Quarterback Cam Ward was the first overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, selected by the Tennessee Titans, capping off a meteoric rise that saw him go from late-round projection to top draft choice in less than a year.

The 22-year-old led the Miami Hurricanes to a 10-3 record last season, recording a nation-leading 39 touchdown passes and racking up 4,313 passing yards — the second-highest in college football. Ward’s performance made him the top quarterback prospect, and the Titans’ first-round pick confirms they see him as their franchise centerpiece.

Travis Hunter Taken Second, Makes Draft History

In a shocking move, the Jacksonville Jaguars traded with the Cleveland Browns to secure the No. 2 overall pick, selecting Travis Hunter, the two-way star from Colorado. Known for his rare versatility, Hunter played both cornerback and wide receiver — a feat not seen since Deion Sanders in the 1990s.

Dubbed a “unicorn” by analysts, Hunter’s dynamic playstyle is expected to be embraced by the Jaguars, who could feature him on both sides of the ball. With Jacksonville scheduled to play in London next season, European NFL fans might get a front-row seat to one of the league’s most intriguing rookies.

Shedeur Sanders Falls Out of First Round

While Ward and Hunter celebrated, the spotlight dimmed on Shedeur Sanders, Hunter’s college quarterback at Colorado and son of NFL legend Deion Sanders. Once considered a top-five pick and even a potential No. 1 overall selection, Shedeur slid out of the first round entirely.

Despite a pre-draft meeting with the quarterback-needy Pittsburgh Steelers, Sanders wasn’t selected with their 21st pick. In a painful twist, the New York Giants even traded back into the first round to select Jaxson Dart from Ole Miss — not Sanders — with the 25th pick.

Shedeur watched the draft unfold privately in Texas alongside his father, and while he avoided the public green room snub, cameras still captured the family’s disappointment.

Day One Recap: 2025 NFL Draft First-Round Highlights

• Cam Ward (QB) – Tennessee Titans

• Travis Hunter (CB/WR) – Jacksonville Jaguars (via trade with Browns)

• Abdul Carter (DE) – New York Giants

• Will Campbell (OT) – New England Patriots

• Mason Graham (DT) – Cleveland Browns

• Ashton Jeanty (RB) – Las Vegas Raiders

• Armand Membou (OL) – New York Jets

• Tetairoa McMillan (WR) – Carolina Panthers

• Kelvin Banks Jr. (OL) – New Orleans Saints

• Colston Loveland (TE) – Chicago Bears

What’s Next for Sanders?

As the 2025 NFL Draft continues with rounds two and three on Friday, all eyes remain on Shedeur Sanders. Will a team finally call his name and end one of the most dramatic slides in recent draft memory?