NFL Draft 2025: Cam Ward Picked No. 1, Travis Hunter No. 2

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NFL Draft 2025: Cam Ward Picked No. 1, Travis Hunter No. 2/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Cam Ward went first overall in the 2025 NFL Draft. Travis Hunter was picked second after a major trade by Jacksonville. Shedeur Sanders was not selected in the first round, despite projections.

Miami quarterback Cam Ward, right, poses with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after being chosen by the Tennessee Titans with the first overall pick during the first round of the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 24, 2025, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Matt Ludtke)

Colorado wide receiver Travis Hunter, right, poses with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after being chosen by the Jacksonville Jaguars with the second overall pick during the first round of the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 24, 2025, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)

NFL Draft 2025 Quick Looks: Cam Ward No. 1, Sanders Falls Out of First Round

Cam Ward’s Rise: From zero-star recruit to No. 1 overall pick, Cam Ward heads to the Titans after a record-setting season at Miami.
Travis Hunter Goes No. 2: Jacksonville trades up to land the two-way Colorado star, giving up a haul to the Browns.
Shedeur Sanders Undrafted in First Round: Despite hype and high rankings, the Colorado QB is passed over, calling it “fuel to the fire.”
Jaxson Dart Over Sanders: The New York Giants select Ole Miss QB Jaxson Dart with the 25th pick.
Top Defensive Picks: Penn State’s Abdul Carter went No. 3 to the Giants; Michigan’s Mason Graham and Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty round out the top six.
Wide Receiver Surge: Jacksonville grabbed Hunter at No. 2, and Green Bay picked Texas WR Matthew Golden at No. 23 — their first first-round WR since 2002.

Penn State defensive end Abdul Carter poses after being chosen by the New York Giants with the third overall pick during the first round of the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 24, 2025, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)

Michigan defensive lineman Mason Graham poses after being chosen by the Cleveland Browns with the fifth overall pick during the first round of the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 24, 2025, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)

NFL Draft 2025: Cam Ward Goes No. 1, Travis Hunter Lands Second, Sanders Left Waiting

Deep Looks

April 25, 2025– In a draft full of surprises and star power, Cam Ward completed a remarkable journey from unheralded high school quarterback to the No. 1 overall pick, selected by the Tennessee Titans in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Travis Hunter, the dynamic two-way player from Colorado, followed closely at No. 2 overall after the Jacksonville Jaguars traded up in a blockbuster deal with the Cleveland Browns. But the biggest shock of the night? Shedeur Sanders, the heavily promoted Colorado quarterback and son of Coach Deion Sanders, was not selected in the first round.

“We all didn’t expect this, of course,” Sanders told friends at his draft party. “But this is fuel to the fire. Tomorrow’s the day.”

Despite high praise from draft analysts and a standout collegiate career, Sanders was overlooked even by QB-needy teams. The New York Giants, who passed on him twice, took Penn State edge rusher Abdul Carter at No. 3 and later used the 25th pick on Ole Miss QB Jaxson Dart, drawing comparisons to the Eli Manning era.

Titans Go All In on Ward

After weeks of speculation, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announced Ward as the first pick to thunderous applause at Lambeau Field — hosting its first-ever NFL Draft. The Texas-born quarterback broke Miami records last season, tossing 39 touchdowns with over 4,300 passing yards, and finished fourth in Heisman voting.

Ward became the Titans’ fourth first-round QB in 20 years, joining Marcus Mariota, Vince Young, and Jake Locker.

“If you’ve got God by your side, the rest takes care of itself,” Ward said after his name was called.

Hunter’s High Price

The Jaguars paid big to land Travis Hunter, sending Cleveland the 5th pick, 36th and 126th picks, plus a 2026 first-rounder in exchange for the second overall selection. Hunter, who played both wide receiver and cornerback, wants to be the first two-way NFL player since Chuck Bednarik in the 1960s.

“I’m super excited to go home,” said Hunter, who’s from Boynton Beach, Florida.

Other First-Round Highlights

No. 4: Patriots protect Drake Maye with LSU tackle Will Campbell, who broke down emotionally on stage.
No. 5: Cleveland takes Michigan DT Mason Graham.
No. 6: Raiders add top RB Ashton Jeanty from Boise State.
No. 7: Jets solidify protection with OT Armand Membou from Missouri.
No. 8–10: Panthers take WR Tetairoa McMillan, Saints grab OT Kelvin Banks Jr., and Bears select TE Colston Loveland.

Shedeur’s Slide Continues

Shedeur Sanders’ fall was arguably the most unexpected development of the night. While teams with immediate quarterback needs opted for defensive help or less-touted QBs, Sanders remained on the board. Draft analysts called it a mix of team needs, scheme fit, and off-field concerns.

“Under no circumstance should this have happened,” Sanders said. “But we understand we’re on to bigger and better things.”

He’ll now hope to be a high-value selection early in the second round.

Green Room Surprises

Michigan CB Will Johnson and Alabama QB Jalen Milroe also remained undrafted after Round 1, adding more intrigue to Friday night’s second round.

Final Picks of Round One

Falcons moved back in at No. 26 to grab James Pearce Jr.
Lions, Ravens, and Packers added defensive linemen and a receiver.
Chiefs wrapped up the night with Ohio State OT Josh Simmons, aiming to better protect QB Patrick Mahomes.