NFL Draft’s 5 best picks from 2025 first-round

Which teams knocked it out of the park in round 1?

The first round of the 2025 NFL Draft was as eventful as people expected. A trade rocked the NFL within the top five, two QBs went (though not the ones you expected) and the run on linemen was hot and heavy. However, a few teams stood out above the rest, making really nice moves that instantly raise the ceiling of their team. Here are my favorite picks from Round 1 of the NFL Draft.

Baltimore Ravens pick Georgia S Malaki Starks at 27

Starks was a top five player for me throughout this process, a versatile guy who could play on the roof or in the slot and be impactful on defense. However a “slow” 40 time (he ran a 4.50) and a relatively down year for the Bulldogs saw him fall to the one team that could absolutely use him the best. The Ravens can play him either at nickel or safety, but I think if the Ravens can move Kyle Hamilton to nickel and Starks can play the deep safety role, a fantastic spot for him on a defense that could use the impact player.

San Francisco 49ers pick Georgia EDGE Mykel Williams at 11

Mykel Williams was born to play for a Robert Saleh defense. The best run defending EDGE in the class at 20 years old, Williams has a high floor for a run defense that got absolutely pummeled last season. His pass rush still comes and goes with some stiffness, but he is a powerful pass rusher who has a lot of upside as a pass rusher. Putting him in San Francisco with that nucleus and Kris Kocurek as his position coach could turn into an awesome pick.

Minnesota Vikings pick Ohio State OG Donovan Jackson at 24

The Vikings have invested heavily into their offensive line in this offseason, and Jackson seems like the culmination here. I thought he was one of the best guard in this class and better than Tyler Booker, and getting him at 24 is really good business for Minnesota. His athleticism stands out on the interior, and can also play tackle in a pinch if need be. He’s a really good player who I think will help elevate an offensive line that fell apart last year.

Cincinnati Bengals pick Texas A&M EDGE Shemar Stewart at 17

I’m a huge fan of Shemar Stewart, a monster player who has the potential to be a fantastic player on the edge. Cincinnati needs more of an edge presence opposite Trey Hendrickson, and Stewart has the capability to set the edge in the run game, and push the pocket as a pass rusher. Plus, he’s the elite athlete that DC Al Golden would love on the outside, with a lot of runway for growth left. The Bengals were a horrendous run defense last season, and Stewart can immediately help them there.

Philadelphia Eagles pick Jihaad Campbell at 31

Yeah man, the Eagles keep doing this. I know he’s got some injury issues, but if he’s anywhere close to 100% the Eagles get such a versatile player at the second level. Campbell is a force on the inside who has range as a linebacker and the instincts to work really well next to Zack Baun. With Vic Fangio pulling the strings on that defense, the Eagles finally start to invest in off-ball LBs and Jihaad Campbell is a perfect fit.