Cam Ward, once an overlooked high school recruit, became the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL Draft, while notable names like Travis Hunter and Abdul Carter followed as expected. Surprisingly, Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders wasn’t selected in the first round, despite being highly rated by many analysts.
Speaking at his draft party, Sanders remained optimistic, calling the setback a test of faith and motivation for what lies ahead. Teams in need of a quarterback passed on him, including the New York Giants, who instead picked Penn State edge rusher Abdul Carter at No. 3 and later took Jaxson Dart at No. 25.
Ward was selected first overall by the Tennessee Titans, who are looking to rebuild after a disappointing three-win season. Ward’s path to the top pick was remarkable: he began his college career at Incarnate Word before transferring to Washington State and later to Miami, where he set school records and finished fourth in Heisman Trophy voting.
The Jacksonville Jaguars made a bold move to select Travis Hunter at No. 2, trading multiple picks to the Cleveland Browns. Hunter, known for playing both wide receiver and cornerback at Colorado, aims to be the NFL’s first full-time two-way player since Chuck Bednarik. Excited to be drafted by a Florida team, Hunter said the trade showed how much faith Jacksonville had in him.
With the No. 4 pick, the New England Patriots chose LSU left tackle Will Campbell to protect quarterback Drake Maye. Campbell became emotional on stage, pledging to defend his quarterback at all costs.
Other top-10 picks included Michigan defensive tackle Mason Graham to the Browns at No. 5, Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty to the Raiders at No. 6, and Missouri offensive lineman Armand Membou to the Jets at No. 7. Carolina selected Arizona wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan at No. 8, while the Saints went with Texas offensive tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. at No. 9. Michigan tight end Colston Loveland rounded out the top 10, heading to the Chicago Bears.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell kicked off the draft at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, arriving on stage by bicycle and accompanied by Packers legends and rapper Lil Wayne. Fans reacted with the usual mix of cheers and boos.
Ward, now tasked with turning around the Titans, joins a history of first-round quarterbacks in Tennessee, including Marcus Mariota and Vince Young. His stats at Miami—39 touchdown passes, over 4,300 yards, and only seven interceptions—made a strong case for the No. 1 pick.
The Jaguars’ trade with the Browns involved multiple picks, including a future first-rounder. Hunter, wearing a bright pink blazer, was all smiles after being selected.
Other first-round highlights included:
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San Francisco 49ers selecting Georgia edge rusher Mykel Williams (No. 11)
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Dallas Cowboys taking Alabama guard Tyler Booker (No. 12)
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Miami Dolphins picking Michigan DT Kenneth Grant (No. 13)
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Indianapolis Colts selecting a Penn State tight end (No. 14)
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Atlanta Falcons choosing Georgia edge rusher Jalon Walker (No. 15)
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Arizona Cardinals drafting DT Walter Nolen (No. 16)
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Cincinnati Bengals taking Texas A&M edge rusher Shemar Stewart (No. 17)
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Seattle Seahawks choosing NDSU guard Grey Zabel (No. 18)
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Tampa Bay Buccaneers selecting Ohio State WR Emeka Egbuka (No. 19)
The Denver Broncos took Texas cornerback Jahdae Barron at No. 20, while the Steelers added Oregon defensive tackle Derrick Harmon at No. 21. North Carolina running back Omarion Hampton went to the Chargers at No. 22.
Green Bay thrilled local fans by taking Texas wide receiver Matthew Golden at No. 23—their first first-round WR since 2002. The Vikings followed with Ohio State guard Donovan Jackson at No. 24.
The Falcons traded back into the round to grab Tennessee edge rusher James Pearce Jr. at No. 26. Baltimore added Georgia safety Malaki Starks (No. 27), Detroit picked Ohio State DT Tyleik Williams (No. 28), and Washington chose Oregon OT Josh Conerly Jr. (No. 29). Kentucky cornerback Maxwell Hairston went to the Bills at No. 30.
Defending Super Bowl champions the Philadelphia Eagles moved up to take Alabama linebacker Jihaad Campbell at No. 31. The Kansas City Chiefs wrapped up the first round by selecting Ohio State offensive tackle Josh Simmons to bolster protection for Patrick Mahomes.
The night ended with a few big names still waiting, including Michigan CB Will Johnson and Alabama QB Jalen Milroe.
