Quick Read
- The 2025 NFL Draft saw significant trades and bold picks, including the Jaguars trading for Travis Hunter at No. 2 overall.
- Draft analysts Nate Tice and Charles McDonald graded AFC and NFC teams respectively, with mixed results across divisions.
- The Dallas Cowboys earned an ‘A’ for addressing key needs with players like Tyler Booker and Donovan Ezeiruaku.
- The New York Giants received a ‘B’ for a solid draft but faced criticism for their trade-up for quarterback Jaxson Dart.
- The Philadelphia Eagles bolstered their defense, earning a ‘B’ for picks like Jihaad Campbell and Andrew Mukuba.
2025 NFL Draft Grades: Comprehensive Team-by-Team Analysis
The 2025 NFL Draft delivered excitement, surprises, and bold moves, including the Jacksonville Jaguars trading up for Travis Hunter at No. 2 overall. With all 32 teams now having made their selections, analysts are diving into how well each team addressed their needs and set themselves up for the future. Below is a detailed breakdown of each team’s draft performance, highlighting key picks and overall grades.
NFC East: Solid Performances Across the Board
Dallas Cowboys: Grade A
The Dallas Cowboys had a strong draft, addressing key areas of need without sacrificing future assets. Their first-round pick, Tyler Booker (OG, Alabama), adds immediate value to the offensive line. Booker, alongside Tyler Smith and Cooper Beebe, could form one of the league’s most formidable interior units. Second-round pick Donovan Ezeiruaku (Edge, Boston College) provides a promising pass-rushing option, while third-rounder Shavon Revel Jr. (CB, East Carolina) offers long-term upside in the secondary.
Notable Picks:
- Round 1, Pick 12: Tyler Booker, OG, Alabama
- Round 2, Pick 44: Donovan Ezeiruaku, Edge, Boston College
- Round 3, Pick 76: Shavon Revel Jr., CB, East Carolina
The Cowboys’ ability to secure three players graded as first-round talents without trading assets speaks to their effective draft strategy.
New York Giants: Grade B
The Giants made some solid picks but faced criticism for trading up to select quarterback Jaxson Dart (Mississippi) at No. 25. While Dart has potential, the move was seen as a reach. On the defensive side, Abdul Carter (Edge, Penn State) could be an immediate impact player, while Marcus Mbow (OT, Purdue) offers much-needed help on the offensive line.
Notable Picks:
- Round 1, Pick 3: Abdul Carter, Edge, Penn State
- Round 1, Pick 25: Jaxson Dart, QB, Mississippi
- Round 5, Pick 154: Marcus Mbow, OT, Purdue
Despite some questionable decisions, the Giants added quality depth and potential starters, earning them a respectable grade.
Philadelphia Eagles: Grade B
The Eagles focused on bolstering their defense, starting with Jihaad Campbell (LB, Alabama) at No. 31. Campbell’s versatility should make him an immediate contributor. Safety Andrew Mukuba (Texas) fills a critical need in the secondary, while linebacker Smael Mondon Jr. (Georgia) adds depth to the front seven.
Notable Picks:
- Round 1, Pick 31: Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama
- Round 2, Pick 64: Andrew Mukuba, S, Texas
- Round 5, Pick 161: Smael Mondon Jr., LB, Georgia
The Eagles prioritized strengthening their defensive spine, a strategy that could pay dividends in the long term.
Washington Commanders: Grade B+
Despite limited draft capital, the Commanders made the most of their picks. Offensive tackle Josh Conerly Jr. (Oregon) and cornerback Trey Amos (Ole Miss) could both develop into long-term starters. These selections address critical needs and provide depth at key positions.
Notable Picks:
- Round 1, Pick 29: Josh Conerly Jr., OT, Oregon
- Round 2, Pick 61: Trey Amos, CB, Ole Miss
Washington’s draft strategy was efficient and focused, earning them a solid grade.
NFC North: Mixed Results
Chicago Bears: Grade B
The Bears prioritized offensive upgrades to support quarterback Caleb Williams. First-round pick Colston Loveland (TE, Michigan) and second-rounder Luther Burden III (WR, Missouri) provide dynamic weapons, while Ozzy Trapilo (OT, Boston College) adds developmental potential on the offensive line.
Notable Picks:
- Round 1, Pick 10: Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan
- Round 2, Pick 39: Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri
- Round 2, Pick 56: Ozzy Trapilo, OT, Boston College
While some picks were seen as risky, the Bears addressed key needs effectively.
Detroit Lions: Grade B
The Lions focused on strengthening their trenches, selecting four linemen and a wide receiver. Tyleik Williams (DT, Ohio State) and Tate Ratledge (OG, Georgia) bolster the interior, while Isaac TeSlaa (WR, Arkansas) adds a developmental weapon for the offense.
Notable Picks:
- Round 1, Pick 28: Tyleik Williams, DT, Ohio State
- Round 2, Pick 57: Tate Ratledge, OG, Georgia
- Round 3, Pick 70: Isaac TeSlaa, WR, Arkansas
Detroit’s draft was pragmatic, focusing on long-term stability.
Green Bay Packers: Grade B
The Packers addressed their need for playmakers, selecting wide receivers Matthew Golden (Texas) and Savion Williams (TCU). Anthony Belton (OT, NC State) provides flexibility on the offensive line, while Warren Brinson (DT, Georgia) adds depth to the defensive front.
Notable Picks:
- Round 1, Pick 23: Matthew Golden, WR, Texas
- Round 2, Pick 54: Anthony Belton, OT, NC State
- Round 3, Pick 87: Savion Williams, WR, TCU
Green Bay’s draft strategy was balanced, addressing both immediate and future needs.
Minnesota Vikings: Grade B-
The Vikings focused on adding defensive talent, but some picks were seen as reaches. Their first-round selection, Tetairoa McMillan (WR, Arizona), adds offensive firepower, while Nic Scourton (Edge, Texas A&M) and Princely Umanmielen (Edge, Ole Miss) strengthen the pass rush.
Notable Picks:
- Round 1, Pick 8: Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona
- Round 2, Pick 51: Nic Scourton, Edge, Texas A&M
- Round 3, Pick 77: Princely Umanmielen, Edge, Ole Miss
While the Vikings added talent, their draft lacked cohesion.
The 2025 NFL Draft showcased a variety of strategies, from bold trades to conservative, needs-based selections. Teams like the Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles excelled with targeted approaches, while others faced criticism for questionable decisions. As always, the true impact of these drafts will only be revealed in the seasons to come.