Wow, what a night that was. The first round of the NFL Draft is in the books, and was it ever a shocker. Of course, there were choices that we all saw coming, like the number one pick. Then we watched teams surprise their fanbases with selections that left them scratching their heads. Let’s dive into every pick in the first round and give out our grades!
NFL Draft Picks
1. Las Vegas Raiders – Fernando Mendoza QB, IU
We knew this selection was going to happen from the second Mendoza won the Heisman. With the Raiders hiring Klint Kubiak as the franchise’s next head coach, you give the young boy genius the quarterback he will be paired with. This team has talent with Ashton Jeanty, Brock Bowers, and a great left tackle in Kolton Miller, as well as other talented skill players.
Grade: A
2. New York Jets – David Bailey EDGE, TTU
The Jets decided to go with the more “ready now” player, David Bailey, rather than draft a player with a high ceiling but who needs refinement. I love this pick for Gang Green. They selected a position of need; they couldn’t go wrong in that department, and also a player who will immediately be a day-one starter and make an impact. There are some concerns about him just being a pass rusher, but I think he’s going to be great in the NFL.
Grade: A+
3. Arizona Cardinals – Jeremiyah Love RB, ND
This was the first pick that surprised me. I don’t understand what the Arizona Cardinals are thinking with this selection. I understand in the sense that they were 31st in rushing last year, with only 93.1 rushing yards per game. The only issue is that it’s not all in their running back room.
Love is a great player, but his rookie season will look like Saquon Barkley’s. A dynamic running back who is running behind a poor offensive line. He’ll have splash plays, but I don’t like drafting him 3rd overall. Why not focus on your defensive line or defense in general? Running backs come a dime a dozen in the league.
Grade: C+
4. Tennessee Titans – Carnell Tate WR, OSU
What’s the best thing you can do when you draft a quarterback? Surround him with weapons. Carnell Tate will be great for the Titans. Adding Tate to a receiving core with Calvin Ridley and signing Wan’Dale Robinson this offseason will have a nice trio of pass catchers for second-year quarterback Cam Ward. It feels like the Titans have been missing a home-run threat, and they finally have a bona fide number-one wideout.
Grade: A-
5. New York Giants – Arvell Reese LB, OSU
This was an interesting pick based on the defensive line talent they already have on the roster. If Arvell Reese transitions into a full-time off-ball linebacker, he will be excellent. If they split his snaps between that and an edge rusher, someone’s going to be the odd man out with the talent they have at that position.
Drafting a player with one of the highest ceilings at five could be the steal of the draft. Despite only being a one-year starter at Ohio State, I think he could turn into an above-average linebacker in the NFL within his first few seasons.
Grade: A
6. Kansas City Chiefs (via Cleveland Browns) – Mansoor Delane CB, LSU
The first trade in the NFL Draft, the Kansas City Chiefs traded up three spots to take the best cornerback in the draft, Mansoor Delane. KC was one of the teams that lost the most talent in their defensive backfield. This was a great pickup, and they didn’t even need to give up much to move up three spots: the 9th, 74th, and 148th picks. Delane will be excellent, and I won’t be shocked when he’s viewed as one of the best corners in the NFL.
Grade: A-
7. Washington Commanders – Sonny Styles LB, OSU
This is an excellent pick. The Washington Commanders drafted what could be the next Fred Warner, which would be a great pick. What makes this an excellent one? Sonny Styles will learn under future NFL Hall of Famer Bobby Wagner. The Commanders needed anything and everything on the defensive side of the ball. Styles is a one-of-one athlete, and he will jump through your television screen at least twice a game. Drafting him at 7 is great value as well.
Grade: A
8. New Orleans Saints – Jordyn Tyson WR, ASU
The New Orleans Saints drafting Jordyn Tyson is like the Titans drafting Tate. A franchise is getting its young quarterback more weapons. They have Chris Olave, and Tyson will step into the WR2 spot. His only red flag is his injury history. He has had multiple major injuries, which is one of the reasons he fell to the eighth pick in the NFL Draft. If he didn’t have the injury concerns, he’d be the top receiver in the class
Grade: B+
9. Cleveland Browns (via Kansas City Chiefs) – Spencer Fano OT, UTAH
The Cleveland Browns’ drafting an offensive lineman wasn’t a shock, but who they picked was. At least it was to me. Their o-line has resembled strands of beads that people hang in their doorways. Spencer Fano is one of the most versatile linemen we have seen in a few years. He’s been excellent wherever he’s played, at left or right tackle, and I have no doubt he’ll succeed in the NFL with his great size and speed.
Grade: B+
10. New York Giants (via Cincinnati Bengals) – Francis Mauigoa OT, MIA
The New York Giants have locked up their tackles for the next 8-10 years. Adding Mauigoa to play across Andrew Thomas should keep Jaxson Dart upright for the foreseeable future. In the NFL, where there are so many great edge rushers, tackle is a premium position, and the Giants now have two of them. I love getting the best offensive lineman in the draft with the 10th pick, too.
Grade: A-
11. Dallas Cowboys (via Miami Dolphins) – Caleb Downs S, OSU
This is probably a top two steal of the draft. The Dallas Cowboys are trading up to get Caleb Downs. Many believe, outside of quarterback, he is either the best or second-best player in the entire draft, and getting him at 11 is ridiculous value. This is a franchise-altering selection. I’m willing to go out on a limb and say he will be the best player on their defense next season. Some players just have “it,” and he’s got it.
Grade: A+
12. Miami Dolphins (via Dallas Cowboys) – Kadyn Proctor OT, ALA
When you have as many holes as the Dolphins need to fill, you can only try to fill them one at a time. Drafting Kadyn Procter is a high-risk, high-reward draft pick. When he’s locked in and motivated, he can dominate defensive linemen. That’s the concern. He’s got all the talent in the world, but it seems like his motor doesn’t always run hot. Good player, but we’ll see if he’s ready for the jump in talent with the rest of the NFL.
Grade: B
13. Los Angeles Rams (via Atlanta Falcons) – Ty Simpson QB, ALA
This will be the most ridiculous pick in the NFL Draft. Did the Rams forget that they have a quarterback who just won the MVP whose coming back next year? I understand that they won’t be drafting this high next season to draft another QB if Matthew Stafford retires, but holy hell. You are supposed to be in “win now” mode until he hangs it up.
I think Ty Simpson will EVENTUALLY be good for the Rams. We already know how Sean McVay is when it comes to developing and making quarterbacks work. Simpson had stretches, especially early in the year, when he looked like the QB1 in the country. He can make every throw and has a good enough arm to be successful in the NFL. However, he doesn’t help you now.
Grade: C
14. Baltimore Ravens – Vega Ioane OG, PSU
This is a classic Ravens draft pick. They’ve been the best team in the modern NFL in terms of drafting. Vega Ioane will be a day one starter and help the interior of an offensive line that lost a great player this offseason. This is also a position that Baltimore has drafted excellently. Ioane will be a big reason why Derrick Henry looks like himself again next season.
Grade: A-
15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Rueben Bain Jr. EDGE, MIA
Finally, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers get their pass rusher. They haven’t had this level of talent on the edge since Shaquil Barrett when they won the Super Bowl back in 2020. For the majority of last season, Bain was regarded as the best edge rusher in the country. Getting him at 15 is insane value for a position of need. He will immediately remind Tampa Bay fans what it feels like to have a great defensive end.
Grade: A+
16. New York Jets (via Indianapolis Colts) – Kenyon Sadiq TE, ORE
The New York Jets’ selection of Kenyon Sadiq is a nice acquisition, but it’s a bit confusing given their draft class last season. In the 2025 NFL Draft, New York took TE Mason Taylor in the second round. So does this mean they’re going to use a lot of two-tight-end sets, or use Sadiq more as a Travis Kelce type? Overall, he’s a great prospect and a walking mismatch for NFL defenses.
Grade: B
17. Detroit Lions – Blake Miller OT, CLEM
The Detroit Lions went from dominating the NFL with their offensive line to that group being a serious question mark on their roster. Blake Miller, with his tall frame, agility, and quick hands, I think he will be a perfect fit to keep Jared Goff’s jersey clean this upcoming season and the years to follow.
Grade: B
18. Minnesota Vikings – Caleb Banks DT, FLA
This move surprised me. I know the Vikings ranked 21st in the NFL with a below-average rush defense, allowing 124 rushing yards per game. However, I don’t understand the reach for a defensive tackle who is currently rehabbing a broken left foot and has a bit of an injury history. Caleb Banks is a massive human being, towering at 6’7″.
When healthy, he can swallow up double teams and is a monster in stuffing the run. His short-range quickness allows Banks to beat guards and get to the quarterback. For a man his size, he is a hell of an athlete. A great potential player, but I didn’t expect any defensive tackle to be taken this high.
Grade: B-
19. Carolina Panthers – Monroe Freeling OT, UGA
Last season, the Carolina Panthers were one of the more surprising teams in the NFL. Going from the worst record in the NFC South to winning the division. Protecting Bryce Young is a must, and Freeling is a massive prospect, literally. Standing at 6’7, he’s got the frame and athleticism to mold into an elite offensive lineman. He can run like a tight end in order to get to the second level of defenses.
Grade: B
20. Philadelphia Eagles (via Dallas Cowboys) – Makai Lemon WR, USC
If you’ve got a player on their way out, you might as well bolster the position you’re losing. Makai Lemon should step into the Philadelphia Eagles’ receiving core and hit the ground running, or flying. With the Eagles appearing to be trading AJ Brown, this is a perfect fit in a position of need. Giving Jalen Hurts a playmaker who dominates across the middle of the field may entice him to attack that area of the field more.
Grade: B+
21. Pittsburgh Steelers – Max Iheanachor OT, ASU
I had the Steelers drafting an offensive tackle in my Mock Draft. I was surprised that it was Iheanachor. I believed that he’s a great tackle in the making. In his 484 pass blocking snaps last year, he didn’t allow a single sack. This pick has a lot of upside, and he’s got experience playing both left and right tackle.
Iheanachor dominated at the Senior Bowl, which is where I believe Pittsburgh fell in love with him. Lastly, with Broderick Jones potentially not ready to start the season due to a neck injury, this adds depth to a young, very talented offensive line.
Grade: A-
22. Los Angeles Chargers – Akheem Mesidor EDGE, MIA
This is doubling down on a strength. The Los Angeles Chargers were 10th in sacks last season with 45, and have two above-average edge rushers, Khalil Mack and Tuli Tuipulotu. Mack will be 35 next season, entering his 13th NFL season. It’s safe to say this pick is setting up for the future and getting Mesidor in the building while Mack is still active. He was a monster at Miami and should translate well to the NFL.
Grade: B+
23. Dallas Cowboys (via Philadelphia Eagles) – Malachi Lawrence EDGE, UCF
Ever since Dallas traded Micah Parsons, they’ve been in need of help on the edge. Last year, they ranked 22nd in the NFL with 25 sacks. Lawrence is a big, explosive edge rusher who might not have had great stats, but his athleticism jumps off the screen. If he develops into a better run-stuffing, edge setter, he’ll be excellent for this Dallas front.
Grade: B
24. Cleveland Browns (via Jacksonville Jaguars) – KC Concepcion WR, TA&M
What might have been the worst receiving core in the NFL, the Cleveland Browns are adding an electric slot receiver in KC Concepcion. Now he has had a bit of an issue with dropping passes, but the talent is there. His ability to dominate with the ball in his hands can prove to be an electric playmaker with the Browns.
Grabe: B
25. Chicago Bears – Dillon Thieneman S, ORE
With the Chicago Bears emerging as one of the best teams in the NFL, they needed to add depth to a defensive backfield that still needs to improve. Drafting Dillon Thieneman was an excellent choice. In his three seasons in college, he tallied 306 tackles and 8 interceptions. He will be one of the most versatile players in the entire NFL before we know it. Excellent pick for a defense that needs playmakers.
Grade: A
26. Houston Texans (via Buffalo Bills) – Keylan Rutledge OG, GT
The Houston Texans had one of the worst offensive lines last season. They have a defense that is ready to compete for a Super Bowl now. To contend for the AFC South and make a deep playoff run, they need to bolster their offensive line. Keylan Rutledge was one of the keys to one of the nation’s best rushing attacks in the country.
Grade: B+
27. Miami Dolphins (via San Francisco 49ers) – Chris Johnson CB, SDSU
Much like their other selection, when you have many holes, you plug them one at a time. Johnson is a great prospect with impressive ball skills and excellent footwork. Last season, he finished the season with 4 interceptions, 2 for touchdowns, and a conference high 146 yards on those interceptions. Johnson’s only issues are that if he’s beaten on a route, he can lack in makeup speed, and larger running backs can drag him.
Grade: B
28. New England Patriots (From Houston Texans, via San Francisco 49ers) – Caleb Lomu OT, UTAH
How will the Patriots get back to the NFL mountain top? Solve their offensive line problems. Drafting Caleb Lomu, a left tackle, likely means they will move Will Campbell to either guard or right tackle. He’s a great pass-blocking lineman who can put on a few more pounds to bulk up. A good pick in a position of need, regardless how they shape up their o-line next season.
Grade: B+
29. Kansas City Chiefs (via Los Angeles Rams) – Peter Woods DT, CLEM
What was once a team strength, their defensive line has slowly turned into a below-average group in the NFL. With Chris Jones starting to show age, the Kansas City Chiefs’ drafting Peter Woods is an excellent selection. Entering the year, he was valued as a top-five pick.
Now, he did have a down year at Clemson; he fell to the bottom of the first. That’s great value if he can return to form. Woods is great at playing through double teams and jumping off the line with speed we don’t often see from his position. Lastly, getting to learn under Jones can turn him into an elite DT sooner rather than later.
Grade: A-
30. New York Jets (from Denver, via Miami Dolphins & San Francisco 49ers) – Omar Cooper Jr. WR, IND
The New York Jets traded back into the first round to add another weapon to their offense. Omar Cooper Jr. was sensational last season with 69 catches for 937 yards and 13 touchdowns. Every time the Hoosiers needed a big play, he was there. I’m not going to be surprised if the Jets have one of the more exciting offenses in the NFL next season.
Grade: A
31. Tennessee Titans (From New England Patriots, via Buffalo Bills) – Keldric Faulk EDGE, AUB
The Titans traded back into the first round to grab Keldric Faulk. Faulk is coming off a semi-down year, but he has all the talent to make an impact in the NFL. He won’t turn 21 till September, but he acts as if he’s had more experience. His ability to play on either front will make him an every-down edge rusher in the NFL. The sky is the limit for Faulk.
Grade: B+
32. Seattle Seahawks – Jadarian Price RB, ND
With the NFL’s reigning champions losing their Super Bowl MVP and his backup being sidelined for the majority of the season, someone’s got to tote the rock. Jadarian Price is by far the second-best running back in a potential two-back draft class.
Price is an electric player with the ball in his hands who will fit nicely in Seattle. One of his other superpowers is his ability to dominate special teams. He’s returned 22 kickoffs in his three seasons, and returned three of them for touchdowns. Last year, Price returned 12 kicks for 450 yards, which is 27.5 yards per return. His only issue is his fumbling problem.
Grade: B+
Final Thoughts
Now that the NFL Draft is past us, training camp and the preseason are right around the corner. It’s a great time to be a professional football fan! What did you think of this year’s draft? Who did your team take in the first round? Lastly, who is the best player in the draft?
As always, thank you so much for checking out my thoughts and grades on every NFL Draft selection from the first round! Be sure to check out our other amazing content here at New Leaf News! We hope you’re enjoying your day and look forward to seeing you again soon.
