2025 NFL Draft: Bucky Brooks' Pick-by-Pick Analysis of Round 1
The 2025 NFL Draft was packed with a wave of talent and some of the biggest surprises. NFL.com writer Bucky Brooks analyzed every Round 1 pick with razor-sharp insight and sky-high football IQ. Below is a full recap of his breakdown on each pick, where teams nailed it and players made fearless picks for the future.
Top 5 Picks
1. Tennessee Titans – Cam Ward, QB, Miami
The Titans begin the draft with the selection of Cam Ward, who is from Miami and is a dual-threat quarterback that has elite arm talent and playmaking instincts. Brooks sees this pick as having high upside and contributing immediately.
2. Jacksonville Jaguars – Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado
Jacksonville makes a strength play, trading up to acquire one of the most versatile players in recent history. Brooks sees Hunter's off-the-charts skills on both sides of the ball, calling him a franchise-altering talent.
3. New York Giants – Abdul Carter, EDGE, Penn State
The Giants invest in their pass rush with Carter—a high-motor, disruption edge defender. Brooks discusses Carter's explosive athleticism and compares him to Micah Parsons.
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Mid-Round Picks to Watch
6. Las Vegas Raiders – Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
Brooks finds Jeanty the most explosive back in the draft, and the Raiders' take of an RB early in the draft reflects their focus on overhauling a top ground game.
8. Carolina Panthers – Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona
The Panthers take the first wide receiver off the board. McMillan's size-speed package gives Carolina's offense a true WR1.
10. Chicago Bears – Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan
Chicago constructs around its young QB once more, drafting Loveland—a sure-handed receiver and excellent route runner. Brooks is a big fan of the value here at 10.
Strategic Team Moves
23. Green Bay Packers – Matthew Golden, WR, Texas
The Packers spend a first-round pick on a wide receiver for the first time in more than two decades. Brooks deems it "a long overdue investment in the passing game."
25. New York Giants – Jaxson Dart, QB, Ole Miss
With the Giants trading back into Round 1, they select Dart—potentially sparking a new era of QBs. Brooks considers this a wise hedge on the future.
Steals and Surprise Picks
Cleveland Browns – Mason Graham, DL, Michigan
Graham was praised by Brooks as one of the draft's value picks. A high-motor lineman with exceptional leverage abilities, he brings beef to Cleveland's line.
Indianapolis Colts – Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State
A little off the radar, Warren may prove to be a significant contributor. Brooks applauds the Colts for rolling the dice on upside and athleticism.
Bucky's Draft Takeaway
Bucky Brooks' analysis of the 2025 NFL Draft Round 1 is a new breed of strategic analysis. Teams weren't afraid to make a splash, trade up, or go against history to get the talent that fits their vision. Whether it's dynamic stars like Travis Hunter or future building blocks like Cam Ward, the first round was about building for today and tomorrow.
Read More
For a full pick-by-pick breakdown and Bucky Brooks' complete commentary, visit the official article on NFL.com.
