The first-round picks — those ballyhooed prospects who were expected to transform their respective teams — have logged enough snaps for executives, scouts and coaches to assess their development as plus starters or key contributors.
While draft position is expected to correlate with potential impact, the grading scale is subjective, based on the roster makeup and how the rookie contributed to the team’s efforts through three-quarters of the season.
Additionally, the first-year grade does not mean the prospect is a potential bust; it is part of a three-year evaluation that will ultimately determine whether the franchise exercises the fifth-year option and/or signs the player to a second contract.
After taking a long look at the film and stat sheets, here are my thoughts on the 32 first-rounders from the 2025 rookie class.
Pick
1
Miami · QB
GRADE: B-
The chaos around the No. 1 overall pick has clouded his evaluation, but the weekly big-play flashes suggest his tools could translate into superstardom in the near future.
Pick
2
(from CLE)
TRADE
Colorado · WR/CB
GRADE: C
A knee injury prematurely ended the Heisman Trophy winner’s season while he was attempting to do the improbable. Hunter was drafted to be a star on both sides of the field, but his limited action/contributions make this a hard eval.
Pick
3
Penn State · LB
GRADE: D
There is no disputing Carter’s potential as a speed rusher with “take over the game” potential, but his immaturity and lack of professionalism have overshadowed the enticing flashes between the lines.
Pick
4
LSU · OT
GRADE: A
The Patriots’ franchise tackle has played like Pro Bowler protecting Drake Maye‘s blind side. While he’s currently on injured reserve due to an MCL sprain, the LSU product has silenced the skeptics who questioned whether he could hold his own at the marquee position on the front line.
Pick
5
(from JAC)
TRADE
Michigan · DT
GRADE: B+
The high-motor interior defender was an underappreciated selection as a top-five pick, but his film and production reveal a disruptive run stopper with pass-rush potential.
Pick
6
Boise State · RB
GRADE: C
The Boise State product’s underwhelming campaign is a byproduct of a dysfunctional play-calling situation and a poor offensive line. With so much leakage between the tackles, it is hard to completely destroy Jeanty for his meager production in Year 1.
Pick
7
Missouri · OT
GRADE: B
The Jets’ top pick has been part of an offensive line that has shown up weekly. Although the unit’s stability and consistency have not translated into many wins, this kind of OL continuity could pay serious dividends in 2026 and beyond.
Pick
8
Arizona · WR
GRADE: A
The emerging big-play specialist has quickly settled in as the Panthers’ WR1, exhibiting exceptional ball skills and route-running ability on the perimeter.
Pick
9
Texas · OT
GRADE: B+
The talented rookie has impressed as an edge blocker in Kellen Moore’s offense. Banks’ athleticism, active hands and anchor-ability give speed rushers problems on pivotal downs. As a consistent blocker who stacks wins in one-on-one matchups, the Saints’ top pick is precisely what the franchise needed to start the rebuild.
Pick
10
Michigan · TE
GRADE: B
It took a while for first-year head coach Ben Johnson to determine how to maximize his playmakers on the perimeter, particularly this big-bodied target between the hashes. As the ideal complement to a WR corps loaded with catch-and-run specialists, Loveland has helped Chicago emerge as a playoff contender this season.
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Pick
11
Georgia · DE
GRADE: B
A torn ACL ended Williams’ season in November, but he showed plenty of promise in nine games of action. Ignore the rookie’s numbers and pay closer attention to his heavy-handed dominance at the line of scrimmage. Williams routinely rag-dolls tight ends, exhibiting outstanding strength, power and explosiveness as a run stopper and pass rusher.
Pick
12
Alabama · OG
GRADE: A
Dallas’ top pick is on record stating his love of dominating opponents at the point of attack. After watching Booker routinely snatch souls from defensive tackles over 60 minutes, I’m convinced the Alabama product is precisely what the Cowboys needed to re-establish their bully-ball tactics up front.
Pick
13
Michigan · DT
GRADE: C+
After a slow start that led to concerns about his disruptive potential, Grant has started to flex his muscles on overmatched interior blockers. The rookie’s emergence as an inside force has helped the Dolphins get back on track down the stretch.
Pick
14
Penn State · TE
GRADE: A+
It did not take long for the first-year tight end to emerge as the Colts’ No. 1 option in the passing game. The multi-faceted playmaker is an unstoppable weapon between the hashes.
Pick
15
Georgia · OLB
GRADE: A+
It is hard to deal with speed, quickness and explosiveness off the edge. Walker’s unique skills have overwhelmed offensive tackles, resulting in consistent disruption and production for the Georgia product.
Pick
16
Mississippi · DT
GRADE: B-
For the second straight year, Arizona’s first-round defensive lineman has been swamped by injury. Darius Robinson managed just six games in 2024, while Nolen has only played in four so far this year. And yet, I can’t help but be extremely impressed by what I’ve seen from this Ole Miss product, which explains how he still gets a grade in the B range despite such limited field time. Nolen’s first-step quickness, active hands and closing burst create chaos for opponents between the tackles.
Pick
17
Texas A&M · DE
GRADE: D
A lengthy contract dispute prevented Stewart from truly beginning to download the Bengals’ playbook and techniques until training camp. The extended absence not only stunted his development — which really hurt this prospect, given his raw nature entering the NFL — but also left him unprepared for the rigors of the season. Injuries have limited him to just five games thus far.
Pick
18
North Dakota State · OG
GRADE: B
It is not a coincidence that Sam Darnold is playing well behind the Seahawks’ front five. The rookie has helped stabilize the offensive line as a mauler/brawler with heavy hands and a relentless motor.
Pick
19
Ohio State · WR
GRADE: B+
Despite a recent spate of drops and declining production, the Ohio State product deserves high marks for a sizzling start that showcased his versatility and playmaking skills.
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Pick
20
Texas · CB
GRADE: B
Although Barron was viewed as a luxury pick for a defense that was loaded with playmakers in the secondary, the rookie has started to make his mark as a versatile defender in the team’s sub-packages. The designated tight end stopper in Denver, Barron has emerged as a key contributor in a dime-defender role.
Pick
21
Oregon · DT
GRADE: B+
It is rare for a defense to rise and fall due to a rookie’s presence, but Harmon elevates the Steelers’ run defense with his disruptive play at the point of attack. When the first-rounder is healthy and in the lineup, opponents rarely find room to run. Given Pittsburgh’s desire to stop the ground attack at all costs, the first-rounder has been as good as advertised as a top pick.
Pick
22
North Carolina · RB
GRADE: B
The former North Carolina standout has shown impressive RB1 skills with the ball in his hands. As a runner and receiver, Hampton has the tools to be a Pro Bowl-caliber player in an offense that showcases running backs in various roles. Although an ankle injury cost him significant time, the rookie has dazzled whenever he has been in the lineup.
Pick
23
Texas · WR
GRADE: D
After becoming Green Bay’s first Round 1 receiver since 2002, Golden has failed to seize the WR1 spot or even make his mark as a key contributor in a complementary role. While injuries have limited his participation, the rookie has not provided the impact or flashed the game-changing skills expected of a 23rd overall pick.
Pick
24
Ohio State · OG
GRADE: B-
The first-year starter suffered through a bumpy start before emerging as a solid guard on a revamped offensive front. Although the Vikings’ record does not reflect his impact, Jackson is an essential building block on the line of scrimmage.
Pick
25
(from HOU)
TRADE
Mississippi · QB
GRADE: A
The flamboyant quarterback energized the Giants’ offense as a dual-threat playmaker with a flashy game. Although his reckless playing style makes him susceptible to big hits, Dart’s spectacular skills could make him the league’s next superstar.
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Pick
26
(from LAR)
TRADE
Tennessee · OLB
GRADE: A
When it comes to hunting quarterbacks off the edge, this pass-rushing specialist has been as good as advertised. Pearce leads all rookies with eight sacks, displaying the first-step quickness and burst to blow past blockers utilizing various speed-rush maneuvers.
Pick
27
Georgia · S
GRADE: B+
The playmaking safety’s insertion into the starting lineup enabled Kyle Hamilton to spend more time near the box, while upgrading the unit’s takeaway potential with his ballhawking presence. Despite the Ravens’ defensive struggles, the rookie’s play has been one of the few highlights in a largely disappointing season.
Pick
28
Ohio State · DT
GRADE: B-
The disruptive flashes from the 6-foot-3, 328-pounder should excite Dan Campbell and Co. as they look toward the future. Detroit’s talented defensive tackle rotation has limited his snaps in Year 1.
Pick
29
Oregon · OT
GRADE: C+
Despite a slow start that led to questions about his ability to develop into a franchise tackle, Conerly’s recent improvements suggest that he is on the path toward becoming a solid starter.
Pick
30
Kentucky · CB
GRADE: B
The promising cover corner missed the first half of the season while recovering from a training camp injury, but Hairston has impressed in seven games. As a natural zone corner with superb instincts, he has a knack for getting his hands on the ball. With more reps, the Bills’ top pick should blossom into a blue-chip defender on the island.
Pick
31
(from KC)
TRADE
Alabama · LB
GRADE: B
The Alabama product has seen his playing time decrease with the healthy return of veteran linebacker Nakobe Dean, but the first-rounder made a great impression during the first half of the season. Campbell’s physicality, toughness and diagnostic skills will make it hard to keep him off the field in 2026.
Pick
32
(from PHI)
TRADE
Ohio State · OT
GRADE: B
After looking like a potential Pro Bowler to start the season, Simmons was shaking off the rust from an extended absence for a personal issue before suffering a wrist injury that forced the Chiefs to place him on injured reserve. But the eight games we saw from him were quite encouraging.
