Although this wasn’t as exciting of a draft class as last year in terms of quarterbacks, the prospects at other positions were still full of potential so without further adieu here are my thoughts on the top ten picks in the draft.

1. Cam Ward

Leading up to the draft Cam Ward was the no brainer #1 pick, he has arguably the best arm, he’s fast and athletic, great side arm release and ability to throw at different angles, pin point accuracy. Apart from the occasional hero ball he averaged 7.5 ints per year in college leading me to believe he also has elite processing and an ability to read defenses given that the vast majority of his ints have come from just hero ball and not bad defensive reading or processing. Since coming out of high school a zero star recruit, he’s had to fight for every starting job of his college career like no other qb I have ever seen coming out of college, and every coach and executive has said the same about his lack of offield distractions, his unmatched competitiveness, and a unwavering desire to get better. In conclusion I think the only two QBs coming out of college in the last 3 years I would put above him are Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels, and Bryce Young other than that I think he’s one of the most underrated QB prospects coming out of college in a while.

2. Travis Hunter

When you talk about the kind of player Travis Hunter is, it’s not his skills as a corner or a wideout. It’s just his combination of athleticism, ball skills, and football IQ that make him not the best corner or wide receiver but just the best football player in general. He’s the best universal football prospect since maybe ever. He’s Deion Sanders with less ego, and more work ethic. He just simply has the hand to eye coordination and athleticism to make plays that others physically cannot make. It’s why he along with Ashton Jeanty are the two only can’t miss prospects in this draft. 

3. Abdul Carter

For all the hype I’ve heard I really don’t think that Abdul Carter is a can’t miss prospect, he’s the best pure defensive player in this draft for sure and the no brainer number 3 pick but I wouldn’t really put him on the can’t miss tier. Even if some want to put him there I wouldn’t really put him on the same tier coming out of college as Micah Parsons, or Aiden Hutchinson. One reason is most scouts who have reported on him all point out a lack of power that allows him to be overpowered by strong tackles which limits his ceiling and is a big red flag going into the NFL were offensive tackles are significantly stronger then the ones he’s already overpowered by in college, another is that every scouting report I have read and the stats say that he struggles immensely when defending the run and in the modern NFL were outside running is used almost as much as inside running it is crucial to have a defensive end that can set the edge and defend the run, and first and foremost is his injury history including a stress fracture to his foot and a shoulder injury. Although his speed and disruptiveness are undebatable. In conclusion he’s the no brainer pick number 3 but it’s important to keep in mind that compared to other recent big defensive end prospects he’s not “can’t miss” and has several blaring issues that will have to be addressed when transitioning into the NFL although he’s still a stud edge rusher prospect nonetheless.

4. Will Campell

Although it’s been said that he lacks overwhelming arm strength and arm size, it’s not a blurring red flag and the upside of his smooth athleticism and good decision making and technique displayed through him only surrendering 5 sacks throughout his entire college career is more than enough to help bring stability to a league worse Patriots offensive line. His hands down the best offensive tackle in the draft and although there’s a sexier pick in the way of Ashton Jeanty he’s the best choice for the Patriots.

5. Mason Graham

Although he is the best defensive tackle in the draft he has some issues. The main one being a lack of overwhelming strength that causes him to lose more leverage on double teams and prevents him from finding as many quick wins as a rusher. His upside however is hard to ignore as his first step quickness and ability to regularly beat lateral blocks makes pass disruption inevitable. He’s always stout at the point of attack with great leverage, body control and accurate hands. His great closing speed when pursuing quarterbacks and running backs alike also cannot be ignored. Also his background as a wrestler seems to give him an uncanny ability to feel leverage through contact. Statistically he’s also a stud as he has had the best run defense grade in college football since 2022, and had the best pass rush grade last year. In conclusion he looks like the next big d-linemen coming out of Michigan and is poised to make up one of the most disruptive pass rush duos in the league with Miles Garret in Cleveland.  

6. Ashton Jeanty

Everyone knew the next team that needed an offensive weapon would be taking Ashton Jeanty. His strong running style, burst and acceleration, reliable hands, and elite balance off of contact. Although there are some minor cons to him as a prospect such as a lack of jaw dropping lateral explosiveness, and pass protecting technique it’s just nitpicking at this point and there’s no denying he has the highest upside of any RB prospect since Derrick Henry. 

7. Armand Membou

Although an offensive linemen is never the most exciting pick, everything starts with the trenches where Armand Membou can provide the much needed boost for New York. His upsides of raw strength and power, explosive movement, great length that allows him to consistently establish first meaningful contact, and the range to keep up with the speedy edge rushers of today’s NFL. Although some point out he can get caught short on his aiming points, that drawback is the top of a list of nitpicks that shouldn’t make you ignore his tremendous upside.

8. Tetairoa McMillan

For a wideout starved Panthers roster this pick didn’t require much thought. McMillans large catch radius and elusiveness in the open field could make him a reliable target for the resurging Bryce Young. However a lack of urgency at the snap in his route tempo and questioned top end speed caused him to not be the first offensive weapon taken. In conclusion, while I do think Tetairoa McMillan has a lot of upside in Carolina, he will have to handle a heavy load and will have to prove he can correct his route tempo.

9. Kelvin Banks Jr.

Although he was the third offensive tackle taken in the first round he would be a welcome addition to any teams o-line. He brings a combination of refined use of hands, smooth footwork, and the wheels and  agility to keep up with even the fastest of edge rushers. His only major downside is that his smaller frame prevents him from keeping some defenders clenched although it’s not a huge concern and his upside is hard to ignore. 

10. Colston Loveland

Considering Chicago’s struggles with o-line Caleb Williams is going to need someone he can get the ball out to quick and Ben Johnson’s nack for utilizing tight ends made Colston Loveland their guy. Colston Loveland is hands down the best tight end prospect since Kyle Pitts, possessing elite size, athleticism, catch radius, and route running. Maybe the only drawback is that he’s only ok at run blocking which could be an issue in a run heavy Ben Johnson offense but his skills as a pass catcher are just too much to resist.

That concludes my thoughts on the first 10 picks of the 2025 NFL draft. Some players I was surprised didn’t go in  the first round are Will Johnson, Quinshon Judkins, and Carson Swhesinger.