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Andersen's best first-round NFL draft picks for offense and defense. Read his top 9 picks from the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft: Ashton Jeanty, Colston Loveland, Matthew Golden, more.
The first round of the 2025 NFL Draft has come and gone. We had trades, surprising picks, and everything in between as teams made improvements on both sides of the ball.
While every player selected in the first round has plenty of talent, some picks were better than others.
Here are the best picks that teams made in the first round of the draft.
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Best 2025 NFL Draft Picks - Offense
Ashton Jeanty, RB, Raiders
There were rumors that Jeanty could be selected within the first five picks. The Jaguars were linked to the Boise State product, and we even saw some late chatter that the Bears could trade up to No. 4 for Jeanty.
In the end, the Raiders were able to stand pat with the sixth pick and select Jeanty. Las Vegas endured inconsistency at the running back position last year, leaving a significant hole in their offense.
Jeanty should immediately slot in as the Raiders' every-down back, and he represents a prototypical Pete Carroll workhorse. He'll be the first player off the board in dynasty fantasy football rookie drafts.
#Raiders Pete Carroll and John Spytek explain why they took Ashton Jeanty at #6 overall
Reminds Carroll of some of the great running backs he has coached pic.twitter.com/7ypVTAJllA
— Logan Reever (@loganreever) April 25, 2025
Colston Loveland, TE, Bears
The football world seemed to expect Tyler Warren would be drafted before Loveland. However, in the end, the Michigan product was the first tight end off the board.
This pick is special because Loveland is a well-rounded player who is capable of blocking and catching passes. He creates mismatches as a route runner and should catch plenty of passes as a rookie.
Additionally, Loveland gives Caleb Williams yet another weapon in the passing game, slotting him alongside DJ Moore and Rome Odunze. If new head coach Ben Johnson utilizes Loveland like he used Sam LaPorta in Detroit, this could end up being one of the biggest steals of the first round.
Matthew Golden, WR, Packers
The Packers ended a 20-plus-year drought in which they never selected a first-round receiver. Golden snaps that streak, and deservedly so. He's a speedy playmaker who impressed as the fastest player at the Scouting Combine.
One of Green Bay's biggest weaknesses has been an inability to get production out of the wide receiver room. They have a bunch of No. 2 receivers, and none of them have emerged as an alpha option.
That should change with Golden, who could be Jordan Love's go-to target as soon as Week 1. He enters the 2025 fantasy football season as a WR3/FLEX with upside.
It's quite literally impossible to watch this and NOT be convinced that Matthew Golden is gonna be a star
pic.twitter.com/LWFex4bzR2— Eli Berkovits (@BookOfEli_NFL) April 25, 2025
Josh Simmons, OL, Chiefs
The offensive line was a glaring concern for the Chiefs in 2024, leaving Patrick Mahomes with inadequate time to make plays.
No one player can solve this issue for Kansas City, but their offseason signing of Jaylon Moore, coupled with the selection of Simmons, certainly helps.
Adding Simmons will have a positive domino effect on the fantasy football landscape. He'll give Mahomes more time to throw, which is excellent news for Travis Kelce, Rashee Rice, and Xavier Worthy. Simmons' presence also creates more opportunities for Isiah Pacheco out of the backfield.
Best 2025 NFL Draft Picks - Defense
Mason Graham, DT, Browns
The Browns traded back from No. 2 to No. 5 and still managed to select Graham, one of the top players in the draft.
Graham is a phenomenal pass rusher at the tackle position, and pairing him alongside Myles Garrett feels like it should be illegal.
There's no doubt that the Browns have a lot of work to do, so the selection of Graham alone doesn't get Cleveland into playoff contention. However, Browns fans should feel very good about the state of their defense heading into the 2025 season, especially with games against Lamar Jackson and Joe Burrow accounting for nearly 25 percent of their schedule.
Mason Graham, YOU are a Cleveland Brown 🫵 pic.twitter.com/rAgNsQ2mQ5
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) April 25, 2025
Jalon Walker, LB, Falcons
Walker slid further than expected, but once the Falcons were on the clock at No. 15, there was little question that they'd draft the Georgia Bulldog.
Walker totaled 60 tackles (11 for loss) during his final collegiate season, as well as 6.5 sacks, two fumble recoveries, and two passes defended. His three years at Georgia have also given him plenty of experience against top-level competition, which should aid him in his transition to the NFL.
There is a lot to like about Walker's ability to disrupt an opposing team's offensive game plan and frustrate their quarterback. As the Falcons look to rebuild their front seven under head coach Raheem Morris, building around someone like Walker is a solid choice.
Jahdae Barron, CB, Broncos
Sean Payton continues to make impact additions through the NFL Draft as he attempts to lead a quick turnaround in Denver. His team snuck into the playoffs as the No. 7 seed last year, and Barron could help them improve even further this season.
The Texas defensive back totaled 205 tackles, eight interceptions, three fumble recoveries, and 20 passes defended over his final three seasons in Austin.
Barron would make an impact on just about any team in the NFL, but in particular, there's a lot to like about him being drafted by the Broncos. Most notably, pairing him alongside Patrick Surtain II should create a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks, including those from the AFC West, such as Mahomes and Justin Herbert.
Malaki Starks, S, Ravens
This selection feels like a match made in heaven for the Ravens and their fans. He offers versatility in the secondary, using his speed to cover passes downfield or his physicality to disrupt plays near the line of scrimmage.
Through three seasons at Georgia, Starks made 197 tackles (including six for loss), registered six interceptions, and defended 17 passes. He has shown an ability to make plays and frustrate some of the top players and programs in the NCAA.
Pairing Starks alongside another versatile standout defender in Kyle Hamilton is an excellent decision for the Ravens. Baltimore continues to strengthen its defense, which could be the league's best in 2025. Starks should start right away and make a significant impact.
Malaki Starks and Kyle Hamilton???? The Ravens aren’t playing fair! 🔥🔥🔥
There’s no player whose playing style fits a team better than Malaki to the Ravens.
10/10 no notes! #RavensFlock
— Emmanuel Acho (@EmmanuelAcho) April 25, 2025
Jihaad Campbell, LB, Eagles
Campbell's draft stock slid a little due to his torn labrum surgery over the winter, which conveniently put him in the Eagles' lap at No. 31 overall. Howie Roseman jumped at the opportunity, turning in the card and noting that his team ranked Campbell as a top-10 prospect.
Through 13 games in 2024, Campbell amassed 117 tackles (including 12 for loss), five sacks, one interception, and two passes defended.
The Eagles' ability to find "steals" everywhere in the draft, including the first round, is incredible. As long as he's healthy in time for Week 1, Campbell can start right away. If any team challenges the aforementioned Ravens for "best defense in the league," it's Philadelphia.
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