The 2025 NFL Draft is officially in the books, and it delivered everything we could’ve hoped for surprise selections, emotional moments, and aggressive moves that will be remembered for years to come. From potential franchise quarterbacks to sleepers just waiting to explode, this year’s draft did not disappoint. But while some teams emerged as obvious winners, others left fans scratching their heads.
Here, we dissect the largest winners and losers of the 2025 NFL Draft, then take a closer look at surprising picks, rookie contributions, and team-by-team grades.
Winners of the 2025 NFL Draft
Chicago Bears
The Bears possessed the first overall pick, and they did not waste it. Caleb Williams was the intelligent choice. He is a dynamic quarterback who can transform the franchise. Couple that with their solid defensive picks in the later rounds, and Chicago is now a team building in the right direction.
Arizona Cardinals
Arizona made fantastic use of their draft capital. They took wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., who, in my opinion, was the best overall player available in the draft. With Kyler Murray to play alongside, the Cardinals now have a serious threat offensively. They also brought depth to the defense, making this one of the most well-rounded draft classes.
Detroit Lions
The Lions quietly assembled one of the most intelligent drafts. They emphasized defense and shored up their secondary, which was a weakness last year. Their picks weren’t flashy but good. Detroit is constructing a deep, solid team.
Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles continued their trend of drafting well. They picked up key talent at linebacker and on the offensive line. Their strategy focused on long-term success rather than headline-grabbing picks, and that’s exactly what separates good teams from great ones.
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Losers of the 2025 NFL Draft
New York Jets
The Jets had to protect Aaron Rodgers, but they didn’t spend on their offensive line. Their draft picks were hasty and without a plan. Some fans are optimistic about their wide receiver pick, but overall, the team didn’t address its greatest needs.
Dallas Cowboys
Dallas had some unexpected picks, such as a third-round range that left experts confused. They didn’t fix their line on offense and didn’t bother with defensive depth. For a playoff-contending team, their draft was taking a step back.
Denver Broncos
The Broncos stunned everyone by taking a quarterback early when everybody thought they would take defense. The pick was risky, and many questioned if it was the correct decision. Denver is between rebuilding and competing, and this draft did not clarify their direction.
Most Shocking Picks and Draft-Day Surprises
One of the greatest surprises was the Atlanta Falcons trading up to the top 10 to pick a tight end. It’s not often that teams spend so much on that position, and although the player is talented, the move surprised everyone.
The other surprise was when the Pittsburgh Steelers bypassed several top defensive players to take a running back. With many needs elsewhere, the pick left fans bewildered.
On the other hand, there were some late-round steals that impressed us. The Seattle Seahawks picked a top-notch cornerback in the fifth round, and the Baltimore Ravens took a skilled edge rusher who most expected to go in the second.
Rookie Class Impact: Who Will Start Week 1?
Caleb Williams is supposed to start right away for the Bears. His preseason will be closely observed, but he looks like QB1 from the get-go. Marvin Harrison Jr. is going to start on Day 1 for the Cardinals and will be crucial with his connection to Kyler Murray.
On defense, watch the Eagles’ first-round linebacker. He has the size and smarts to be an impact player early on. For fantasy football enthusiasts, the Titans’ new wideout may be worth a late-round selection; he’s quick, explosive, and might be a prime target by mid-season.
Team-by-Team Grades and Summary
Here is a brief overview of how every team did in the draft:
- Chicago Bears: A – Franchise QB acquired, defense taken care of, strong across the board.
- Arizona Cardinals: A- – Top WR in the draft, added smart depth.
- Detroit Lions: B+ – Not sexy, but very good picks.
- Philadelphia Eagles: B+ – Future-oriented, addressed needs.
- New York Jets: C- – Failed to address key needs, unclear direction.
- Dallas Cowboys: C – Questionable choices, weak in priority positions.
- Denver Broncos: D+ – Risky picks, unclear draft plan.
Other squads, such as the Kansas City Chiefs, Green Bay Packers, and Cleveland Browns, had mediocre drafts, playing it safe without causing any waves.
Conclusion
The 2025 NFL Draft provided us with a good glimpse of how each franchise looks at its future. Some front offices made intelligent, rational choices, while others appeared to risk or miss the target completely. The real result of this draft won’t be apparent for years, but preliminary indications provide clear winners and losers.
Did your favorite team win the draft? Or do you believe they blew a big opportunity? Let us know, and let’s discuss football.
