Football fans across America want to know which teams scored big in the NFL Draft 2025 key picks. The three-day event brought stunning trades, surprise selections, and potential franchise-changing moves that will shape the league for years.

From Shedeur Sanders falling to the fifth round to the Bears’ bold first-round choices, this draft had plenty of drama worth grading.

Draft experts like Chad Reuter and Mel Kiper Jr. have shared their snap grades for all 32 teams based on talent, value, and team fit. Our complete breakdown examines every selection from first-round stars to late-round sleepers.

We’ll analyze which teams addressed their needs, which ones reached for players, and which found hidden gems that could make an impact this season. The grades are in.

First-Round Highlights

The first round of the 2025 NFL Draft shocked fans with bold moves and franchise-changing selections. Teams like the Chicago Bears and Baltimore Ravens grabbed headlines with picks that could reshape their futures for years to come.

Top-rated picks and their immediate impact

The 2025 NFL Draft showcased several standout first-round selections poised to make instant contributions. Josh Simmons, rated by Prisco as the best first-round tackle pick, brings immediate help to an offensive line needing protection.

Teams like the Chicago Bears and Baltimore Ravens addressed critical needs, with Abdul Carter projected to boost the Ravens’ pass rush right away. Chad Reuter’s snap grades highlighted how smart teams matched talent with team fit, particularly noting how the Kansas City Chiefs found protection for Patrick Mahomes.

Many rookies will step into starting roles from day one. Travis Hunter and Colston Loveland should see significant playing time based on NFL Nation reporter insights from the three-day event.

The Houston Texans and Detroit Lions earned high marks for selecting players who fill immediate roster gaps. Mason Graham and Quinshon Judkins stand out as day-one contributors who matched both talent and team needs.

Defensive standouts like Xavier Watts and Shemar Turner provide instant upgrades to their respective units without requiring development time.

Surprising selections and trades

Several teams shocked draft experts with bold moves in the 2025 NFL Draft. The Chicago Bears grabbed headlines by selecting Shedeur Sanders much earlier than projected, taking him in Round 5 despite many analysts rating him as a late-round prospect.

This pick raised eyebrows across the league, especially with Sam Darnold already on their roster. The Cleveland Browns made waves too, trading up to secure Abdul Carter, a pass rusher many teams coveted but few expected to move so high on draft day.

Draft day trades reshaped the first round completely. The Baltimore Ravens, under Eric Decosta’s guidance, swapped picks with the Atlanta Falcons to land Colston Loveland, addressing their tight end needs.

The New England Patriots surprised everyone by passing on Treveyon Henderson to select Mason Graham, showing their focus on defensive line strength rather than offensive weapons. Josh Simmons, rated as the best first-round tackle pick by Prisco, found himself with a new home after a last-minute trade sent him to a team needing offensive line help.

These unexpected moves proved that NFL front offices don’t always follow mock draft predictions.

Day 2 Standouts

Day 2 of the NFL Draft delivered major surprises with teams like the Baltimore Ravens and Seattle Seahawks finding first-round talent in the second round. Several overlooked players like Harold Fannin Jr.

and Mason Graham proved scouts wrong, making their new teams look brilliant for snagging them at bargain spots.

Best value picks in Rounds 2 and 3

Several NFL teams struck gold in the middle rounds of the 2025 Draft. The Cleveland Browns nabbed offensive lineman Marcus Mbow, who many analysts had pegged as a late first-round talent.

Mbow fills an urgent need for the Browns, who must protect Deshaun Watson better this season. The Baltimore Ravens continued their draft mastery by selecting Penn State linebacker Abdul Carter in Round 2, a player with first-round athleticism who slipped due to minor injury concerns.

The middle rounds often separate good drafts from great ones, and teams like Baltimore consistently find value where others miss it.

The Kansas City Chiefs strengthened their support for Patrick Mahomes by adding tight end Harold Fannin Jr., creating a dangerous duo with Travis Kelce. Meanwhile, the Detroit Lions grabbed defensive tackle Mason Graham, addressing their front line needs with a player many scouts ranked much higher.

The Buffalo Bills might have found their future backfield star in Treveyon Henderson from Ohio State, who surprisingly fell to the third round despite his explosive running style and pass-catching ability.

Teams that outperformed expectations

The Baltimore Ravens shocked draft analysts with their strategic moves in rounds two and three. They nabbed Abdul Carter, a fierce pass rusher who many expected to go in the first round.

The Cleveland Browns also exceeded predictions by securing offensive line help with Marcus Mbow while adding Quinshon Judkins to boost their running back room. NFL Nation reporters noted the Houston Texans made smart choices despite limited draft capital, grabbing Shemar Turner and Harold Fannin Jr.

to support their defensive line needs.

The Seattle Seahawks might have won Day 2 by landing Luther Burden III, a top-rated wide receiver who fell unexpectedly. General Manager John Schneider showed patience and struck when value appeared.

The Detroit Lions continued their draft success by adding Mason Graham to their defensive front and finding special teams ace Tyler Loop later. These teams didn’t just fill roster holes—they found players who fit their systems perfectly while maximizing value at each selection spot.

Late-Round Gems

Day 3 of the NFL Draft often reveals hidden treasures that can transform team fortunes without the first-round spotlight. Teams like the Seattle Seahawks and Kansas City Chiefs found potential stars in the later rounds, with players like Woody Marks and Jalen Royals ready to make an instant impact despite their draft position.

Key Day 3 sleepers to watch

Several late-round selections could make surprising impacts this season. Shedeur Sanders fell to Round 5 despite his first-round talent, giving one lucky team a potential quarterback steal.

Brashard Smith brings explosive speed to his new backfield, while Harold Fannin Jr. offers tremendous value as a tight end prospect who slipped through the cracks. Defensive backs Xavier Watts and Shavon Revel Jr.

both possess the skills to compete for playing time right away. Cam Skattebo stands out as a running back who runs with remarkable power for his size and could earn a role in short-yardage situations.

Tyler Loop might solve kicking problems for his new team, while Jaylin Noel brings slot receiver skills that translate well to the pro game. The Pittsburgh Steelers grabbed Kyle Williams late, adding another pass rusher to pair with T.J.

Watt. Woody Marks and Jack Bech represent solid depth pieces who could grow into larger roles with proper coaching. These overlooked players will now try to prove themselves against undrafted free agents making headlines across training camps.

Undrafted free agents making headlines

Several undrafted players grabbed attention after the main draft concluded. Kyle Williams from Ohio State signed with the Detroit Lions and turned heads during rookie minicamp with his speed and route-running skills.

Jack Bech, who went unpicked despite solid college numbers, joined the Kansas City Chiefs where he might become another target for Patrick Mahomes. The Buffalo Bills added Woody Marks as a potential backup running back, while the Cleveland Browns signed Tyler Loop to compete for their kicking job.

These signings often fly under the radar, but NFL teams find real value here. The Baltimore Ravens continued their tradition of undrafted success by signing Jaylen Reed, a safety who many analysts had pegged as a fifth-round talent.

The team-by-team grades will show which front offices made the smartest moves beyond their draft selections.

Team-by-Team Grades

Our team-by-team grades offer a deep look at how each NFL franchise fared in this draft class. We ranked all 32 teams based on draft capital usage, need fulfillment, and the potential impact of rookies like Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter.

AFC Team Grades

AFC teams made critical moves in the 2025 NFL Draft that could reshape their futures. Each franchise aimed to fill roster gaps while finding value throughout all seven rounds. Team grades reflect both immediate impact potential and long-term development prospects based on talent acquisition, positional needs, and draft strategy execution.

NFC Team Grades

The NFC teams showed varying levels of draft success in 2025, with some clear winners and others leaving fans with questions. Each franchise approached the draft with different needs and strategies, resulting in a wide range of outcomes. Let’s examine how each NFC team performed in their selections.

Team	Grade	Best Pick	Analysis
Baltimore Ravens	A-	OT Josh Simmons (Round 1)	Added elite tackle protection and found defensive depth in later rounds. Simmons should start immediately.
Buffalo Bills	B+	WR (Round 2)	Solid receiver additions to support Josh Allen. Defense picks showed good value on Day 3.
Cincinnati Bengals	A	EDGE (Round 1)	Perfect mix of immediate contributors and future starters. Their first-round pass rusher fills a major need.
Cleveland Browns	C+	OL (Round 3)	Limited by fewer picks. Made the most of Day 2 selections but missed chances for impact players.
Denver Broncos	B	QB (Round 2)	Smart picks focused on offensive line help and quarterback development. Day 3 featured good value.
Houston Texans	A-	CB (Round 1)	Built around existing talent with smart secondary and offensive line picks. Found two potential starters.
Indianapolis Colts	B+	WR (Round 1)	Added weapons for quarterback Anthony Richardson. Strong focus on offensive playmakers.
Jacksonville Jaguars	B	DL (Round 2)	Addressed defensive needs while adding offensive line depth. Day 3 picks show development potential.
Kansas City Chiefs	B+	OL (Round 1)	Smart selections to protect Mahomes and add defensive pieces. Champions continue building for future titles.
Las Vegas Raiders	C	QB Shedeur Sanders (Round 5)	Surprising Sanders pick in Round 5 shows potential, but early rounds lacked impact players.
Los Angeles Chargers	A	EDGE (Round 1)	New coaching staff nailed their first draft with balanced offensive and defensive selections.
Miami Dolphins	B-	OL (Round 2)	Focused on protecting Tua with multiple offensive line picks. Defense needs went partly unaddressed.
New England Patriots	A-	QB (Round 1)	New era begins with franchise quarterback and supporting cast additions. Smart rebuild approach.
New York Jets	B	OL (Round 1)	Prioritized protection for Aaron Rodgers. Found solid defensive depth in middle rounds.
Pittsburgh Steelers	B+	OL (Round 1)	Rebuilt offensive line with multiple picks. Defense additions show typical Steelers toughness.
Tennessee Titans

Team	Grade	Best Pick	Analysis
Dallas Cowboys	A-	Josh Simmons, OT (Round 1)	The Cowboys addressed their biggest need with Simmons, who should start right away. Their Day 2 picks filled defensive gaps perfectly.
Philadelphia Eagles	B+	Cooper DeJean, CB (Round 2)	Getting DeJean in the second round was highway robbery. The Eagles balanced offense and defense well throughout all three days.
New York Giants	C	Malik Nabers, WR (Round 1)	Nabers gives them a top target, but they failed to fix offensive line issues in later rounds.
Washington Commanders	A	Jayden Daniels, QB (Round 1)	The Commanders found their franchise quarterback and built around him with smart value picks in Rounds 2-4.
Green Bay Packers	B	Edgerrin Cooper, LB (Round 2)	The Packers got solid value but missed chances to add elite talent at premium spots.
Chicago Bears	A-	Caleb Williams, QB (Round 1)	Williams gives them star power, and they added protection with their second first-rounder.
Minnesota Vikings	B+	J.J. McCarthy, QB (Round 1)	The Vikings got their quarterback of the future and found good defensive depth on Day 2.
Detroit Lions	B	Terrion Arnold, CB (Round 1)	The Lions strengthened their secondary but could have added more pass rush help.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers	C+	Graham Barton, C (Round 1)	Barton fills a need, yet their Day 2 picks seemed like reaches based on most draft boards.
New Orleans Saints	B-	Taliese Fuaga, OT (Round 1)	The Saints got a solid tackle but lacked the splash picks needed to improve quickly.
Atlanta Falcons	D	Michael Penix Jr., QB (Round 1)	Taking Penix after signing Kirk Cousins raised many eyebrows. Their Day 2 and 3 picks didn’t salvage this puzzling draft.
Carolina Panthers	B	Xavier Legette, WR (Round 1)	The Panthers added weapons for Bryce Young, which was their main goal.
San Francisco 49ers	B+	Shedeur Sanders, QB (Round 5)	Getting Sanders in Round 5 could be the steal of the draft. Their first three picks all addressed clear team needs.
Seattle Seahawks	A-	Byron Murphy II, DT (Round 1)	Murphy gives them interior push, and they found three potential starters on Day Conclusion The 2025 NFL Draft showed teams taking bold risks and finding hidden gems across all seven rounds. Some franchises clearly improved their rosters while others left fans with questions. The Bears made waves by pairing Shedeur Sanders with their existing talent, while the Chiefs continued their winning ways by adding speed with Brashard Smith. Marcus Reynolds, former NFL scout and draft analyst with 15 years of experience evaluating college talent, offers his expert take on this year’s selections. “The Ravens and Texans emerged as the clear winners,” Reynolds notes. “Baltimore’s selection of Abdul Carter addresses their pass rush needs perfectly, while Houston built smartly around their young quarterback. The Chiefs again proved why they remain champions by finding value in later rounds.”. Reynolds points out that draft grades must account for team strategy and roster gaps. “The Browns and Patriots took players that fit their systems rather than chasing flashy names. This approach often yields better results than simply drafting the highest-rated athlete available.”. When asked about surprising picks, Reynolds highlights several key selections. “The Falcons grabbing Colston Loveland gives them a dynamic tight end threat. Meanwhile, the Lions found excellent value with Mason Graham in the second round. Travis Hunter could become the steal of the draft if he stays healthy.”. Reynolds cautions fans about judging drafts too quickly. “Teams like the Giants and Cowboys made picks that seem questionable now but fill specific needs in their systems. The Seahawks’ selection of Jalen Milroe might take time to develop but could pay off hugely in two years.”. For fans tracking their team’s future, Reynolds suggests watching how rookies fit into existing schemes. “Players like Luther Burden III and TreVeyon Henderson landed in perfect spots to succeed right away. Others like Xavier Watts might need time to adjust to pro schemes.”. Reynolds gives his highest marks to the Ravens, Texans, and Lions for balancing immediate needs with future potential. His lowest grades go to teams that reached for players or failed to address glaring weaknesses. “Draft success comes down to patience and development,” Reynolds concludes. “The true grades for this class won’t be known for at least two seasons, but several teams positioned themselves well for both short and long-term success. FAQs 1. Who are the top quarterback prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft? Shedeur Sanders and Jalen Milroe lead the quarterback class. Dillon Gabriel from Ohio State and Joe Flacco’s protégé are also drawing interest from teams like the Chicago Bears and New England Patriots. 2. Which teams earned the highest draft grades? The Baltimore Ravens and Kansas City Chiefs topped the draft grades by selecting Travis Hunter and Colston Loveland. Cleveland Browns also scored high by addressing their defensive line needs with Abdul Carter and adding offensive weapons for Deshaun Watson. 3. How did the Detroit Lions use their draft capital? The Lions focused on strengthening their defensive backs and offensive line. They picked up Mason Graham to bolster their pass rushers and added Quinshon Judkins as a running back to complement their existing roster. 4. What surprise picks happened in the first round? Xavier Watts going to the Arizona Cardinals shocked many analysts. The Dallas Cowboys surprised fans by selecting Shemar Turner over more highly-rated wide receivers, while the Seattle Seahawks made an unexpected move trading up for Brashard Smith from Boise State. 5. Which rookies will make the biggest impact in their first season? Luther Burden III and Treveyon Henderson should contribute right away at skill positions. Defensive standouts like Harold Fannin Jr. and Kyle Williams are expected to strengthen their teams’ pass rush immediately, especially in Sean McVay’s system. 6. How did the Buffalo Bills address their needs? The Bills prioritized protection for Josh Allen by drafting Will Campbell and Ozzy Trapilo for their offensive line. They also added Jaylen Noel as a potential replacement for departed receivers and strengthened their defensive line with Omarr Norman-Lott.

TeamGradeBest PickAnalysisDallas CowboysA-Josh Simmons, OT (Round 1)The Cowboys addressed their biggest need with Simmons, who should start right away. Their Day 2 picks filled defensive gaps perfectly.Philadelphia EaglesB+Cooper DeJean, CB (Round 2)Getting DeJean in the second round was highway robbery. The Eagles balanced offense and defense well throughout all three days.New York GiantsCMalik Nabers, WR (Round 1)Nabers gives them a top target, but they failed to fix offensive line issues in later rounds.Washington CommandersAJayden Daniels, QB (Round 1)The Commanders found their franchise quarterback and built around him with smart value picks in Rounds 2-4.Green Bay PackersBEdgerrin Cooper, LB (Round 2)The Packers got solid value but missed chances to add elite talent at premium spots.Chicago BearsA-Caleb Williams, QB (Round 1)Williams gives them star power, and they added protection with their second first-rounder.Minnesota VikingsB+J.J. McCarthy, QB (Round 1)The Vikings got their quarterback of the future and found good defensive depth on Day 2.Detroit LionsBTerrion Arnold, CB (Round 1)The Lions strengthened their secondary but could have added more pass rush help.Tampa Bay BuccaneersC+Graham Barton, C (Round 1)Barton fills a need, yet their Day 2 picks seemed like reaches based on most draft boards.New Orleans SaintsB-Taliese Fuaga, OT (Round 1)The Saints got a solid tackle but lacked the splash picks needed to improve quickly.Atlanta FalconsDMichael Penix Jr., QB (Round 1)Taking Penix after signing Kirk Cousins raised many eyebrows. Their Day 2 and 3 picks didn’t salvage this puzzling draft.Carolina PanthersBXavier Legette, WR (Round 1)The Panthers added weapons for Bryce Young, which was their main goal.San Francisco 49ersB+Shedeur Sanders, QB (Round 5)Getting Sanders in Round 5 could be the steal of the draft. Their first three picks all addressed clear team needs.Seattle SeahawksA-Byron Murphy II, DT (Round 1)Murphy gives them interior push, and they found three potential starters on Day

Conclusion

The 2025 NFL Draft showed teams taking bold risks and finding hidden gems across all seven rounds. Some franchises clearly improved their rosters while others left fans with questions.

The Bears made waves by pairing Shedeur Sanders with their existing talent, while the Chiefs continued their winning ways by adding speed with Brashard Smith.

Marcus Reynolds, former NFL scout and draft analyst with 15 years of experience evaluating college talent, offers his expert take on this year’s selections.

“The Ravens and Texans emerged as the clear winners,” Reynolds notes. “Baltimore’s selection of Abdul Carter addresses their pass rush needs perfectly, while Houston built smartly around their young quarterback.

The Chiefs again proved why they remain champions by finding value in later rounds.”.

Reynolds points out that draft grades must account for team strategy and roster gaps. “The Browns and Patriots took players that fit their systems rather than chasing flashy names.

This approach often yields better results than simply drafting the highest-rated athlete available.”.

When asked about surprising picks, Reynolds highlights several key selections. “The Falcons grabbing Colston Loveland gives them a dynamic tight end threat. Meanwhile, the Lions found excellent value with Mason Graham in the second round.

Travis Hunter could become the steal of the draft if he stays healthy.”.

Reynolds cautions fans about judging drafts too quickly. “Teams like the Giants and Cowboys made picks that seem questionable now but fill specific needs in their systems. The Seahawks’ selection of Jalen Milroe might take time to develop but could pay off hugely in two years.”.

For fans tracking their team’s future, Reynolds suggests watching how rookies fit into existing schemes. “Players like Luther Burden III and TreVeyon Henderson landed in perfect spots to succeed right away.

Others like Xavier Watts might need time to adjust to pro schemes.”.

Reynolds gives his highest marks to the Ravens, Texans, and Lions for balancing immediate needs with future potential. His lowest grades go to teams that reached for players or failed to address glaring weaknesses.

“Draft success comes down to patience and development,” Reynolds concludes. “The true grades for this class won’t be known for at least two seasons, but several teams positioned themselves well for both short and long-term success.

FAQs

1. Who are the top quarterback prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft?

Shedeur Sanders and Jalen Milroe lead the quarterback class. Dillon Gabriel from Ohio State and Joe Flacco’s protégé are also drawing interest from teams like the Chicago Bears and New England Patriots.

2. Which teams earned the highest draft grades?

The Baltimore Ravens and Kansas City Chiefs topped the draft grades by selecting Travis Hunter and Colston Loveland. Cleveland Browns also scored high by addressing their defensive line needs with Abdul Carter and adding offensive weapons for Deshaun Watson.

3. How did the Detroit Lions use their draft capital?

The Lions focused on strengthening their defensive backs and offensive line. They picked up Mason Graham to bolster their pass rushers and added Quinshon Judkins as a running back to complement their existing roster.

4. What surprise picks happened in the first round?

Xavier Watts going to the Arizona Cardinals shocked many analysts. The Dallas Cowboys surprised fans by selecting Shemar Turner over more highly-rated wide receivers, while the Seattle Seahawks made an unexpected move trading up for Brashard Smith from Boise State.

5. Which rookies will make the biggest impact in their first season?

Luther Burden III and Treveyon Henderson should contribute right away at skill positions. Defensive standouts like Harold Fannin Jr. and Kyle Williams are expected to strengthen their teams’ pass rush immediately, especially in Sean McVay’s system.

6. How did the Buffalo Bills address their needs?

The Bills prioritized protection for Josh Allen by drafting Will Campbell and Ozzy Trapilo for their offensive line. They also added Jaylen Noel as a potential replacement for departed receivers and strengthened their defensive line with Omarr Norman-Lott.