The 2025 NFL Draft: Big Moves and Big Misses

The 2025 NFL Draft's first round is done and dusted, and it was a night full of surprises. Some teams made bold moves that could change their future, while others left fans scratching their heads. Let's dive into the biggest winners and losers from Thursday night. The Jacksonville Jaguars made a splash early on. Their new general manager, James Gladstone, didn't waste time making a big impact. He traded up to snag Travis Hunter, a versatile player who can play both cornerback and wide receiver. This move could make the Jaguars a more exciting team to watch. Hunter is a rare talent, and the Jaguars didn't have to give up too much to get him. They traded a second- and fourth-round pick this year and a first-rounder next year. It's a risky move, but it shows that Gladstone is willing to take chances to build a winning team. Plus, Hunter could be a game-changer on both sides of the ball. The New England Patriots made a smart choice by picking Will Campbell, a tough and reliable offensive lineman. Campbell will be a great protector for their young quarterback, Drake Maye. The Patriots needed to upgrade their offensive line, and Campbell is exactly what they needed. He's a plug-and-play starter who will fit right in with the Patriots' culture. This pick shows that the Patriots are serious about rebuilding their team. The Indianapolis Colts needed a big win after a disappointing season. Their general manager, Chris Ballard, delivered by picking Tyler Warren, a versatile tight end from Penn State. Warren can do it all - he's a great receiver and a solid blocker. This pick addresses a major need for the Colts and gives them a weapon they can use in many different ways. It's a smart move that should pay off in the long run. The Carolina Panthers went for offense again, picking Tetairoa McMillan, a wide receiver from Arizona. This is the second year in a row that the Panthers have gone for a wide receiver in the first round. They're clearly focused on giving their quarterback, Bryce Young, as many weapons as possible. McMillan has a big catch radius, which will be a big help to Young. It's a risky move, considering the Panthers' defensive needs, but it could pay off if Young continues to improve. The New York Giants made a late-night trade to pick up Jaxson Dart, a quarterback from Ole Miss. This move gives the Giants some hope at the position, even if it's not a sure thing. They still have Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston on the roster, but Dart could be the starter of the future. The Giants also picked up Abdul Carter, a defensive end from Penn State, who will join a talented defensive line. These moves show that the Giants are trying to turn things around after a tough couple of seasons. The Green Bay Packers added another young weapon to their offense by picking Matthew Golden, a speedy wide receiver from Texas. The Packers already have a young and talented group of receivers, and Golden will fit right in. This pick shows that the Packers are serious about building a scary offense. It's a smart move that could pay off in the long run. The Philadelphia Eagles continued their love affair with SEC defenders by picking Jihaad Campbell, a linebacker from Alabama. The Eagles have a knack for finding top-10 talents late in the first round, and Campbell could be another one of those players. He has some medical concerns, but the Eagles have a good track record of making these kinds of picks work out. Now, let's talk about the losers. Shedeur Sanders, a quarterback from Colorado, was a big name heading into the draft, but he was passed over in the first round. It's a tough break for Sanders, who was considered a top-five pick at one point. He'll have to wait until the second round to see if his name gets called. It's a reminder that the draft can be unpredictable, and even the most talented players can be passed over. The Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers both have big questions at the quarterback position. The Browns traded back from the No. 2 pick and picked up some extra picks, but they still have a long way to go to fix their quarterback situation. The Steelers have a chance to add Aaron Rodgers, but it's not a guarantee. Both teams have a lot of work to do if they want to compete in the AFC North. The Tennessee Titans made a big move by picking Cam Ward, a quarterback from Miami, with the No. 1 pick. This pick means that Will Levis' days in Tennessee are numbered. Levis was benched late last season, and this pick confirms that he's no longer the future of the franchise. It's a tough break for Levis, who was the first pick in the second round just two years ago. It's a reminder that finding a long-term answer at quarterback is never easy.