2025 NFL Draft Grades: Your Guide to Who Won and Who’s Got Work to Do

Hey, football fans! The 2025 NFL Draft just wrapped up, and wow, what a show it was! From April 24–26, the draft took over Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin, delivering heart-pounding picks, jaw-dropping trades, and a few “what just happened?” moments. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers, Cleveland Browns, Philadelphia Eagles, Green Bay Packers, Chicago Bears, Dallas Cowboys, Las Vegas Raiders, New York Giants, or Minnesota Vikings, we’ve got you covered with a friendly, easy-to-read breakdown of the NFL draft grades 2025. We’ll walk you through the hits, misses, and surprises, plus answer your burning questions in a fan-focused FAQ. Let’s dive into the NFL draft picks 2025 and see how your team did!

What’s the Deal with NFL Draft Grades?

If you’re new to the draft game, NFL draft grades are like report cards for each team’s draft performance. Analysts (think ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. or NFL Network’s Chad Reuter) grade teams based on how well they picked players who fit their needs, bring talent, and make the most of their draft slots. It’s not a crystal ball for how players will turn out, but it’s a fun way to gauge who nailed it and who might’ve fumbled.

This year’s 2025 NFL Draft featured 256 picks across seven rounds, kicking off with the Tennessee Titans grabbing Miami quarterback Cam Ward as the No. 1 overall pick. From blockbuster trades (hello, Jacksonville Jaguars snagging Travis Hunter!) to shocking slides (looking at you, Shedeur Sanders), the draft had it all. Let’s break down the draft grades 2025 for some fan-favorite teams.

How Did Your Team Do? Team-by-Team Breakdown

Pittsburgh Steelers Draft Picks 2025

The Pittsburgh Steelers, our beloved black-and-gold warriors, stayed true to their gritty style in the Steelers draft picks 2025, even after trading for star receiver DK Metcalf, which cost them some early picks. Here’s who they brought in:

• Round 1, No. 21: Derrick Harmon, DT, Oregon
• Round 3, No. 83: Kaleb Johnson, RB, Iowa
• Round 4, No. 123: Jack Sawyer, Edge, Ohio State
• Round 5, No. 156: Yahya Black, DT, Iowa
• Round 6, No. 185: Will Howard, QB, Ohio State
• Round 7, No. 226: Carson Bruener, LB, Washington
• Round 7, No. 229: Donte Kent, CB, Central Michigan

What We Think: The Steelers doubled down on their defensive line with Harmon, a beast who’ll learn from Cam Heyward and clog running lanes. Kaleb Johnson is a bruising runner who’ll pair nicely with Jaylen Warren, giving the offense some extra punch. Picking Will Howard in the sixth round feels like a sneaky move to back up Russell Wilson or Justin Fields, but skipping big-name quarterbacks like Shedeur Sanders or Jaxson Dart had some fans scratching their heads. The Metcalf trade was pricey, but this class keeps Pittsburgh tough. Grade: B+

Cleveland Browns Draft Picks 2025

Cleveland Browns fans, buckle up—your Browns draft picks 2025 were a wild ride, especially at quarterback:

• Round 1, No. 5: Mason Graham, DT, Michigan
• Round 2, No. 33: Carson Schwesinger, LB, UCLA
• Round 2, No. 36: Quinshon Judkins, RB, Ohio State
• Round 3, No. 67: Harold Fannin Jr., TE, Bowling Green
• Round 3, No. 94: Dillon Gabriel, QB, Oregon
• Round 4, No. 104: Donovan Ezeiruaku, Edge, Boston College
• Round 5, No. 144: Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado
• Round 6, No. 204: Shavon Revel Jr., CB, East Carolina

What We Think: The Browns played chess, trading down from No. 2 to grab extra picks and still landing Mason Graham, a defensive tackle who’ll wreak havoc. Quinshon Judkins is a home-run hitter at running back, and Harold Fannin Jr. gives them a tight end with serious receiving chops. But the real buzz? Drafting two quarterbacks—Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders. Sanders falling to the fifth round was the steal of the draft, and with Deshaun Watson’s future cloudy, Cleveland’s got options. This draft feels like a win. Grade: A-

Philadelphia Eagles Draft Picks 2025

Fresh off a Super Bowl win, the Philadelphia Eagles didn’t need to swing for the fences, but their Eagles draft picks 2025 still impressed:

• Round 1, No. 31: Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama
• Round 3, No. 96: Andrew Mukuba, S, Texas
• Round 4, No. 113: Player TBD
• Round 5, No. 156: Player TBD
• Round 6, No. 181: Kyle McCord, QB, Syracuse
• Round 7, No. 229: Player TBD

What We Think: The Eagles are already stacked, so they focused on smart, versatile additions. Jihaad Campbell is a linebacker who can rush the passer and cover tight ends—perfect for Philly’s defense. Andrew Mukuba is a hard-hitting safety who’ll fit right in with Reed Blankenship. Grabbing Kyle McCord late gives them a backup plan for Jalen Hurts. This draft was like adding sprinkles to an already delicious cake. Grade: A

Green Bay Packers Draft Picks 2025

The Green Bay Packers, playing host at Lambeau, went big with their Packers draft picks 2025:

• Round 1, No. 23: Matthew Golden, WR, Texas
• Round 2, No. 54: Donovan Jackson, G, Ohio State
• Round 3, No. 87: Savion Williams, WR, TCU
• Round 4, No. 124: Barryn Sorrell, Edge, Texas
• Round 5, No. 139: Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins, Edge, Georgia
• Round 6, No. 187: Kobe King, LB, Penn State
• Round 6, No. 202: Gavin Bartholomew, TE, Pittsburgh

What We Think: The Packers loaded up on offense, snagging Matthew Golden and Savion Williams to give Jordan Love more weapons. Golden’s speed and Williams’ versatility could make Green Bay’s passing game deadly. Donovan Jackson shores up the offensive line, but waiting until Round 4 to grab an edge rusher felt like a gamble—Packers fans know they need a game-changer on defense. This draft is exciting but leaves some questions. Grade: B

Chicago Bears Draft Picks 2025

The Chicago Bears are all about building around their young quarterback, and their Bears draft picks 2025 show it:

• Round 1, No. 10: Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan
• Round 2, No. 49: Demetrius Knight Jr., LB, South Carolina
• Round 3, No. 81: Dylan Fairchild, OG, Georgia
• Round 4, No. 119: Player TBD

What We Think: Bears fans, you got a gem in Colston Loveland, a tight end who’s a nightmare for defenses and pairs perfectly with Cole Kmet. Demetrius Knight Jr. brings heat to the linebacker spot, and Dylan Fairchild strengthens the line to keep the QB upright. Chicago’s draft feels like a love letter to their offensive scheme, and we’re here for it. Grade: A-

Dallas Cowboys Draft Picks 2025

The Dallas Cowboys had some holes to fill, and their Cowboys draft picks 2025 took aim:

• Round 1, No. 12: Tyler Booker, OG, Alabama
• Round 2, No. 44: Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona
• Round 3, No. 76: TreVeyon Henderson, RB, Ohio State
• Round 4, No. 122: Player TBD

What We Think: Tyler Booker at No. 12 raised some eyebrows—some say it was too early for a guard—but he’ll help protect Dak Prescott. Tetairoa McMillan is a big, athletic receiver who’ll shine with CeeDee Lamb, and TreVeyon Henderson brings juice to a running back room that’s been quiet. Cowboys fans might wish for more defensive help, but this draft has potential. Grade: B-

Las Vegas Raiders Draft Picks 2025

The Las Vegas Raiders went for star power with their Raiders draft picks 2025:

• Round 1, No. 6: Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
• Round 2, No. 37: Player TBD
• Round 3, No. 68: Player TBD
• Round 4, No. 108: Player TBD

What We Think: Ashton Jeanty is a game-changer—a running back who can carry the load and break games open. The Raiders are building an identity around him, which is exciting for fans tired of inconsistency. Later picks are still murky, but Jeanty alone makes this draft feel like a step forward. Grade: B+

New York Giants Draft Picks 2025

The New York Giants swung for the fences with their Giants draft picks 2025:

• Round 1, No. 3: Abdul Carter, Edge, Penn State
• Round 1, No. 25: Jaxson Dart, QB, Ole Miss
• Round 2, No. 34: Darius Alexander, DT, Toledo
• Round 4, No. 105: Cam Skattebo, RB, Arizona State

What We Think: Giants fans, you got a stud in Abdul Carter, an edge rusher who’ll terrorize quarterbacks. Trading up for Jaxson Dart as your potential QB of the future was bold, but some analysts think it was a stretch. Darius Alexander and Cam Skattebo add grit, but this draft’s success hinges on Dart panning out. Grade: C+

Minnesota Vikings Draft Picks 2025

The Minnesota Vikings kept it steady with their Vikings draft picks 2025:

• Round 2, No. 56: Player TBD
• Round 3, No. 97: Tai Felton, WR, Maryland
• Round 5, No. 160: Player TBD
• Round 6, No. 200: Player TBD

What We Think: The Vikings didn’t have a ton of picks, but Tai Felton is a speedy receiver who’ll stretch the field for J.J. McCarthy. This draft was low-key but smart, adding depth to a playoff-caliber team. More picks could’ve made a bigger splash. Grade: B

NFL Draft Tracker: What Stood Out

The NFL draft tracker for 2025 was a rollercoaster. Here’s what had fans buzzing:

• Quarterback Chaos: Only Cam Ward and Jaxson Dart went in the first round. Shedeur Sanders’ tumble to Round 5 was the talk of the draft.
• Trade Madness: The Jaguars’ move for Travis Hunter, the Giants’ push for Dart, and the Browns’ savvy trade-down set social media on fire.
• Running Back Love: Teams went crazy for running backs, with 11 picked by Round 4, including Ashton Jeanty and Quinshon Judkins.
• Defense Rules: Early rounds were loaded with defensive stars like Mason Graham and Abdul Carter, showing teams want to dominate the trenches.

FAQ: Your Top Questions Answered

What are NFL draft grades, and why do they matter?

Think of NFL draft grades as a way to size up how well your team drafted. Experts look at player talent, team needs, and pick value to give a grade. They’re not perfect, but they spark great debates at the bar!

Where can I follow the NFL draft tracker?

Check out ESPN, NFL.com, or USA TODAY for live NFL draft trackers. They’ve got real-time updates, pick breakdowns, and trade scoop to keep you in the loop.

Who had the best draft in 2025?

The Eagles and Browns were the talk of the town, earning A and A- grades. Philly’s smart picks and Cleveland’s steals (like Shedeur Sanders!) had fans pumped.

Why did Shedeur Sanders fall so far?

Sanders’ drop to Round 5 shocked everyone. Scouts questioned his size and arm strength, and some teams had other priorities. The Browns were thrilled to snag him, though!

Did the Steelers solve their quarterback question?

They grabbed Will Howard in Round 6, a low-pressure pick to back up Wilson or Fields. Skipping bigger names like Sanders or Dart suggests they’re confident for now.

What were the biggest surprises of the 2025 NFL Draft?

Sanders’ slide, the Giants’ big bet on Dart, and the run on running backs had jaws dropping. Trades like the Jaguars’ move for Travis Hunter kept things spicy.

Wrapping It Up

The 2025 NFL Draft was a wild ride, packed with drama, steals, and bold moves. The Eagles and Browns walked away with top NFL draft grades 2025, while teams like the Giants took chances that could make or break their future. The NFL draft tracker showed us a draft obsessed with defense and running backs, with quarterbacks stealing the spotlight for better or worse.

As we gear up for the 2025 season, the NFL draft picks 2025 are already shaping our dreams of playoffs and Super Bowls. Whether you’re hyped for the Steelers’ D-line, the Browns’ QB duo, or the Eagles’ title defense, this draft gave us plenty to cheer for. Keep an eye on NFL.com, ESPN, and your favorite sports apps for more on how these rookies light up the league. Who’s your favorite pick? Let’s talk football!