The 2025 NFL draft began Thursday night in Green Bay, Wisconsin, with the Tennessee Titans selecting Miami quarterback Cam Ward with the No. 1 overall pick. All 32 teams were scheduled to make first-round picks on Thursday, but the New York Giants' move up to No. 25 to select Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart took the Houston Texans out of the first round. One pick later, the Atlanta Falcons made a deal with the Los Angeles Rams to move back into the first round and select Tennessee defensive end James Pearce Jr.
We will be tracking all 257 picks for Rounds 1-7, and you also can check out all the best available draft prospects.
The draft continues with Rounds 2-3 on Friday (7 p.m. ET) and concludes with Rounds 4-7 on Saturday (noon ET).
ESPN's team of reporters submitted pros and cons below for each of the 32 players selected in Thursday's first round:
coverage:
Top prospects at every position
Kiper's position rankings
Round 1 picks / order
1. Tennessee Titans -- Cam Ward, QB, Miami
Why they picked him: Ward is the best quarterback in the draft class and fits the biggest need on the Titans' roster. Having played 38 games in college, Ward has the experience to play right away if called upon. Titans coach Brian Callahan utilizes similar passing concepts to what Ward was asked to execute at Miami. Callahan's immediate future depends upon the success he's able to achieve with Ward under center. The Titans like Ward's confidence and believe that will help him handle the pressure that comes with being the top pick.
Biggest question: Will Ward's playmaking ability be a gift or a curse? His arm strength and confidence will lead to some ill-advised throws that can result in turnovers. The Titans' success will depend on whether Callahan can balance Ward's desire to take risks with the potential for big plays. Callahan acknowledged there's a delicate balance when coaching a player with that tendency. Tennessee isn't built to overcome turnovers, but also needs to be more explosive on offense. -- Turron Davenport
2. Jacksonville Jaguars (from Cleveland) -- Travis Hunter, WR/DB, Colorado
Why they picked him: Hunter is an elite player on both sides of the ball and he instantly upgrades a Jaguars offense that has few playmakers. He'll draw attention from receiver Brian Thomas Jr. and is a massive boost for quarterback Trevor Lawrence, who has struggled with his consistency over the past two seasons. The Jaguars say they believe Hunter is the best player in the draft and in addition to his considerable talent he brings star power to a franchise that hasn't had much of that over the past decade.
Biggest question: How are the Jaguars going to use him? The key is to have a plan for him, and they're likely to start him on offense and give him a package on defense, which could expand as he grows more comfortable. The Jaguars gave up a lot for Hunter -- the No. 5 pick, No. 36 and No. 126 this year and their No. 1 pick in 2026 -- and there will be tremendous pressure to get him on the field as much as possible but they must make sure they avoid overworking him mentally early. -- Michael DiRocco
3. New York Giants -- Abdul Carter, DE, Penn State
Why they picked him: Carter is considered the kind of blue-chip or generational prospect that general manager Joe Schoen said "you don't pass on that type of player." He has explosive traits that have evaluators making comparisons to All-Pro Von Miller. It's also a clear indication that the Giants had a clear distinction between Carter and any of the other remaining quarterbacks (including Jaxson Dart and Shedeur Sanders). Carter helps Schoen fulfill his desire to get the best players for 2025 with the pressure on to produce wins this season.
Biggest question: What do the Giants do now at quarterback? They passed on Sanders, Dart and Jalen Milroe, among others, at No. 3. Do they move back into the bottom of Round 1 to find their potential quarterback of the future? That probably depends on the cost. Or maybe they wait until Friday. The Giants obviously didn't like any of the quarterbacks enough to take them at the top of the draft over Carter. Still, Schoen and coach Brian Daboll have yet to draft and develop a quarterback entering Year 4. At some point it's going to be necessary, especially considering owner John Mara said earlier this year that finding a quarterback of the future is the team's top priority this offseason. -- Jordan Raanan
4. New England Patriots -- Will Campbell, T, LSU
Why they picked him: One of the top goals for the Patriots in this draft is building more infrastructure around quarterback Drake Maye. Consider that the Patriots ranked last in run block win rate (67%) and ahead of only the Bengals in pass block win rate last season (51%). Coach Mike Vrabel called Campbell a "foundational piece" and a "21-year-old who is mature beyond his years." Vrabel said Campbell made a "huge impact" on the Patriots through the pr-draft process and said, "This was a very, very easy pick for us."
Biggest question: Is Campbell built to play tackle into the future? Campbell's arm length (33 inches at LSU's pro day) had some teams viewing him more as a guard. But Vrabel said the Patriots plan to play him at tackle, where he started 38 games at LSU. -- Mike Reiss
5. Cleveland Browns (from Jacksonville) -- Mason Graham, DT, Michigan
Why they picked him: After trading back with the Jaguars and getting a draft haul that includes a 2026 first-round pick, the Browns landed Graham, a consensus top-five prospect at a position the team values. Graham was a disruptive player on the interior of the defensive line and the Browns love to rotate pass rushers along the defensive front. He fits Cleveland's penetrating defense and could play a significant role as a rookie.
Biggest question: Can Graham become an elite pass rusher? In three seasons in college, Graham's career high for sacks in a season was 3.5. Last season, the Browns had nine sacks from players lined up at defensive tackle, tied for fourth fewest in the NFL. -- Daniel Oyefusi
6. Las Vegas Raiders -- Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
Why they picked him: Pete Carroll wants to run the ball. And that's something Las Vegas struggled to do last season, averaging 79.8 rushing yards per game -- the fewest by any team over the past two seasons. Jeanty, a Heisman Trophy finalist, will provide an immediate boost in the backfield. In 2024, Jeanty totaled 2,601 rushing yards -- second most in a season in FBS history. With the addition of Jeanty, the Raiders can take some pressure off new quarterback Geno Smith.
Biggest question: What are realistic expectations for Jeanty? He is the first running back selected within the first six picks of a draft since 2018, when the Giants drafted Saquon Barkley with the No. 2 pick. Taking him that high in the draft is a clear sign he will be the Raiders' RB1 right away since his skill set gives him an edge over others in the running back rotation. Expect Jeanty to play a major role on offense as a rookie. Carroll wants to take the pressure off Smith and Jeanty is the kind of three-down running back who can help. -- Ryan McFadden
7. New York Jets -- Armand Membou, T, Missouri
Why they picked him: They wanted a plug-and-play tackle to play opposite last year's first-round pick, Olu Fashanu. In theory, the Jets could have their bookend tackles for the next decade. With Joe Tippmann at center, and Alijah Vera-Tucker and John Simpson at guard, the Jets should have a formidable line. And young, too, with every starter under 29. Get ready for a smashmouth rushing attack, led by quarterback Justin Fields and running back Breece Hall. Membou was a three-year starter at right tackle, so he can slide easily into that starting role. He surrendered only one sack in 391 pass-blocking snaps last season, but his stock didn't soar until the scouting combine. He ran the 40-yard dash in 4.91 seconds, only the fifth prospect 330 pounds or more since 2003 to crack the 5.0 mark. Big fella can move.
Biggest question: How much is too much? The Jets have used four first-round picks on offensive linemen since 2020 (Mekhi Becton, Vera-Tucker, Fashanu and Membou). They should have one of the better lines in the league, but they might have sacrificed a playmaker for Fields. Tight end Tyler Warren was on the board, and would've helped the passing game a lot. -- Rich Cimini
8. Carolina Panthers -- Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona
Why they picked him: As much as a defense ranked last in the NFL in 2024 needed help, McMillan's talent was too much to pass up. The player nicknamed T-Mac reportedly ran a 4.48 40, fast for a 6-foot-4, 219-pound player. He'll give quarterback Bryce Young speed and a much-needed possession receiver he didn't have in last year's first-round pick Xavier Legette.
Biggest question: Will the Panthers be able to fill big needs on defense after passing on edge rusher Jalon Walker at No. 8? McMillan was productive in college, but he still is somewhat of a project in terms of becoming a consistent deep threat and true No. 1 receiver. -- David Newton
9. New Orleans Saints -- Kelvin Banks Jr., T, Texas
Why they picked him: The Saints were linked to various quarterbacks for the ninth pick, but at the end of the day, they went with a safe choice, selecting a player who could help build up an offensive line that struggled with injuries last year. The Saints did not pick up right tackle Trevor Penning's option and also cycled through left guards in 2024. Banks started 42 games at left tackle for Texas, and if the Saints envisioned him at that spot, then they could move Taliese Fuaga back to the right side, where he played in college.
Biggest question: Where do the Saints ultimately envision Banks playing? The Saints also have a need at guard and some projections have Banks moving inside, but it's likely the Saints wouldn't be investing such a high pick unless they saw a tackle of the future. Which side he ends up on is also a question at the early stage. The Saints still need to add more offensive playmakers and figure out their quarterback situation with Derek Carr's status uncertain. -- Katherine Terrell
10. Chicago Bears -- Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan
Why they picked him: Ben Johnson's Detroit offense utilized 12 personnel (1 RB, 2 WR, 2 TE) on 32.2% of plays in 2024 (third-highest rate in NFL). The Bears drafting Loveland foreshadows heavy tight end usage continuing in Chicago with the prospect of Loveland being to the Bears' offense what Sam LaPorta (who had 10 touchdowns as a rookie) was to Detroit's. Loveland was targeted on 41% of his routes last season (the highest mark by any FBS tight end) and caught 56 passes with five touchdowns. The 21-year-old provides quarterback Caleb Williams with another option over the middle of the field (43% of Loveland routes were comebacks, outs or crosses in 2024).
Biggest question: What does Loveland's selection mean for Cole Kmet? The Bears maintain that Kmet will have a big role in Chicago's offense. The team views the veteran tight end, who had 474 receiving yards and four touchdowns in 2024, and the rookie as having complementary skill sets but also giving Johnson the ability to mix and match their roles on the field. "Having two guys with size that can separate, that can roll the ball in their hands, I think it creates mismatches, it creates creativity for an offense in Ben's eyes," Chicago senior director of player personnel Jeff King said. -- Courtney Cronin
11. San Francisco 49ers -- Mykel Williams, Edge, Georgia
Why they picked him: The 49ers' needs on the defensive line are no secret after releasing starting end Leonard Floyd and tackles Javon Hargrave and Maliek Collins during the opening days of free agency. But this class is considered deep at tackle, and defensive end is still the more premium position. In Williams, the Niners get someone who they believe can immediately help their run defense (he had 14 tackles at or behind the line of scrimmage in 2024) while he continues to develop as a pass rusher.
Biggest question: Can the 49ers maximize Williams' pass-rush potential? Williams had only 14 sacks in three seasons for the Bulldogs while lining up all over the defensive line. In San Francisco, he will be expected to play end in the team's preferred wide-9 front, a spot where he spent little time in college. It's worth noting he dealt with an ankle injury for most of last season but this is still a young (20-year-old) player who will need defensive line coach Kris Kocurek to help him along to be the bookend for Nick Bosa the team has been seeking since 2019. -- Nick Wagoner
12. Dallas Cowboys -- Tyler Booker, G, Alabama
Why they picked him: The Cowboys saw Zack Martin retire in February after a Hall of Fame career and needed a replacement, despite having Brock Hoffman, who started seven games last year at right guard, and adding Robert Jones in free agency. He is a top run blocker. Booker is stout. The Cowboys play in a division with excellent interior linemen and he will help with that. Brian Schottenheimer said he wants the Cowboys to have a physical offense. Booker, who started 27 of 28 games in his career, will help with that too.
Biggest question: The question is not so much about Booker, although maybe there's some concern about his ability in space. It's more about how the Cowboys find help with playmakers for Dak Prescott as the draft continues. Tetairoa McMillan was one of their top targets, but he was picked at No. 8. The Cowboys need speed at receiver. They need a running back. They can answer those questions in Rounds 2 and 3. But let's remember Jerry Jones said the Cowboys have had "substantive" trade talks that could come to fruition during or after the draft. -- Todd Archer
13. Miami Dolphins -- Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan
Why they picked him: After losing Calais Campbell and Da'Shawn Hand in free agency, the Dolphins had an urgent need on their defensive line. Grant is a space eater at 6-foot-4, 331 pounds and should clear up rush lanes for Zach Sieler and Miami's plethora of pass rushers. The Dolphins still have massive needs at offensive guard and cornerback, but GM Chris Grier says he feels confident he'll be able to address those needs later in the draft.
Biggest question: Grier might be confident in his ability to address the team's other needs with one of his picks on Day 2, but will the Dolphins regret not taking one of this draft's elite cornerbacks in Will Johnson or Jahdae Barron? Grant is talented but will he continue to develop as a pass rusher (6.5 sacks in three seasons)? -- Marcel Louis-Jacques
14. Indianapolis Colts -- Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State
Why they picked him: The Colts were last in the NFL in tight end receptions last season and have since lost their top pass-catcher at the position (Kylen Granson) to free agency. The Colts have been frank about the need to upgrade the position, with general manager Chris Ballard saying earlier this month, "Do we need a game-changer? Absolutely." The Colts have amassed a productive group of receivers and have a star at running back in Jonathan Taylor. But tight end has been a long-running void on the roster and Warren's well-rounded game gives Indy a boost in the pass game and as a run blocker.
Biggest question: Can the Colts find ways to maximize Warren in their offense? Coach Shane Steichen has had success deploying tight ends in his previous stints as a playcaller with the Los Angeles Rams and Philadelphia Eagles. But thus far, he's not been able to get good production from the position in Indianapolis. -- Stephen Holder
15. Atlanta Falcons -- Jalon Walker, Edge, Georgia
Why they picked him: The Falcons have many holes on defense and Walker has the versatility to fit multiple roles. He played mostly off-ball linebacker last season for Georgia but has experience on the edge, which is where Atlanta will need him the most. He has a ton of speed and ability to get to the quarterback, but also is effective against the run as well as in coverage. He's also a high-character guy, which the Falcons always put a premium on.
Biggest question: How will the Falcons maximize his ability? At 6-foot-1 and 243 pounds, Walker is a bit undersized as a straight-up edge rusher. From a standpoint of pure physical attributes, he projects more as an off-ball linebacker. But Atlanta will probably use him in both ways, teaming up with Kaden Elliss as inside linebackers, as well as coming off the edge. Walker even lined up 50 times at slot cornerback with the Bulldogs. So, he's capable of doing many things, which probably has new defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich salivating. -- Marc Raimondi
16. Arizona Cardinals -- Walter Nolen, DT, Ole Miss
Why they picked him: The Cardinals have been on a mission to rebuild their defensive front and Nolen is another piece of that puzzle. He's big -- 6-foot-4 and 296 pounds -- and has a nose for the quarterback. His 6.5 sacks at Ole Miss last season led FBS among defensive tackles and while he had 12 tackles for loss, he also had 32 tackles within two yards of the line of scrimmage, a sign of his ability to get off blocks and make plays.
Biggest question: How does he fit into the Cardinals' defensive front? Nolen is likely a day one starter and will benefit from having a slew of veteran guys around him such as Calais Campbell, L.J. Collier and Justin Jones. Arizona can afford to bring the rookie along more slowly than if he didn't have the kind of support around him, but the Cardinals will have to balance growth and development with unleashing Nolen's talent, which is immense. -- Josh Weinfuss
17. Cincinnati Bengals -- Shemar Stewart, Edge, Texas A&M
Why they picked him: The Bengals addressed a key need by selecting a defensive end. Not only does Stewart give the Bengals immediate depth, but he gives Cincinnati a viable long-term starter no matter what happens with the pending Trey Hendrickson matter. The Bengals like having a good rotation of edge rushers, and adding Stewart to a group with Myles Murphy, Cam Sample and Joseph Ossai could address a unit that needs to improve its pass rush.
Biggest question: Is production a concern? Stewart had only 4.5 sacks in three seasons at Texas A&M. This is notable considering that Murphy, whom the Bengals drafted in 2023, has three sacks in his career. Cincinnati needed more production from the players not named Hendrickson last season. "We anticipate getting a lot of production out of him," Bengals coach Zac Taylor said after the pick was made -- Ben Baby
18. Seattle Seahawks -- Grey Zabel, G, North Dakota State
Why they picked him: It's no secret that the interior of the Seahawks' offensive line was starved for difference-makers. That group was overmatched last season, and Seattle did not add a single guard or center in free agency. But this pick goes beyond need. It's also about Zabel's upside and his fit in Klint Kubiak's outside zone running game, which will prioritize athletic lineman who can get off the ball and move in space. Zabel is that and more. He has a 36.5-inch vertical jump and 9-foot, 3-inch broad jump, which is some kind of explosiveness for someone who's 6-foot-6 and 312 pounds.
Biggest question: What position will Zabel play? He played both guard and both tackle spots in college. He doesn't have prototypical arm length for an NFL tackle, which is why he's widely projected to move inside. Zabel worked at center and guard at the Senior Bowl, where his strong performance showed he can handle the huge jump in competition from FCS to the NFL. The sense is that Seattle views him as a guard. The Seahawks have an opening on the left side with Laken Tomlinson's departure in free agency. -- Brady Henderson
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers -- Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State
Why they picked him: Mike Evans will be 32 in August and is under contract for more one season, and Chris Godwin is coming off a severe ankle injury. Egbuka has had 1,920 receiving yards from the slot since 2022 -- seventh most in FBS. Look for him to contribute in the short passing game.
Biggest question: Should the Bucs have gone defense? Tampa passed on Boston College edge rusher Donovan Ezeiruaku, who had 16.5 sacks last season and Michigan cornerback Will Johnson, who had nine interceptions over the past two seasons. Those felt like bigger needs, unless there are real concerns about Godwin's injured ankle. -- Jenna Laine
20. Denver Broncos -- Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas
Why they picked him: Over and over again Broncos general manager George Paton has said the NFL is now a "space and cover league,'' and the Broncos saw up close last season how quickly their defensive fortunes changed when cornerback Riley Moss suffered an injury early in the season. Barron provides spectacular value at No. 20 given he can play outside, in the slot and as a dime linebacker. He's a sure tackler with speed who gives the Broncos another coverage player to put alongside Pat Surtain II in a division with Patrick Mahomes and Justin Herbert.
Biggest question: The question isn't value or Barron's abilities -- he's well worth the No. 20 pick -- it's a question of Broncos needs. The team has said it needs more pop on offense and with a bevy of wide receivers on the board as well as some running backs, the Broncos dove in to aid one of the league's best defenses. But coach Sean Payton had offered a preview last week that the Broncos might throw a curve ball when he said, "You don't pass on crystal because you need a blender.'' -- Jeff Legwold
21. Pittsburgh Steelers -- Derrick Harmon, DT, Oregon
Why they picked him: The Steelers needed an infusion of youth on an aging and thin defensive line. With Cameron Heyward turning 36 next month, addressing the position was a priority. In Harmon, the Steelers have a running mate to pair with 2023 second-round pick Keeanu Benton, who is primed to be a future anchor of the position.
Biggest question: Does passing on Shedeur Sanders and Jaxson Dart mean Aaron Rodgers' decision is imminent? The Steelers had their pick of quarterbacks -- outside of No. 1 selection Cam Ward -- and still opted to address the defensive line. That seemingly signals several things: The Steelers weren't in love with any first-round quarterbacks, they're really confident in Mason Rudolph, and they're confident Rodgers is heading their way -- eventually. -- Brooke Pryor
22. Los Angeles Chargers -- Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina
Why they picked him: The Chargers had needs almost everywhere on the roster, but perhaps none bigger than at pass catcher. They had been linked to receiver and tight end all offseason, but general manager Joe Hortiz has remained steadfast that the Chargers would not reach for a position viewed as a need. That proved true as the Chargers picked a running back despite signing running back Najee Harris in free agency. The Chargers probably selected Hampton because he was the best player on their board and for him to become the future of a rushing offense that has been the staple of successful Jim Harbaugh teams.
Biggest question: When will the Chargers address their pass-catching need? One of the most apparent issues with the Chargers in their embarrassing 32-12 playoff loss to the Houston Texans was the team's shortcomings in its passing offense. Ladd McConkey was the only Chargers receiver to give Houston any issue that day, as the rookie caught nine passes for 197 yards and a touchdown. All of the other Chargers receivers combined for two catches for 14 yards. -- Kris Rhim
23. Green Bay Packers -- Matthew Golden, WR, Texas
Why they picked him: Well, they couldn't go forever without taking a receiver in the first round, right? It only seemed like forever since the Packers had last done that in 2002 when they picked Javon Walker. Golden gives the Packers a speed threat, which is much needed after deep-threat receiver Christian Watson tore his ACL in the regular-season finale against the Bears. Golden ran the fastest 40-yard dash -- at 4.29 seconds -- of any receiver at the combine and the second-fastest time of all players regardless of position (Kentucky cornerback Maxwell Hairston ran a 4.28).
Biggest question: Is he a No. 1 receiver? Though the Packers spent all of last season saying they didn't need a No. 1 receiver because they had so many solid options in Watson, Jayden Reed, Romeo Doubs and Dontayvion Wicks, perhaps this gives quarterback Jordan Love what Aaron Rodgers had in guys such as Jordy Nelson and Davante Adams. -- Rob Demovsky
24. Minnesota Vikings -- Donovan Jackson, G, Ohio State
Why they picked him:Coach Kevin O'Connell was unusually blunt after the Vikings took nine sacks, and struggled to run the ball in their wild-card playoff loss to the Rams. He made clear that he wanted to improve the interior of the offensive line. Jackson's acquisition completes that process after the Vikings signed a new center (Ryan Kelly) and new right guard (Will Fries) in free agency. Jackson played left guard and left tackle at Ohio State, but the Vikings will be set at left tackle once Christian Darrisaw returns from a knee injury.
Biggest question: How quickly will Jackson be ready to play? The Vikings still have their 2024 left guard on the roster -- Blake Brandel -- and O'Connell said that the team would give him "grace" after his performance slipped in the second half of last season. Brandel's poor play roughly coincided with the injury to Darrisaw, who is one of the NFL's top left tackles. But the Vikings didn't draft Jackson to sit. He'll play as soon as he's ready. Brandel has been a valuable swing player for the Vikings over the years, and he could return to that role.. -- Kevin Seifert
25. New York Giants (from Houston) -- Jaxson Dart, QB, Ole Miss
Why they picked him: The Giants needed a quarterback of the future -- owner John Mara said it was the "No. 1 issue" for his team this offseason. After whiffing on Matthew Stafford and offering a package that included next year's first-round pick to the Tennessee Titans for the No. 1 pick in this draft, general manager Joe Schoen and Brian Daboll needed a new plan. So they drafted the QB they said graded out above Colorado's Shedeur Sanders. Dart is the first quarterback they've drafted since taking over in 2022. His accuracy, anticipation, ability to escape pressure and deep ball really seemed to stand out to the Giants.
Biggest question: Where does he fit in the quarterback mix? The Giants have Russell Wilson penciled in as the starter. They have veteran Jameis Winston as insurance. Dart, meanwhile, is the quarterback of the future, which means Tommy DeVito looks potentially like the odd man out. This could ultimately be like a redshirt year for Dart -- the Giants look at this as a "really good spot where he can sit and learn behind a couple of veterans," Schoen said. Dart seems to be embracing the situation. -- Jordan Raanan
26. Atlanta Falcons (from L.A. Rams) -- James Pearce Jr., Edge, Tennessee
Why they picked him: The Falcons have had one of the worst pass rushes in the league over the plast several seasons -- and Pearce was one of the top pass rushers in college football with 17 sacks across 2023 and 2024. Pearce brings speed -- he ran a 4.47-second 40-yard dash at the combine -- and technique at 6-foot-5 and 245 pounds. With the picks of Jalon Walker and Pearce, Atlanta has changed the complexion of what its defense will look like this season.
Biggest question: Strength. Pearce is a fantastic speed rusher, but it's unclear how he'll do against bigger, stronger offensive linemen in the NFL. Expect one of the priorities for him to be to add size and muscle. There have also been some questions about his hands, though his level of production speaks for itself. Look for him to be part of Atlanta's rotation on the edge right away. -- Marc Raimondi
27. Baltimore Ravens -- Malaki Starks, DB, Georgia
Why they picked him: The Ravens addressed their biggest hole in the starting lineup on defense. Starks will pair with Kyle Hamilton to give the Ravens one of their best safety combinations in team history and help fix Baltimore's biggest issue on defense. Last season, the Ravens gave up 63 completions on passes of 15 yards or longer, which tied for the second most in the NFL. Starks' speed is expected to reduce explosive plays. At the NFL combine, he recorded the fastest speed among safeties in five drills, according to NFL Next Gen Stats. The Ravens continue to invest in the secondary. Starks joins three other Baltimore first-round picks -- Hamilton, Marlon Humphrey and Nate Wiggins -- in the defensive backfield.
Biggest question: Can Starks rebound from last season's decline? One of the reasons why Starks was available near the bottom of the first round was a drop in efficiency last season. In 2023, he gave up 5.6 yards per attempt in coverage and limited quarterbacks to a 27 QBR when targeting him, according to ESPN Research. Last season, Starks gave up 7.4 yards per attempt in coverage and a 61 QBR. Despite recording only one interception in 2024, Starks gave up only one touchdown pass in 468 coverage snaps. In an AFC North Division with wide receivers Ja'Marr Chase and DK Metcalf, Starks will get tested deep downfield. -- Jamison Hensley
28. Detroit Lions -- Tyleik Williams, DT, Ohio State
Why they picked him: Detroit addressed one of its major team needs on the defensive line by adding Williams, who was a 2024 third-team All-Big Ten selection. The Lions were hit hard by injuries last season, including defensive tackle Alim McNeill who is working his way back from a knee injury. Williams definitely beefs up the line with 136 tackles, 28 tackles for loss and 11.5 sacks during his college career.
Biggest question: After a 15-win season, the Lions could've gone in a few different directions as they also needed help on the offensive line and potential depth at wide receiver, but edge rusher was one of their biggest team needs. Detroit's 37 sacks were tied for 23rd in the league, and many thought they might use their first-round pick to improve in that area, but with Aidan Hutchinson set to return from his season-ending leg injury, they could add another edge rusher later in the draft. -- Eric Woodyard
29. Washington Commanders -- Josh Conerly Jr., T, Oregon
Why they picked him: Washington wants to build a fortress in front of quarterback Jayden Daniels. It has revamped its offensive line this offseason by trading for Laremy Tunsil and by drafting Conerly, who can play either guard or tackle. In three of the last four regular-season games, Daniels' sack percentage was 10.4 or higher and the pressure percentage 37.5 or greater. Daniels can run, but he's a passer first and this should provide him more chances to hang in the pocket and throw the ball. Washington can now envision its starting five for the next several years with Tunsil, Conerly, guard Sam Cosmi, center Tyler Biadasz and Brandon Coleman.
Biggest question: Where will Conerly play? Tunsil will start at left tackle, of course. Washington can either move Conerly or last year's rookie left tackle Coleman to right tackle with the other one inside. Conerly started for the past two seasons at left tackle but some teams viewed him as a guard, according to a league source. He has the size and arm length to stay at tackle. Conerly won't be handed a starting job, but he should find a home along the front sooner than later.-- John Keim
30. Buffalo Bills -- Maxwell Hairston, CB, Kentucky
Why they picked him: Cornerback was one of the Bills' biggest needs coming into the draft, and by selecting Hairston in the first round, the team addresses the long-term future at cornerback opposite Christian Benford. Hairston played a significant amount of zone in college, which fits the defense, and in his three seasons at Kentucky, Hairston had twice as many picks (six) as passing touchdowns allowed (three) in coverage. Hairston has speed -- running the fastest 40-yard dash (4.28) at the NFL combine.
Biggest question: Is Hairston's health a concern? The corner sat out five games in 2024 because of a shoulder injury but general manager Brandon Beane said that "he's back" as far as the Bills know and should be ready to participate this spring. He was not as effective a tackler when he returned for the last three games of the season, missing five tackles in those games, as many as he had in his previous nine games combined. The Bills also brought back veterans with experience in coach Sean McDermott's defense in Tre'Davious White and Dane Jackson this offseason, but Hairston should be in a competition for a starting role -- Alaina Getzenberg
31. Philadelphia Eagles (from Kansas City) -- Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama
Why they picked him: The Eagles have had plenty of success drafting from top programs like Alabama and Georgia in recent seasons and they went to the well again by moving up to select the Tide's Campbell. Philadelphia was the top-ranked defense last season but lost a number of players this offseason, including edge rushers Josh Sweat and Brandon Graham, safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson and defensive tackle Milton Williams. Meanwhile, linebacker Nakobe Dean is recovering from a torn patellar tendon. Campbell, a first-team All-SEC selection last season, racked up 117 tackles in 2024 and has a chance to immediately contribute.
Biggest question: Where will he play? Campbell has experience as an off-ball linebacker but can also rush the passer. The Eagles could use some help on the edge to bolster a group headed by Nolan Smith Jr. and second-year player Jalyx Hunt. They also need a starter at off-ball linebacker opposite Zack Baun as Dean recovers from his injury. Campbell is dealing with an injury of his own, as he underwent left shoulder surgery to repair a torn labrum after the combine. -- Tim McManus
32. Kansas City Chiefs (from Philadelphia) -- Josh Simmons, T, Ohio State
Why they picked him: The Chiefs have started six different players at left tackle over the past four seasons and were frustrated with their inability to solve the problem long-term. Simmons could be their starter for the next several seasons once he's healthy. He tore his patella tendon last year at Ohio State, ending his season prematurely.
Biggest question: When will Simmons break into the starting lineup? Coach Andy Reid said Simmons "will definitely be ready'' to participate when training camp begins in July so he could battle with Jaylon Moore, a free agent addition, for the starting spot at left tackle. -- Adam Teicher