First Round of 2025 NFL Draft: Full Breakdown of Biggest Winners & Losers

The first round of the 2025 NFL Draft is officially in the books, and night one delivered plenty of action, surprises, and pivotal decisions that could reshape the league's future. From franchise-changing picks to shocking snubs, Sportsligue.com breaks down the biggest winners and losers from Day 1.

Winners: Giants’ Joe Schoen and Brian Daboll Make Bold Moves

After a catastrophic 3-14 finish in 2024 and a disastrous showing on HBO’s Hard Knocks, few expected New York Giants GM Joe Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll to survive the offseason. Yet, they not only stayed—they made the night’s boldest double move.

With the third overall pick, the Giants selected Abdul Carter, the explosive Penn State edge rusher, widely touted as one of the most complete defensive players in the draft. But the surprise came later when the team traded back into Round 1 to select Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart.

Dart’s selection came as no surprise to insiders. “Brian Daboll compared him to Josh Allen,” reported ESPN’s Sal Paolantonio, referencing Dart’s arm talent and build (6-foot-2, 223 pounds). Whether Dart can fulfill such lofty expectations remains to be seen, especially as Russell Wilson is set to start Week 1. But Daboll and Schoen clearly believe Dart is the future—and they weren’t waiting until Round 2 to get him.

“They weren’t willing to settle for Shedeur Sanders either. They went and got their guy.”

Winner: Jacksonville Jaguars and the “F--- Them Picks” Gamble

The Jacksonville Jaguars stole the spotlight with a blockbuster trade up to the No. 2 pick, selecting two-way sensation Travis Hunter—the Heisman Trophy winner who starred at both wide receiver and cornerback for Colorado.

New GM James Gladstone, a former Les Snead protégé in L.A., sent a haul to the Browns: the No. 5 pick, a second, a fourth, and a 2026 first-rounder. The aggressive strategy mirrors Snead’s “F--- Them Picks” philosophy—except this time, it’s for an unproven rookie.

“They told me they were going to let me do what I do,” Hunter told ESPN.
“They put me on the phone with both coordinators.”

Gladstone called Hunter “a player who could alter the sport itself.”

Still, two-way players are virtually extinct in the modern NFL. The last real one? Deion Sanders—Hunter’s former coach—who briefly pulled double duty for the Cowboys in 1996. The NFL history books show how rare this feat is.

Hunter’s success could usher in a new era. Or his usage could backfire spectacularly. Either way, Jacksonville made sure everyone’s watching.

Loser: Shedeur Sanders Still Waiting

The most recognizable name in the draft class, Shedeur Sanders, son of Deion Sanders, surprisingly remains undrafted after Round 1. Despite his popularity and decent college tape, 32 teams passed on him.

Projected as a potential top-15 pick at one point, Sanders slid behind Dart in the QB rankings. His film shows accurate throws and poise under pressure—but scouts raised concerns about his sack rate, inconsistent accuracy, and lack of elite athleticism.

“The league already showed us how it felt about Sanders on Thursday.”

As of now, the Cleveland Browns hold the first pick of Round 2—and could take a flyer. If not, teams like the Saints, Raiders, or Jets may swoop in.

Loser: Patriots Pay the Price for a Meaningless Win

The New England Patriots selected LSU tackle Will Campbell—a solid addition to protect QB Drake Maye. But it’s hard to ignore what could’ve been.

Had the Patriots not won a meaningless Week 18 game in 2024, they’d have held the No. 1 overall pick. Instead, they picked fourth and missed out on blue-chip players like Carter and Hunter.

Even though Campbell pledged to “fight and die” for Maye (in true Southern fashion), and reportedly knocked coach Mike Vrabel over during workouts, this pick feels like a consolation prize.

Loser: Atlanta Falcons Fumble a Strong Start

It wouldn’t be the Atlanta Falcons without a twist ending. After a strong start drafting edge rusher Jalon Walker, the team inexplicably traded back into Round 1 for James Pearce Jr., giving up a 2026 first-round pick in the process.

In a draft class rich in late-round value, the move baffled analysts and disappointed fans. Pearce may be a quality talent, but paying such a high price to move back into Round 1 in a non-quarterback draft raised eyebrows.

Looking Ahead: Round 2 Set to Shake Up the Board

With several top prospects—Shedeur Sanders, Brock Bowers, and Ladd McConkey—still on the board, Round 2 is shaping up to be just as pivotal as Day 1.

Stay locked on Sportsligue.com for live updates, in-depth scouting reports, and team-by-team draft grades throughout the weekend.

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