2025 NFL Draft Retrospective
Revisiting the 2025
First Round
The 2025 NFL Draft produced an Offensive Rookie of the Year (Tetairoa McMillan), a Defensive Rookie of the Year (Carson Schwesinger, technically a second-rounder), and a Super Bowl champion offensive line (Grey Zabel, Will Campbell). Here is how all 32 first-round picks performed in their debut seasons, graded and reviewed one year later.
32 picks
The Real Steals: Notable Day 2 and Day 3 Picks
Some of the best rookies in 2025 were not first-round picks. Here are the later selections who outperformed their draft position.
Won AP Defensive Rookie of the Year with 146 tackles (8th in NFL), 11 TFLs, 2 INTs, and 2.5 sacks. Former walk-on who became the defensive signal-caller for the league 4th-ranked defense. The steal of the entire draft.
Went from second-round afterthought to one of the most improved players in football. Took over as starter midseason and led the Saints to respectability down the stretch. Now the presumptive starter heading into 2026.
Did not miss a single game after an injury-plagued college career. Had four runs of 40+ yards in the regular season (only Jahmyr Gibbs had more). All-Rookie team selection and a key part of the Super Bowl run.
Paired with Rome Odunze to give Caleb Williams two dynamic young receivers. Showed catch-and-run ability that made the Bears offense one of the most explosive in the NFC.
Head coach Todd Bowles called Parrish the team best overall corner in 2025. Held his own in the slot and stepped up on the outside when injuries hit. A third-round gem.
The small-school tight end who led major college football in receptions (117) and receiving yards (1,555) in 2024 proved he could do it at the NFL level. A Day 3 steal who became a reliable target.
2026 Mock Draft
Make your picks for this year
2026 Prospect Rankings
Full scouting reports and grades
Team Needs
Every team heading into 2026
Sleeper QBs
Day 2/3 quarterbacks to watch
Sources: ESPN, NFL.com, PFF, CBS Sports, FOX Sports, The Draft Network, PFWA. Grades reflect full 2025 regular season and playoff performance. Award winners announced at 2026 NFL Honors.