By Montanna Chambers
The 2025 National Football League (NFL) draft officially concluded on Saturday, April 26, in Green Bay, Wisconsin. NFL fans packed Lambeau Field to see the next generation of stars get drafted, and it did not disappoint.
The Tennessee Titans selected quarterback Cam Ward with the first overall pick, followed by Travis Hunter, whom the Jacksonville Jaguars took after trading with the Cleveland Browns for the second pick. Abdul Carter was selected third overall by the New York Giants.
One of the biggest surprises of the draft was when quarterback Shedeur Sanders did not hear his name get called for the first four rounds. It was not until round five that Sanders got the call from the Browns. Despite the late pick, Sanders stayed positive.
“I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity, throughout everything,” Sanders said to the Cleveland media.
In the winter of 2025, it looked like it was a clear pick between Sanders and Cam Ward, according to The Athletic. Sanders was projected to be a top pick but ultimately fell.
The Arizona Cardinals addressed their struggles on defense and selected two strong defenders, Walter Nolen and Will Johnson. These two defenders alone will add tremendous help to the defense.
Although the Jacksonville Jaguars lost a 2026 first-round pick due to the trade with the Browns, Jacksonville drafted Hunter. A strong player who can play both sides of the ball is a huge addition to this team. Not to mention, Caleb Ransaw and Wyatt Milum are two great picks.
The Giants had a strong draft, especially in the first round. After drafting Carter, they traded up to the 25th pick (giving up two third-round picks, this year’s and next year’s) for Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart. He could very well be a potential starting quarterback for the Giants.
“I really like the new picks,” said Jake Damato, a University of Tampa student.
Damato also said that he is looking forward to the new season.
“The draft adds excitement to the season, and I can’t wait to start watching again,” Damato said.
The Browns got a great player at the five spot in Mason Graham, but to pass on talent like Hunter and Carter is odd. Not to mention, Cleveland now has five quarterbacks on their roster. Are they planning on keeping all five until training camp? The situation is weird and has not been seen since the 2020 Philadelphia Eagles.
The Miami Dolphins drafted Kenneth Grant at pick No. 13 overall, and he will help the defense, which is much needed. They, however, drafted a nose tackle in the first round, which delayed attention to the secondary that needed help.
UTampa student David Ortiz shared his thoughts on the Dolphins draft, as he is a Fins fan.
“We should have drafted a better QB with the pick we had,” Ortiz said.
The Dolphins drafted Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers in the seventh round.
“Ewers was probably our best pick we had, and we took him last,” Ortiz said.
The 2025 draft concluded with the New England Patriots drafting cornerback Kobee Minor with pick No. 257, earning the moniker of “Mr. Irrelevant” given annually to every last pick of the NFL Draft.
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Photo courtesy of Wikipedia.