The 2025 NFL Draft kicked off last night in Green Bay, Wisconsin, as all 32 teams eagerly awaited the chance to select their newest rookie stars for the upcoming season. This year’s draft featured a mix of anticipation and uncertainty, with teams navigating a landscape where the talent pool is seen as less than stellar at the top. Yet, excitement filled the air as fans and franchises alike looked forward to the potential impact of their selections.
Among the top prospects was running back Ashton Jeanty out of Boise State, who has garnered significant attention leading up to the draft. Jeanty was a finalist for the Heisman Trophy last year, finishing the season with an impressive 2,601 yards and 29 touchdowns. At 5′8″ and 211 pounds, he is considered the best running back in this year’s draft class and is projected to be selected seventh overall by the New York Jets. However, he could also fit well with other teams such as the Las Vegas Raiders (6), Chicago Bears (10), San Francisco 49ers (11), Dallas Cowboys (12), or even the Denver Broncos (20).
Interestingly, Jeanty revealed that his favorite NFL team is the Miami Dolphins, who hold the 13th overall selection. "I’m a big fan of the Dolphins," Jeanty said in a recent interview. Originally from Jacksonville, Florida, Jeanty could find himself back in his home state if the Jaguars, who have the fifth overall pick, decide to draft him. His journey to this point has been unique; he played high school football in Italy before moving back to the U.S. to finish his career at Lone Star High School in Texas.
As the draft unfolded, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell made headlines with his remarks about Green Bay, calling it the "smallest NFL city, but the mightiest." He emphasized the significance of hosting such a major event in a city rich with NFL history. Goodell joined local officials and community leaders in celebrating a $150,000 grant awarded to the Oneida Nation schools, which will provide nearly 500 new and refurbished devices for students. "This community deserves it, the franchise deserves it, and I think it will be great for the NFL and this country," Goodell stated.
While Jeanty was a focal point for many, the draft also showcased the league's ongoing efforts to bridge the digital divide. The collaboration between the NFL Foundation and the Packers aims to enhance educational opportunities for Oneida Nation students, reinforcing the league's commitment to community engagement.
As teams eagerly made their selections, there was a palpable tension in the air regarding the quarterback class. This year’s draft is particularly crucial for teams in search of a young, difference-making quarterback. The highest-paid veteran quarterbacks command salaries upwards of $60 million annually, making rookie contracts, which are significantly less, highly coveted. Jalen Hurts, Patrick Mahomes, Joe Burrow, and Brock Purdy have all led their teams to Super Bowl appearances while on rookie deals, highlighting the importance of finding the right quarterback.
However, the draft class has been described as lacking elite talent, with one head coach noting, "There aren’t a lot of Robert De Niros at the top of this draft." Many evaluators suggest that some players expected to go in the top 10 are comparable to those who might still be available later in the first round. This has led to increased trading activity among teams looking to move up for their desired prospects.
The New York Giants have been particularly active, reportedly making multiple calls to the Tennessee Titans to move up to the No. 1 pick. Meanwhile, the Browns, Giants, and Patriots are fielding calls for the Nos. 2, 3, and 4 picks, respectively. Teams are eyeing Colorado CB/WR Travis Hunter as a potential target, indicating a strategic shift toward bolstering their rosters with top-tier talent.
As the draft progressed, teams like the Jaguars and Raiders expressed interest in moving up if their desired players were still available. The Raiders have been linked to Jeanty for weeks, though there are strong arguments within their draft room to focus on strengthening their offensive line instead.
In addition to Jeanty, the running back class is generating buzz with prospects like Omarion Hampton, Quinshon Judkins, and Kaleb Johnson, all of whom are expected to be selected in the early rounds. This depth at running back could provide teams with valuable options as they look to enhance their offensive capabilities.
While the draft is primarily about new beginnings, it also serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges teams face in developing talent. The scrutiny surrounding quarterbacks is particularly intense, with many teams emphasizing the need for a supportive environment to foster their growth. Scott Pioli, an NFL Network analyst, noted, "Player development and quarterback development is circumstantial, and there are different trajectories of development." This sentiment underscores the complexities of drafting a franchise quarterback.
As the evening wore on, the anticipation surrounding the draft only grew, with fans eagerly awaiting news of their teams’ selections. The 2025 NFL Draft promises to be a pivotal moment for franchises looking to reshape their futures and build championship-caliber teams.
In conclusion, the 2025 NFL Draft has kicked off with a mix of excitement and uncertainty, as teams navigate a talent pool that may not be as deep as in previous years. With key prospects like Ashton Jeanty and a host of quarterbacks on the board, the decisions made over the next few days will have lasting implications for the league.
