The NFL draft is a time of dreams coming true for both the teams and the players. Players can fulfill their lifelong dreams while teams can get themselves one step closer to a championship.
Although draft day will be remembered for a lot of happiness, the memories may not be so good, depending on how the drafts went for them. It can be hard to determine who’s made the right and wrong picks. However, it’s worth a try!
2025 NFL Draft Winners
Arizona Cardinals
The Cardinals entered this draft looking to reinvent their defense. They were able to do that by drafting DT Walter Nolen, CB Will Johnson, and EDGE Jordan Burch in the first three rounds. They also drafted a possible steal in OG Hayden Conner to help bolster their offensive line.
Carolina Panthers
The Panthers were desperately looking for a good WR for QB Bryce Young to throw to. Young showed improvement in year 2, but will have a limited ceiling without good players around him. This is why the Panthers drafted WR Tetairoa McMillan in the first round. The Panthers also wanted to improve their defense heading into 2025. They drafted edge rusher Nic Scrouton, safety Lathan Ranso, and DT Cam Jackson. These additions should add some life to the Panthers’ defense.
Dallas Cowboys
There’s been a lot of debate on if the Cowboys did well in the draft. It’s clear they wanted to improve their run game. They drafted two offensive linemen, including Tyler Booker, in the first round and two running backs. I think improving their running game will be huge in the Cowboys’ effort to return to the playoffs in 2025.
New England Patriots
The big goal for the Patriots was to make life easier for QB Drake Maye. They drafted OT Will Campbell, RB Treveyon Henderson, WR Kyle Williams, and center Jared Wilson. The Patriots may be set on the offensive end for the foreseeable future. It wouldn’t be a Patriots draft without a defensive player, though. Luckily, they drafted S Craig Woodson and EDGE Bradyn Swinson to fix clear needs.
Tennessee Titans
The Titans were almost by default winners by having the first overall pick. Cam Ward will likely be dominant for years to come. However, they didn’t just settle for that. They made two excellent day 3 picks in WR Chimere Dike and OG Jackson Slater. History has shown that a QB develops best when he has other young talent around him.
Seattle Seahawks
After shoring up the interior offensive line with Grey Zabel from North Dakota, the Seahawks added dynamic players on both sides of the ball in safety Nick Emmanwori and tight end Elijah Arroyo. Then, with the dynamic pick of Alabama QB Jalen Milroe in round three, the Seahawks clearly have a plan for the team.
2025 NFL Draft Losers
Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals’ offense in recent years has been very top-heavy, reliant on a few top talents. Many were hoping the Bengals would make their offense deeper, but that didn’t happen. Defense has also been a big issue for the Bengals since their 2021 Super Bowl run. Their first-round pick, EDGE Shemar Stewart, was an excellent pick to bolster their defense. However, I’m not sure about the rest of their picks on the defensive end.
Cleveland Browns
Their draft started well with the selection of Mason Graham. However, the rest was very confusing. They drafted two QBs in Dillion Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders. Neither will likely be ready to be a game one QB. Not only that, the Browns didn’t improve the offense around whoever they decide to start at QB.
Minnesota Vikings
In fairness to the Vikings, they didn’t have many draft picks to work with. They needed to make four trades during the draft just to be able to do anything. However, even with those picks, they didn’t improve their defense nearly enough.
New Orleans Saints
The Saints don’t have much going for them on the offensive end. It’s been hard for them to generate offense since the retirement of Drew Brees. This draft won’t help them much on that end. I think they should’ve been the team to draft Sheduer Sanders. Even on defense, the two picks they made to fix weaknesses, CB Quincy Riley and EDGE Fadil Diggs, are unlikely to make an impact in year one.
San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers had clearly weaknesses at offensive tackle and center. However, the only offensive lineman they drafted was a guard. The 49ers will need a good run game to make it back to the playoffs, and I’m not sure their line will be good enough
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