Breaking down the 2025 NFL Draft grades, including team-by-team analysis, top steals, biggest reaches, and how Shedeur Sanders’ slide reshaped the Browns’ strategy.
Introduction: A Draft Defined by Bold Moves and Surprising Slides
The 2025 NFL Draft delivered high-stakes drama, from the Jacksonville Jaguars’ blockbuster trade for Travis Hunter to the Cleveland Browns’ fifth-round gamble on Shedeur Sanders. Analysts praised teams like the Atlanta Falcons and Arizona Cardinals for maximizing value, while others, such as the Tennessee Titans and San Francisco 49ers, raised eyebrows with questionable decisions 12. This deep dive grades every team’s performance, identifies franchise-altering picks, and explores how this draft could reshape the NFL’s competitive landscape.
Top 5 Teams That Crushed the 2025 Draft
Atlanta Falcons (DCOE: -1.93)
Key Picks: Jalon Walker (EDGE, Georgia), Jack Nelson (OT, Wisconsin)
Atlanta’s draft was a masterclass in value. Walker, projected as a top-10 talent, fell to them at No. 15, giving their pass rush a Parsons-like weapon. Analysts lauded their discipline in avoiding reaches, securing starters across all seven rounds 1213.
Cleveland Browns (DCOE: -1.36)
Key Picks: Mason Graham (DT, Michigan), Shedeur Sanders (QB, Colorado)
Cleveland traded down from No. 2 to stockpile picks, landing Graham—a dominant interior lineman—and stealing Sanders in Round 5. Sanders, once a projected first-rounder, could compete for the starting job in 2025 412.
Arizona Cardinals (DCOE: -1.32)
Key Picks: Walter Nolen (DT, Ole Miss), Will Johnson (CB, Michigan)
Arizona snagged Nolen, the draft’s second-best run defender (91.6 PFF grade), and Johnson, a first-round talent who slid due to injury concerns. Their defensive overhaul positions them as NFC West dark horses 1015.
New York Giants (DCOE: -1.01)
Key Picks: Abdul Carter (EDGE, Penn State), Jaxson Dart (QB, Ole Miss)
The Giants landed Carter, a “blue-chip” pass rusher (66 pressures in 2024), and traded up for Dart, a developmental QB with Lamar Jackson-esque upside 1013.
Pittsburgh Steelers (DCOE: -0.55)
Key Picks: Derrick Harmon (DT, Oregon), Kaleb Johnson (RB, Iowa)
Pittsburgh prioritized defense with Harmon, a Day 1 starter, and added Johnson, the Big Ten’s leading rusher (1,537 yards). Their draft balanced immediate impact and long-term value 412.
Biggest Steals and Reaches
Steals of the Draft
Shedeur Sanders (No. 144 to Browns): The Colorado QB, once a projected first-rounder, fell due to concerns about his system transition. Cleveland’s fifth-round gamble gives them a high-ceiling backup to Deshaun Watson 412.
Will Johnson (No. 47 to Cardinals): The Michigan CB, ranked 14th on PFF’s board, slid due to injury but brings lockdown potential (57.2 passer rating allowed in coverage) 15.
Jalon Walker (No. 15 to Falcons): Walker’s versatility (83.0+ PFF pass-rush grades) made him a top-10 talent. Atlanta’s defense gains a Parsons-lite playmaker 1013.
Reaches of the Draft
Tyler Booker (No. 12 to Cowboys): Dallas reached for the Alabama guard (ranked 48th on PFF’s board) to replace Zack Martin. Analysts questioned bypassing WR help for Dak Prescott 1013.
Dillon Gabriel (No. 94 to Browns): Cleveland took the Oregon QB two rounds earlier than projected, despite his limited upside 12.
Cincinnati Bengals’ Strategy: Ignoring secondary needs for guards and linebackers earned them a D- grade. Their class lacks impact players 4.
Franchise-Defining Picks
Travis Hunter (No. 2 to Jaguars):
Jacksonville traded next year’s first-rounder to secure Hunter, a two-way phenom (89.0+ grades at WR and CB). His versatility could redefine modern roster construction 110.
Cam Ward (No. 1 to Titans):
Tennessee bet on Ward’s arm talent (FBS-best 92.9 PFF grade) to revive a lifeless offense. Critics argue he’s a reach in a weak QB class, but his ceiling justifies the risk 110.
Kenneth Grant (No. 13 to Dolphins):
Miami’s 331-pound DT adds “Dexter Lawrence-type” disruption. His 90th percentile run-defense grade shores up a unit that collapsed late in 2024 413.
Tyler Warren (No. 14 to Colts):
Warren, a do-it-all TE (93.4 PFF receiving grade), gives Anthony Richardson a safety valve. Indianapolis’ offense now rivals the Chiefs’ weaponry 1013.
Analyst Takeaways: What the Grades Reveal
DEI and Leadership Impact: The Bears (8/9 diverse executives) and Browns (DEI fellowship program) prioritized cultural alignment, translating to disciplined drafts 413.
QB Market Polarization: Teams avoided reaching for QBs early, with only Ward, Dart, and Sanders drafted in the top 150. The Saints’ Tyler Shough pick (No. 40) drew skepticism 15.
Run on Trenches: 12 of the first 20 picks addressed offensive or defensive lines, reflecting the league’s “games are won upfront” mentality 110.
Conclusion: The Road to Super Bowl LX Begins Here
The 2025 draft reinforced that value-driven teams (Falcons, Cardinals) and bold strategists (Jaguars, Browns) thrive in modern NFL landscapes. While Shedeur Sanders’ slide and Travis Hunter’s ascent dominated headlines, under-the-radar moves—like Pittsburgh’s Derrick Harmon—could prove equally consequential. As franchises like Miami and Dallas face scrutiny for reaches, the true winners won’t emerge until September. One thing is certain: This draft’s ripple effects will shape the league for years.
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