguing match for the Cardinals, particularly given the addition of edge rusher Josh Sweat in free company. Nolen was terrific at Ole Miss in 2024, however wasn’t as spectacular as anticipated on the Senior Bowl. As such, there may be some simple boom-or-bust issue with Nolen.

Grade: C+

Rang: Because the Bengals’ de facto common supervisor since 1999, Duke Tobin has made a profession out of playing on prospects with distinctive upsides. Few supply extra of that on this class than the 6-foot-5, 267-pound Stewart, who might be both the complement or alternative the Bengals want with star edge rusher Trey Hendrickson a candidate to be traded. His athleticism wowed on the Mix, however his troubling lack of manufacturing at Texas A&M makes this one other growth or bust choose.

Grade: C+

Rang: A moveable chess piece on the offensive line, Zabel performed all 4 of the surface positions at North Dakota State after which practiced — and fairly effectively, at that — at heart on the Senior Bowl. He then wowed scouts on the Mix, as effectively, together with with a 36.5-inch vertical bounce that’s usually related to a skill-position participant. Zabel is agile and instinctive, flying off the road to assault defenders on the second stage. He’s the right schematic match within the new wide-zone blocking philosophy the Seahawks have introduced in with new offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak.

Grade: A-

Rang: A silky-smooth route-runner with sufficient dimension and velocity to maneuver outdoors, as wanted, Egbuka was lethal from the slot place all through his time at Ohio State, projecting equally as his former Buckeye teammate Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Egbuka may lack the elite measureables of a few of the different wideouts on this class, however he is the most secure within the class. Certain, the Bucs already boast two of the NFL’s greatest in Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, however Egbuka and Jalen McMillan are necessary components of the longer term, as effectively.

Grade: B+

Rang: The Broncos had been broadly projected to take a working again and so some may query this choice, however I adore it. Barron is the reigning Thorpe Award winner, exhibiting not solely the protection expertise however the ball-skills and open-field tackling reliability completely required if enjoying reverse a famous person like Patrick Surtain Jr. With the quarterbacks within the AFC West, cornerback is all the time a necessity, and the Broncos bought an excellent one.

Grade: A-

Rang: One of many nice honors of my life was serving on the board for the now defunct Morris Trophy — an award yearly given to the most effective offensive and defensive linemen of the Pac-12. With the convention crumbling, so too did the award. Had it been round in 2025, nevertheless, Harmon would have been the simple alternative as he’s a bodily dominant defender, using energy, agility and pure nastiness to wreak havoc on the level of assault. The priority I’ve with Harmon is conditioning. He weighed in 9 kilos heavier at his Professional Day than on the Mix. However with the management in place in Pittsburgh, I consider Harmon will show a longtime anchor.

Grade: A-

Rang: Love him or hate him, Jim Harbaugh goes to play energy soccer. With all due respect to Ashton Jeanty, the 6-0, 221-pound Hampton is likely to be the most effective mixture of dimension, velocity and energy on this distinctive working again class. Hampton did not simply run quick (4.46 40) in exercises, he performs quick, exhibiting uncommon acceleration between second and third gear that interprets effectively to the NFL. And Chargers followers will love his grit, as Hampton barrels forward, grinding for each inch. Hampton is the true bell cow Harbaugh requires.

Grade: A-

Rang: Jordan Love’s emergence as one of many NFL’s higher younger gunslingers is all of the extra spectacular on condition that the Packers lack a real No. 1 receiver. Two of his favourite targets — Romeo Doubs and Christian Watson — are each getting into the ultimate 12 months of their respective rookie offers and neither possesses Golden’s straight-line velocity (4.29 40), making the Texas product a great deep menace for Love. Golden is not simply quick, he is fast and aggressive. I really like this choice for the Packers.

Grade: A

Rang: This is without doubt one of the stunners for me, given how the Vikings invested a lot in free company on inside offensive linemen. That mentioned, I actually like Jackson, one in all my favourite blockers on this class due to his dimension, power, sturdiness and flexibility. Defending JJ McCarthy is the highest precedence and the Vikings clearly are targeted on that.

Grade: B-

Rob Rang is an NFL Draft analyst for FOX Sports activities. He has been protecting the NFL Draft for greater than 20 years, with work at FOX, Sports activities Illustrated, CBSSports.com, USA Right this moment, Yahoo, NFL.com and NFLDraftScout.com, amongst others. He additionally works as a scout with the BC Lions of the Canadian Soccer League. Observe him on X @RobRang.

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