The 2025 NFL draft first round is underway in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
The Titans selected Miami quarterback Cam Ward first overall, and the Jaguars moved up from No. 5 to select two-way player Travis Hunter with the second pick. Penn State edge rusher Abdul Carter was selected third by the Giants.
Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders wasn’t picked and will be among the best players available on Day 2.
Here's the latest:
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NFL draft 1st round has ended
The Chiefs closed the first round by taking Simmons.
Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders remains undrafted.
The Cleveland Browns, who could use a quarterback, have the first and fourth picks in the second round Friday.
The Las Vegas Raiders, who traded for 34-year-old Geno Smith in the offseason but could use a long-term solution at the position, have the fifth pick in the second round.
Eagles add more SEC talent to defense
Campbell has proven to be a physical and speedy off-ball defender who can also come off the edge on pass rushes.
He joins a defense with breakout inside linebacker Zack Baun and plenty of SEC talent including Jordan Davis, Jalen Carter, and Nolan Smith Jr. out of Georgia.
Campbell put up career-high numbers in 2024, collecting 117 tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss, five sacks, two forced fumbles, a fumble recovery and an interception.
Bills get fastest 40-yard dasher in the draft
Hairston was the fastest prospect at this year’s NFL combine, running a 4.28-second 40-yard dash.
He finished a three-year stint at Kentucky with 89 tackles, 10 pass deflections, and six interceptions including three pick-sixes.
Hairston has some promises for Bills fans
“Buffalo, they’re getting the ultimate competitor, ultimate teammate and somebody that’s going to get Josh Allen the ball back,” the exuberant new Bill said.
Eagles take Chiefs’ crown, now their draft pick
The Philadelphia Eagles traded with the Kansas City Chiefs to move up one spot to No. 31.
They essentially swapped picks. The Chiefs picked up the No. 32 pick and a fifth-rounder.
Commanders get a stud who nullified Carter in Big Ten title game
Conerly started 28 consecutive games for the Ducks the last two seasons and his draft stock skyrocketed when he held Penn State’s Abdul Carter — the third-overall pick tonight — without a sack in the Big Ten championship game.
Detroit bolsters defensive line
Williams, a 334-pound defensive tackle, pulled a hamstring on his first 40-yard dash attempt at his pro day, but when healthy he gets involved, recording 53 tackles in 2023 and 46 last season despite missing three games.
Ravens pick up a versatile defender
Starks split snaps at nickelback and safety at Georgia, providing versatility to go with a high football IQ.
He joins a secondary with Kyle Hamilton, Marlon Humphrey and Nate Wiggins.
Kelvin Banks’ baby can’t contain his excitement
New Orleans Saints first-round pick Kelvin Banks Jr.’s draft party in Houston had a memorable scene.
Banks, a Texas offensive tackle, has a baby son named Khalil. When the Saints called Banks to let him know they were taking him, the cameras panned to Khalil, who spit up while sitting on his mother’s lap.
Vikings continue to invest in their offensive line
Jackson handled a position change well, holding his own at left tackle after two-plus seasons at left guard.
The former Buckeye will be responsible for protecting quarterback J.J. McCarthy, who is coming off a season-ending meniscus injury dating back to training camp.
Falcons trade with Rams
Pass rush has been a major issue for Atlanta for years, and the Falcons took big steps to address that by taking Georgia’s Jalon Walker at No. 15 and trading up to take Pearce at No. 26.
They paid a big price to get Pearce. They sent the Los Angeles Rams a second-round pick (No. 46 overall), a seventh-round pick (242nd) and a 2026 first-round selection to get the 26th overall pick as well as a third-round selection (101st).
Dart joins a busy Giants QB room
Dart becomes the third quarterback to join by the Giants this offseason.
He will have the opportunity to develop under veterans Jameis Winston and Russell Wilson.
Giants pick Jaxson Dart over Sanders
The second quarterback taken in the draft isn’t Shedeur Sanders. The New York Giants instead took Mississippi’s Jaxson Dart after trading up to get the 25th overall pick.
Giants trade back into 1st round
The New York Giants have traded back into the first round and are on the clock at No. 25.
The Giants sent their second-round pick (34th overall), third-round selection (99th) and a 2026 third-round pick to Houston in exchange for the 25th pick.
Could this be the moment a second quarterback gets taken, perhaps Sanders or Mississippi’s Jaxson Dart?
Packers take WR in 1st round for 1st time since 2002
The announcement of the Packers’ first-round selection was going to get a thunderous ovation from the Green Bay crowd regardless of the pick, but the fact it came on a receiver made the reaction particularly noteworthy.
Green Bay’s selection of Golden marks the first time the Packers have used a first-round pick on a receiver since the Packers took Florida State’s Javon Walker 20th overall way back in 2002.
Hampton joins Najee Harris as Chargers’ newcomers in backfield
Hampton becomes the second running back off the board at pick No. 22.
The Chargers drafted him after adding Najee Harris in free agency.
Hampton led the ACC in carries and rushing yards in back-to-back seasons and collected 15 touchdowns on foot in 2023 and 2024.
ACC draft drought ends
With Hampton to the Chargers, we finally have another Atlantic Coast Conference player drafted to join No. 1 overall Cam Ward.
Sixteen of the first 22 picks were from either the Southeastern Conference (nine) or Big Ten (seven). The Big 12 also has two players selected so far.
Steelers go for defense instead of QB Sanders
Despite heavy rumors of drafting Sanders, the Steelers opted for the 6-foot-5 defensive tackle Harmon.
Harmon holds up strong against the run and is an efficient pass rusher.
He recorded a career-best 11 tackles for loss, five sacks, two forced fumbles and two recoveries during his sole season with Oregon.
A new Barron in Denver
Barron finished a productive five-year collegiate career with 226 tackles, 24 pass deflections, 21 tackles for loss and eight interceptions.
Barron lined up outside, in the slot, and in the box as a dime linebacker for the Longhorns. He joins a defense with reigning Defensive Player of the Year Pat Surtain II.
Shedeur Sanders remains unselected
The Pittsburgh Steelers’ selection of Harmon at No. 21 overall creates more uncertainty regarding when Sanders might get taken.
The Steelers remain in need of a quarterback after the offseason departures of Russell Wilson and Justin Fields.
Every team with a first-round pick remaining doesn’t have an apparent need at quarterback.
Perhaps another team trades its way back into the first round to grab Sanders. If not, Sanders’ situation will be the biggest story heading into Friday’s second round.
Bucs add to their WR room with Egbuka
Baker Mayfield just got another weapon.
Egbuka joins a receiving room with Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, Jalen McMillan, and Sterling Shepard. Egbuka finished a four-year campaign at Ohio State with 2,868 receiving yards and 24 touchdowns.
FCS player goes in 1st round
The first Football Championship Subdivision player is off the board, with the Seattle Seahawks taking Zabel.
Zabel is the first FCS player to get taken in the first round since 2022, when New Orleans took Northern Iowa offensive tackle Trevor Penning at No. 19 and New England selected Chattanooga guard Cole Strange at No. 29.
Last year, no FCS player got taken until the third round, when the Chicago Bears took Yale offensive lineman Kiran Amegadjie. The first FCS player to get drafted in 2023 was North Dakota State offensive lineman Cody Mauch, who went to Tampa Bay in the second round.
Bengals address defensive need with Stewart
The Cincinnati Bengals addressed defensive needs by drafting Stewart, an edge rusher.
Scouts looked past Stewart’s 4.5 total collegiate sacks due to his impact without getting to the quarterback.
Stewart joins the Bengals with a chip on his shoulder, telling Jamie Erdahl on the broadcast that some people have messed up; referring to the teams that passed on him.
Cardinals get major upside in Nolen
More so than most prospects, fit and scheme are paramount for Nolen, who is best suited for a penetrating defense.
The Cardinals gained a tackle with major upside, often compared to Nnamdi Madubuike.
Hunter awaits his buddy Sanders’ draft pick
Hunter wanted to rush his press conference so he can hear Sanders’ name called.
The two Colorado teammates were expected to be top 5 picks when the draft process began several months ago.
But Sanders’ stock dropped in the weeks leading up to the draft and he was still on the board halfway through the first round.
Walker won’t have to go far
After shocking the world with the selection of Michael Penix Jr. in the first round of the 2024 draft, the Falcons have finally addressed their defensive needs with Walker.
The 6-foot-2 edge rusher set the tone for the Bulldogs’ defense as a powerful defender with explosive change-of-direction quickness.
Walker collected 61 tackles, 11 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks in 2024 with Georgia.
Michigan ties a record with 3 players picked in top 13
The top of the NFL draft had a Maize and Blue tinge.
Three Michigan players were taken in the first 13 picks, marking just the fourth time that has happened in the common draft era that began in 1967.
Graham went fifth to Cleveland, Loveland was picked 10th by Chicago and Grant went 13th to Miami.
Cornerback Will Johnson also could go later in the first round.
Alabama had three players picked in the top 13 twice, doing it in 2021 and 2023. Ohio State is the only other school to do it in 2016.
Big Ten bounty
Five of the first 14 overall picks have come from two Big Ten schools — and reigning national champion Ohio State isn’t one of them.
Michigan’s had three players selected, with Cleveland taking defensive tackle Mason Graham at No. 5, Chicago selecting tight end Colston Loveland at No. 10 and Miami taking defensive tackle Kenneth Grant at No. 13.
Penn State’s had two players drafted, with edge rusher Abdul Carter going third overall to the New York Giants and tight end Tyler Warren going 14th to Indianapolis.
So far, the Buckeyes will have to stand on their national title. That’s not so bad.
Colts get a Gronkowski comparison at No. 14
With a 6-foot-6 frame, Warren boasts a large catch radius and has proven difficult to tackle, drawing comparisons to Rob Gronkowski.
Warren finished the 2024 season with 1,233 yards and eight touchdowns on 104 receptions and added 218 rushing yards and four touchdowns on foot.
Dolphins go defense in 1st round for another draft
Grant comes off a season consisting of 32 tackles, seven tackles for loss, three sacks and two fumble recoveries for the Michigan Wolverines.
After adding Chop Robinson in 2024, it’s the second straight year that Miami has opted for defense in the first round.
Cam Ward ready for some country tunes in Nashville
Cam Ward is heading to Nashville and he’s ready for some country music.
“Morgan Wallen is my guy. He cool,” Ward said.
Cowboys get skillful offensive lineman in Booker
Booker is 6-foot-5 and 324 pounds and has excellent skills to absorb pass rushers and bore holes in the run game.
49ers defense bolstered with Williams
Despite battling a leg injury, Williams caught scouts’ attention with a season consisting of 21 tackles, nine tackles for loss, five sacks and two forced fumbles.
Williams joins a 49ers defense with former Defensive Player of the Year Nick Bosa and four-time First-Team All-Pro Fred Warner.
Hunter pick is a historic high for DBs, and WRs
The Jaguars’ selection of Hunter makes him the highest-drafted cornerback in NFL history — and the second-highest wide receiver ever drafted.
The one wideout who was picked higher was Keyshawn Johnson, the No. 1 overall pick by the New York Jets in 1996. Calvin Johnson went second overall to the Detroit Lions in 2007.
The only other defensive back selected second overall was safety Eric Turner by the Cleveland Browns in 1991.
Bears choose Loveland over Warren
Despite Penn State tight end Tyler Warren’s availability, the Chicago Bears chose Loveland with the No. 10 pick.
The speedy and agile tight end will go from Ann Arbor to Chicago in 2025 and join a young offense under new coach Ben Johnson.
With a knack for route-running, Loveland will provide a big target for second-year quarterback Caleb Williams. He finished the 2024 season with 56 receptions for 582 yards and five touchdowns.
Goodell honors ‘Mongo’
Before announcing Chicago’s selection of Michigan tight end Colston Loveland with the 10th overall pick, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell paid tribute to former Bears defensive tackle Steve McMichael, who died Wednesday at the age of 67 after battling ALS.
“Mongo’s remarkable contributions to the game and community will never be forgotten,” Goodell said. “His legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.”
When will Shedeur Sanders be picked?
Sanders wasn’t taken among the first nine picks in the draft.
Now, the question is just when the Colorado quarterback might get taken.
The next obvious possibility is No. 21 to Pittsburgh, who needs a quarterback after losing Russell Wilson to the New England Patriots and Justin Fields to the New York Jets.
Of course, another quarterback-hungry team could move up in the draft to make sure it takes him before Pittsburgh makes its selection.
Saints turn blind eye to QB needs, for now
The Saints turned a blind eye to potential quarterback needs and opted for Banks, who is quite good at protecting QBs.
The 6-foot-4 offensive lineman has the strength and ability to play left tackle in the league despite being viewed by some teams as a guard.
Banks allowed four sacks throughout three seasons and 2,778 offensive snaps with the Longhorns.
NFL schedule to drop on May 14
It was announced on the draft broadcast that the NFL schedule will release on May 14.
McMillan gives lei to Goodell
McMillan, a Hawaii native, gave Goodell a lei as he celebrated getting taken eighth overall by Carolina.
Hunter’s ‘small belief’ becomes reality
At his press conference with media at the Green Bay draft site, Hunter said he “always had that small belief” Jacksonville might take him.
“I didn’t know for sure until tonight,” he said, adding that “it meant a lot for my dad to be here tonight.”
Panthers go back to WR well in draft
One year after selecting Xavier Legette in the first round, the Carolina Panthers used the No. 8 pick in the 2025 draft on McMillan.
The 6-foot-5 receiver caught 84 passes for a conference-leading 1,319 yards and eight touchdowns in 2024.
McMillan often lines up outside and uses his size, body control, and high-point skills to win 50-50 balls. He joins a young offense with third-year quarterback Bryce Young at the helm.
QB Geno Smith approves of Jeanty
Las Vegas’ selection of Boise State’s Jeanty with the sixth overall pick apparently won the approval of new Raiders quarterback Geno Smith.
Smith simply posted, “RAIDERRRRRSSSSS” on X before reposting an announcement that the Raiders had selected Jeanty.
Jets’ eventful offseason continues
Membou is the first draft pick of Jets general manager Darren Mougey’s tenure.
The Missouri offensive lineman held his opponents to zero sacks and quarterback hits throughout 12 games and 827 offensive snaps in 2024.
The addition of Membou comes one year after the Jets used their 2024 first-rounder on offensive tackle Olu Fashanu.
Meet Ashton Jeanty, most coveted college RB since Saquon
Jeanty, now a Raider, uses a mix of brawn, balance and burst to power through opponents and gain substantial yardage after contact.
He finished the 2024 season at Boise State with 2,601 rushing yards and 29 touchdowns on 374 carries.
Jeanty joins an offense with standout tight end Brock Bowers and receiver Jakobi Meyers.
No SEC domination just yet at top of draft
The Southeastern Conference has produced the most draft picks for each of the last 18 years. That streak could very well continue, but this draft hasn’t featured the typical SEC domination at the top.
LSU offensive tackle Will Campbell, taken fourth overall by New England, was the only SEC player taken among the first six picks.
A Wolverine in Buckeye territory?
“I’m sure we’ll get along pretty well,” new Browns player Mason Graham said in an interview on the broadcast.
Armstead gives correct ‘Duuuval’ cheer
Jaguars defensive end Arik Armstead made sure to do a proper “Duuuval” cheer before announcing the selection of Travis Hunter by drawing out the first syllable.
The “Duuuval” chant, a reference to the county that includes Jacksonville, has been popular among Jaguars fans for years.
New Jaguars coach Liam Coen’s introductory press conference went viral for the wrong reasons when he failed to draw out that first syllable while making a “Duval” cheer that drew criticism on social media.
Patriots add protection for Drake Maye with Campbell
New England is bolstering its offensive line in 2025 with the addition of offensive tackle Will Campbell.
Campbell played a major role in keeping LSU’s quarterbacks upright throughout his collegiate campaign, allowing four sacks throughout 2,553 offensive snaps and 38 games.
His arm length measured a respectable 33 inches at the Tigers’ pro day, allaying teams’ only concern.
Travis Hunter will try to become rare 2-way player in NFL
Hunter will try to do something that has rarely been done in the modern NFL.
The No. 2 overall pick by Jacksonville will try to play both receiver and cornerback for the Jaguars. Hunter played closed to full-time at both spots at Colorado, something no NFL player has done since the early days in the league when it was more common. Sammy Baugh led the league in interceptions, pass attempts and punting average in 1943.
Other players like Hunter’s college coach Deion Sanders dabbled at playing both sides but only one player since at least 2006 played at least 150 snaps on both offense and defense in the same season: Mike Furrey for Cleveland in 2009.
Hunter gets to go back to Colorado
The big trade bringing Travis Hunter to Jacksonville also means that he’ll get to return to Colorado this season.
One of the Jaguars road games this season is at Denver, so Hunter will get to be on the same field as Broncos star cornerback and 2024 NFL Defensive Player of the Year Patrick Surtain II.
And maybe he’ll even get to face him, if he lines up at wide receiver as well as cornerback for the Jaguars.
Giants bolster defense with Carter
The New York Giants add a game-wrecker in Carter with the No. 3 pick.
Carter was widely considered a top-three draft pick after a standout career at Penn State where he frequently drew comparisons to alumni Micah Parsons.
The edge rusher finished the 2024 season with 68 tackles, a career-high 12 sacks, four pass deflections, and two forced fumbles.
Jaguars use trade to pick Travis Hunter at No. 2
Two-way standout and Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter will join the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2025. Hunter shined as a wide receiver and cornerback under head coach Deion Sanders at Colorado, finishing the 2024 season with 1,258 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns on 96 receptions while adding 35 tackles, 11 pass deflections, four interceptions, and a forced fumble.
Jaguars make bold trade, up to No. 2
The Jacksonville Jaguars shipped the No. 5 overall pick, 36th pick, 126th pick, and a 2026 first-rounder to the Cleveland Browns in exchange for the 2025 No. 2 overall pick, a fourth-rounder, and a sixth-round selection.
Titans select Cam Ward with No. 1 pick
The Tennessee Titans addressed their biggest need with the selection of Cam Ward, considered the gem of a rather thin crop of quarterbacks.
The two-time transfer wrapped up his collegiate career as a redshirt senior at the University of Miami after pit-stops at Incarnate Word and Washington State.
During his sole season with the Hurricanes, Ward threw for 4,313 yards and 39 touchdowns, leading the team to a 10-3 record.
Matthews delights Packers fans with Bears snipe
Clay Matthews, one of the former Green Bay Packers who joined Goodell on the stage before the start of the draft, delighted the Packers fans in attendance with a quick message before the start of the draft.
Matthews joked that he got a message from President Donald Trump and that, “It says, ‘My fellow Americans, the Bears still suck!’”
Goodell brings Packers legends, Lil Wayne on stage
Goodell was joined by various Packers legends as well as rapper Lil Wayne, a Packers fan.
They rode in on bikes. Packers players borrow children’s bikes to ride from their locker room in Lambeau Field to their practice fields.
Many players borrow the same child’s bike for an entire training camp, or even for multiple years.
Goodell booed, a draft tradition as rich as his hugs
Roger Goodell was booed as he rode a bike onto the draft stage in Green Bay.
The bike? That’s a Packers tradition. The booing? Well, that’s a draft tradition.
In what might have started as true jeers for the commissioner, the booing tradition has become almost a “Hi, Roger!” at this point.
▶ Read more about Goodell’s hugs, another tradition
NFL draft is about to begin
The NFL draft is about to begin at the top of the hour.
Miami QB Cam Ward is expected to be the first pick to the Tennessee Titans.
But we’ll see soon enough...
Titans to kick off draft with first pick
Tennessee is widely expected to select Miami’s Cam Ward as they try to find the star quarterback they’ve been missing since the late Steve McNair’s departure nearly two decades ago.
The Titans’ starter last year was Will Levis, who was the second pick in the second round in 2023.
Tennessee has taken three quarterbacks in the first round, (who combined for a single playoff victory), over the last couple of decades:
1. Texas’ Vince Young at No. 3 in 2006
2. Washington’s Jake Locker at No. 8 in 2011
3. Oregon’s Marcus Mariota at No. 2 in 2015
Goodell open to taking away home playoff games from some division champs
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell says he’d be open to taking away the automatic home game for division winners in the first round of the playoffs — but only for teams that win weak divisions.
The Detroit Lions have proposed that teams with the better record should earn a higher playoff seed, regardless of whether they are wild cards or division champs.
Goodell told ESPN on Thursday that Detroit’s proposal may be “too big a step out of the box.” He says every team’s first goal entering the season is to win its division.
But Goodell says taking away the home game from division winners that don’t have a record of .500 or better “might be a step in the right direction.” He says the league is debating that change.
Travis Hunter happy to have father alongside him
Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter is happy to have his father on hand to watch him get drafted.
The Palm Beach Post said Travis Hunter Sr. was granted permission to travel to the draft before returning to Florida on Friday. The Post reported that the elder Hunter is under home confinement as part of his probation after serving a 90-day sentence on gun and drug charges. He was unable to attend the ceremony when his son won the Heisman Trophy in December.
“It’s just a blessing to have my dad in my corner, to go out and walk the stage and see his smiling face,” Hunter said Wednesday after the likely first-round draft pick completed a clinic with Special Olympics athletes.
Thunderstorms delayed NFL draft activities yesterday
The Frozen Tundra would’ve melted from all the rain.
A thunderstorm Wednesday morning abruptly ended interview sessions with NFL draft prospects and sent people scurrying for cover.
Workers inside the draft theater were instructed to seek shelter because of lightning and events were held up until the rain cleared up.
The sun was shining within two hours and the schedule was back on track.
Dart’s No. 9 draft odds skyrocket
QB Jaxson Dart’s odds to go No. 9 overall have skyrocketed.
Dart opened at plus-650 odds, sat at plus-1,000 this morning, and currently sits at plus-425 with less than an hour until the draft, according to BetMGM Sportsbook.
Dart is the most-bet player to go in the top 10 at BetMGM (currently plus-310).
NFL draft betting odds have clear favorites
Betting odds are settling in with less than an hour to go before the start of the NFL draft.
Cam Ward, Travis Hunter and Abdul Carter remain overwhelming favorites to go with the top three picks, according to BetMGM Sportsbook.
Offensive lineman Will Campbell has minus-800 odds to be picked fourth, with running back Ashton Jeanty minus-300 to go fifth and offensive lineman Kelvin Banks Jr. at minus-250 to go sixth.
There has been some movement at the No. 9 pick held by New Orleans with quarterback Jaxson Dart having the second best odds at plus-425 to the plus-120 for Georgia edge rusher Mykel Williams.
NFL shines spotlight on flag football
While the NFL draft takes over Titletown and Lambeau Field, the league is leveraging the excitement surrounding its premier offseason event to promote flag football.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, Cam Ward, Travis Hunter and other draft prospects participated in a flag football skills clinic with middle school students and 75 Special Olympics athletes yesterday.
▶ Read more about the NFL’s flag football efforts
What does this year’s quarterback class look like?
The consensus surrounding this draft is the quarterback class isn’t nearly as strong as last year.
Five of the first 10 picks a year ago were quarterbacks. While Miami’s Cam Ward figures to be the No. 1 overall pick this year, there’s a variety of opinions on how soon the other top quarterbacks will get taken.
AP Pro Football Writer Rob Maaddi predicts three quarterbacks will get selected in the first round, with the New Orleans Saints trading up to take Sanders at No. 4.
Deion Sanders says his sons are ‘built for’ draft scrutiny
Coach Prime is not stressing over his sons’ draft odysseys, even as highly touted quarterback Shedeur navigates heavy doses of negativity and safety Shilo is projected to go undrafted altogether.
“You’ve got to understand, when that last name is on your back, you’re going to be attacked and ridiculed by naysayers,” Sanders said.
But, he said, his sons “are built for this.”
▶ Read more about the Sanders brothers in this year’s draft
Will Johnson shows off national championship bling
Michigan cornerback Will Johnson had the most prized accessory of anyone on the red carpet, showing off his 2023 national championship ring.
2025 NFL schedule to release in May
The full schedule won’t be out until next month, but we know it will include the first regular-season NFL games in Madrid, Dublin and Berlin.
The preseason will kick off July 31 when the Los Angeles Chargers take on the Detroit Lions in the annual Hall of Fame game.
It’ll all wrap up Sunday, Feb. 8, 2026, with Super Bowl LX at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.
Malaki Starks walks NFL carpet with fiancée Savanna
Georgia defensive back Malaki Starks already has big plans following his rookie season.
He’s getting married to his fiancée, Savanna Jackson, in March 2026.
Starks is wearing a pink suit and says it’s his favorite color.
Deion Sanders says his sons are ‘built for’ draft scrutiny
Coach Prime is not stressing over his sons’ draft odysseys, even as highly touted quarterback Shedeur navigates heavy doses of negativity and safety Shilo is projected to go undrafted altogether.
“You’ve got to understand, when that last name is on your back, you’re going to be attacked and ridiculed by naysayers,” Sanders said.
But, he said, his sons “are built for this.”
▶ Read more about the Sanders brothers in this year’s draft
Where will Shedeur Sanders and the other QBs land?
The consensus surrounding this draft is the quarterback class isn’t nearly as strong as last year.
Five of the first 10 picks a year ago were quarterbacks. While Miami’s Cam Ward figures to be the No. 1 overall pick this year, there’s a variety of opinions on how soon the other top quarterbacks will get taken.
AP Pro Football Writer Rob Maaddi predicts three quarterbacks will get selected in the first round, with the New Orleans Saints trading up to take Sanders at No. 4.
When will Ashton Jeanty, other running backs be picked?
An interesting element in this year’s draft is whether the big 2024 seasons by Saquon Barkley and Derrick Henry encourage a team to take a running back with a top-10 pick.
The only running back in the past six drafts to get taken in the top 10 was Texas’ Bijan Robinson, who went eighth to Atlanta in 2023. This draft class has plenty of quality running backs, most notably Boise State’s Jeanty.
▶ Read more about this year’s running back class
Hairston feels at home in Green Bay
With a number of mock drafts linking him to the Green Bay Packers, Kentucky cornerback Maxwell Hairston looked at the thousands of fans in the Lambeau Field stands during his red-carpet entrance and tried to envision himself playing here.
Hairston said the possibility would be “lit” and noted that he’d benefit from the fact that former Kentucky cornerback Carrington Valentine already plays for the Packers.
No nerves for Alabama QB Milroe
Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe seems at ease as he awaits his fate in the draft amid varying outside opinions on when he might get taken.
Milroe said whatever team takes him, he will know that’s what God had in store for him.
Golden’s outfit is good as gold
Texas wide receiver Matthew Golden’s outfit lives up to his name.
He’s wearing a black-and-gold suit plus a chain with a large “G,” which he calls a nod to his “Golden Child” nickname.
Golden says his late grandmother always wanted one of her grandchildren to make it to the NFL.
Ashton Jeanty offers advice to young players
Ashton Jeanty led Boise State to a College Football Playoff berth and could get taken earlier than any running back since Saquon Barkley got taken second overall in 2018.
His message to future draft hopefuls? Don’t let anybody tell you, you can’t.
NIL draft? Players cash in on red carpet
Competition was fierce again this year among companies hoping to outfit prospects in their suits.
Baynes + Baker co-founder Ravi Punn says players sometimes earn six figures to rep a brand, especially in the era of name, image and likeness earnings. He called the NFL draft “the Oscars of sports.”
“The suits are seen for a few hours before the draft, during the draft, the next day when outfits are getting graded — and forever online with social media,” Punn said.
▶ Read more about the swaggy outfitting of NFL prospects
1st-round draft order 21-32
21. Steelers
22. Chargers
23. Packers
24. Vikings
25. Texans
26. Rams
27. Ravens
28. Lions
29. Commanders
30. Bills
31. Chiefs
32. Eagles
1st-round draft order 11-20
11. 49ers
12. Cowboys
13. Dolphins
14. Colts
15. Falcons
16. Cardinals
17. Bengals
18. Seahawks
19. Buccaneers
20. Broncos
1st-round draft order 1-10
1. Titans
2. Browns
3. Giants
4. Patriots
5. Jaguars
6. Raiders
7. Jets
8. Panthers
9. Saints
10. Bears
Picks 6-10 of AP’s NFL mock draft
6. Las Vegas Raiders: ASHTON JEANTY, RUNNING BACK, BOISE STATE
7. New York Jets: WILL CAMPBELL, OFFENSIVE TACKLE, LSU
8. Carolina Panthers: JALON WALKER, EDGE RUSHER, GEORGIA
9. New England Patriots (from the New Orleans Saints): ARMAND MEMBOU, OFFENSIVE TACKLE, MISSOURI
10. Denver Broncos (from the Chicago Bears): TYLER WARREN, TIGHT END, PENN STATE
▶ Check out the full mock draft
The top 5 of AP’s NFL mock draft
1. Tennessee Titans: CAM WARD, QUARTERBACK, MIAMI
2. Cleveland Browns: TRAVIS HUNTER, CORNERBACK/WIDE RECEIVER, COLORADO
3. New York Giants: ABDUL CARTER, EDGE RUSHER, PENN STATE
4. New Orleans Saints (from the New England Patriots): SHEDEUR SANDERS, QUARTERBACK, COLORADO
5. Jacksonville Jaguars: MASON GRAHAM, DEFENSIVE TACKLE, MICHIGAN
▶ Check out the full mock draft
Tradeless 1st round?
This year’s NFL draft is on target to achieve a first.
Barring a last-minute trade, every team will go into the draft with its original first-round pick for the first time in the common draft era that began in 1967.
That’s in stark contrast to recent years when teams were much more willing to trade away or swap first-round picks.
▶ Read more about the history of first-round trades
How to watch, listen to the NFL draft
The 2025 draft will be televised on ABC/ESPN and NFL Network. It will air on the radio through SiriusXM, Westwood One Sports and ESPN Radio.
The first round commences at 8 p.m. EDT. The second and third rounds will begin at 7 p.m. Friday, and the fourth through seventh rounds will be at noon on Saturday.
▶ Read more about the draft’s schedule and other tidbits
Green Bay provides unique draft setting
The league’s smallest market spent nearly a decade seeking to host the NFL draft. That quest has finally become reality.
Packers CEO Mark Murphy has said he expects a total attendance of 250,000 over the event’s three days, a major drop from the record 775,000 fans who attended last year’s draft in Detroit. But the Lambeau Field setting, with its hall of fame, museum and small-town charm, will give attendees a chance to take in the league’s rich history in Green Bay.
▶ Read more about this year’s one-of-a-kind draft atmosphere
The Associated Press
