2025 NFL draft: Best, worst first-round picks, trades, QBs - ESPN

The No. 1 pick went as expected, but the first round of the 2025 NFL draft had its share of intrigue. Expected first-round picks Shedeur Sanders and Will Johnson remain on the board, while a couple of late trades threw a curveball into what had been a mostly orderly draft night.

Now that the 32 first-round picks have been made, let's discuss everything that's happened — the good picks, the overzealous reaches and the teams that perfectly filled their draft needs. NFL draft analysts Matt Miller, Jordan Reid and Field Yates answered 13 of the biggest lingering questions. Which trades stood out? Did the QBs land in good situations? What are our biggest mock draft regrets? And which playmakers are locks for huge rookie seasons?

We also took a quick look ahead to Day 2, as the second round will get underway Friday at 7 p.m. ET (ESPN/ABC/ESPN App). But first, here's our instant reaction to Day 1.

Jump to a section:
Best pick | Most confusing | Biggest surprise
Best Sanders fit | Mock regrets | Glaring need
Best trade | Improved contenders | Day 2 look

Miller: Jalon Walker to the Falcons at No. 15 was the best pick of the night based on value. I had him at No. 5 in my rankings. He also checks off the team's biggest need with Atlanta having just 31 sacks last season and a desperate lack of speed defensively. Walker's ability to play off-ball linebacker, spy quarterbacks and just straight-up rush off the edge made him a weekly force for Georgia. Now he'll get to stay in state and keep doing it.

Reid: Tetairoa McMillan to the Panthers at No. 8 was my favorite pick because Bryce Young needed a true WR1. The top-ranked wideout in my rankings, McMillan adds an alpha to a room that included a lot of secondary options. Entering a crucial