LIVE: 2025 NFL Draft First-Round Grades for All 32 Picks

The 2025 NFL draft officially started when the Tennessee Titans predictably made Cam Ward the No. 1 pick and their new franchise quarterback. The move has been evident for weeks, but it’s still worth asking whether the Titans made a mistake passing on Travis Hunter and Abdul Carter, the consensus top two prospects in this draft class.

That’s the first of many questions we’ll be asking ourselves Thursday night, when The MMQB will be grading every first-round pick, starting with Ward. We’ll have continuous coverage of everything happening in Green Bay through Saturday, including when Mr. Irrelevant comes off the board with the final pick at No.



257. This post will be updated throughout the draft in real-time as each of the picks are selected. Let’s get to the grades.

1. Tennessee Titans The most predictable pick in the NFL draft came to fruition after the Titans announced Ward as their next franchise quarterback. Ward separated himself from the other QB prospects because of his high football IQ and dazzling off-scripted plays.

The hard-throwing Miami product drew comparisons to Kyler Murray and Jordan Love. Occasionally, Ward got in trouble for his backyard football habits, but he has the ideal skill set to have a successful pro career. Titans coach Brian Callahan and the team’s new front office are taking a risk here, though, prioritizing a need at quarterback instead of selecting the best prospect.

But at least the Titans know Ward has the work ethic to possibly reach his high potential, evident from his rise as a no-star recruit who earned his shots at Washington State and Miami after playing for Incarnate Word. —GM Scouting report: Ward has the arm talent, intelligence, ball placement and ability to extend plays to be a standout NFL starter. The 6' 2", 219-pounder rips passes to all levels, and he’s advanced with his eyes—he moves defenders out of zones, reads coverages well, pre- and postsnap, and is comfortable throwing receivers open in zones.

He can throw with different arm angles and can make plays outside of structure, though he’s more of a pocket passer than a true dual threat. Ward, who turns 23 in May, still battles inconsistent decision making, mechanics and accuracy, though he’s made strides in each area. — Daniel Flick Grade : A.