The first round of the 2025 NFL Draft brought high drama, surprising decisions, and bold moves by NFL front offices. As always, ESPN’s draft expert Mel Kiper Jr. shared his insights, highlighting the standout winners, disappointing losers, and under-the-radar value picks from Day 1. Let’s break it down.
📈 Winners of the 2025 NFL Draft Round 1
✅ Green Bay Packers Break First-Round WR Curse
The Green Bay Packers made waves by finally selecting a wide receiver in the first round. They picked Keon Coleman, a talented and physical wideout who gives quarterback Jordan Love a major weapon. This move not only ends the Packers’ long-standing aversion to drafting WRs early but also shows their commitment to building around their young QB. Kiper praised this pick as one of the most overdue yet impactful moves of the night.
“Coleman brings the size, speed, and playmaking Green Bay has lacked for years,” said Kiper.
✅ Indianapolis Colts Add Offensive Firepower
Another team Mel Kiper lauded was the Indianapolis Colts, who took Tyler Warren, a standout tight end from Penn State. Warren is a big-bodied target with excellent hands, and he’s expected to become a go-to option for quarterback Anthony Richardson. This pick boosts the Colts’ offensive versatility and gives them another red-zone threat.
✅ Jacksonville Jaguars Land Two-Way Star Travis Hunter
The Jacksonville Jaguars shocked many by trading up for Travis Hunter, the electric two-way player from Colorado. Hunter, who excels at both cornerback and wide receiver, offers rare versatility. Kiper applauded this bold move, emphasizing how Hunter can impact both sides of the ball.
“This is a Swiss Army knife kind of player,” Kiper noted. “Jaguars got a real gem.”
📉 Losers of the 2025 NFL Draft Round 1
❌ Shedeur Sanders Slips Out of Round 1
Perhaps the biggest shocker of the night was Shedeur Sanders, son of Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, slipping out of the first round. Once considered a possible top-10 pick, the Colorado quarterback saw his draft stock fall due to concerns about pocket presence and consistency against top-tier defenses.
Kiper called it “a surprising fall,” noting that while Sanders still has NFL-level talent, teams were hesitant to invest first-round capital in him.
❌ Las Vegas Raiders’ Draft Strategy Raises Eyebrows
Another loser in Kiper’s eyes was the Las Vegas Raiders, who passed on several top-tier quarterbacks, including Sanders, to fill other positions. While the team may have addressed some roster holes, critics—including Kiper—questioned whether they missed the chance to secure a true franchise QB.
“Quarterback is a need. Passing on talent like Sanders or others? That’s a gamble,” said Kiper.
💎 Top Value Picks of the 2025 NFL Draft Round 1
⭐ Cam Ward Goes No. 1 to the Titans
Quarterback Cam Ward being selected No. 1 overall by the Tennessee Titans was both expected and applauded. Ward has drawn comparisons to Patrick Mahomes for his arm strength and improvisation skills. Kiper sees Ward as a cornerstone around which Tennessee can rebuild.
“This kid is special. He can turn this franchise around,” Kiper emphasized.
⭐ Abdul Carter Brings Defensive Power to the Giants
The New York Giants bolstered their defense by selecting Abdul Carter, a pass-rushing linebacker from Penn State. Known for his explosiveness and football IQ, Carter adds bite to the Giants’ front seven. Kiper hailed it as a smart, high-upside selection.
⭐ Mason Graham Strengthens Browns’ Defensive Line
With their pick, the Cleveland Browns chose Mason Graham, a defensive tackle from Michigan. This pick didn’t grab as many headlines, but Kiper called it “a textbook value selection.” Graham is seen as a high-motor player who can anchor the line for years to come.
🔍 Final Thoughts: A Draft Full of Surprises and Strategy
The 2025 NFL Draft Round 1 proved to be one of the most unpredictable in recent years. From Shedeur Sanders’ surprising fall to Travis Hunter’s rise, Mel Kiper Jr.’s analysis gives fans a clearer picture of which teams got it right and which may have missed the mark.
While Day 1 is just the beginning, it sets the tone for each franchise’s future. As the remaining rounds unfold, keep an eye on these names and watch how these picks shape the NFL’s next era.
🔎 Keywords:
- 2025 NFL Draft recap
- Mel Kiper Jr draft analysis
- NFL Draft Round 1 winners and losers
- Travis Hunter NFL Draft
- Shedeur Sanders draft fall
- Green Bay Packers Keon Coleman
- 2025 NFL Draft value picks
- Cam Ward Titans QB
- Abdul Carter Giants pick
- Mason Graham Browns draft
