NFL Draft 2025: Tennessee Titans Select Cam Ward with First Overall Pick
In a move that was widely anticipated, the Tennessee Titans chose Miami Hurricanes quarterback Cam Ward with the first overall pick in the 2025 NFL draft. However, it was the second overall pick that truly set the tone for the rest of the evening. According to a report by NBC News, the Cleveland Browns had been expected to select a top player with the second pick, but instead, they traded it to the Jacksonville Jaguars.
The Jaguars received the second overall pick, as well as a fourth-round and sixth-round pick, in exchange for the fifth overall pick, a second-round pick, a fourth-round pick, and the Jaguars’ 2026 first-round pick. The trade was a bold move by the Jaguars, who are trying to revamp their franchise after hiring a new coach and general manager this offseason. With the newly acquired second overall selection, the Jaguars picked Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter, who played both wide receiver and cornerback at Colorado. As NBC News reported, "It was a bold move by the Jaguars, who in addition to drafting Hunter are trying to resuscitate the franchise after they hired a new coach and a new general manager this offseason."
The Las Vegas Raiders also made a splash early in the draft, selecting Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty sixth overall. The Raiders are expected to have a fresh offense under new head coach Pete Carroll in 2025, after trading for quarterback Geno Smith this offseason. As noted by NBC News, "The Raiders should have a fresh offense under new head coach Pete Carroll in 2025 after they traded for quarterback Geno Smith this offseason."
The second half of the draft featured more wheeling and dealing, with several teams trading up to secure top players. The New York Giants, who had selected Abdul Carter third overall, traded with the Houston Texans to get back into the first round, taking Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart at No. 25. According to NBC News, "Dart is expected to sit behind veteran offseason addition Russell Wilson for a year, while the Giants get the benefit of a fifth-year option on Dart by taking him in the first round."
The Atlanta Falcons also traded into the first round, giving up a costly 2026 first-round selection to the Los Angeles Rams so they could take Tennessee edge rusher James Pearce Jr. with the 26th pick. Additionally, the Philadelphia Eagles swapped picks with their Super Bowl rival, the Kansas City Chiefs, moving from No. 32 to No. 31 to snag Alabama linebacker Jihaad Campbell. As NBC News reported, several top players were still on the board heading into the second round, including Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders, who was a possibility for the Pittsburgh Steelers at No. 21.
In the end, Sanders was not selected in the first round, with the Steelers opting for Oregon defensive tackle Derrick Harmon instead. Sanders will now slide to the second round, which will take place along with the third round on Friday. According to NBC News, "Sanders now slides to the second round, which will take place along with the third round on Friday." The 2025 NFL draft is set to continue on Friday, with rounds two and three taking place. Fans will be eagerly watching to see which top players are selected and which teams make surprise moves.
The NFL draft is a critical event for teams to build their rosters and make key acquisitions. This year’s draft has already seen several major trades and surprise picks, and it’s clear that teams are looking to make big moves to improve their chances of success in the upcoming season. As reported by NBC News, the draft will continue to unfold over the next few days, with teams looking to build their rosters and make key acquisitions.
