NFL Draft 2025: Winners and Losers

The 2025 NFL Draft has concluded, with some incredible storylines from the past few days continuing to unfold.

Some franchises have effectively addressed their key needs and positioned themselves for success, while others made decisions that left fans and analysts questioning their strategy.

Let’s take a look at some of the winners and losers from the 2025 NFL Draft:

Winners

Cleveland Browns

The Browns made headlines with a daring and intriguing draft approach, particularly regarding their quarterback selections. Choosing Dillon Gabriel in the third round was unexpected, but securing Shedeur Sanders in the fifth round was a shrewd move.

Sanders, once considered a top prospect, now comes at a bargain with a low-cost contract, giving Cleveland significant leverage. He faces a tough challenge to rise above Gabriel on the depth chart, but the Browns have little to lose. If Sanders excels in training camp, he could feature in 2025; if not, they can move on from a fifth-round selection without major consequences.

Beyond the quarterback situation, Cleveland’s draft was impressive. Trading Travis Hunter yielded a valuable haul of picks, which they used effectively, including acquiring top defensive talent Mason Graham. The Browns addressed several key areas, making this a memorable draft for the franchise.

Seattle Seahawks

Seattle’s draft was a model of how to address immediate needs while planning for the future. Following an off-season of change at quarterback, general manager John Schneider executed a precise draft strategy. Grey Zabel, selected in the first round, is set to start immediately at guard, strengthening the offensive line.

Nick Emmanwori, acquired through a trade-up, is an exceptional athlete who will bolster the defensive backfield. At No. 50, tight end Elijah Arroyo was a steal, being the third-ranked player at his position. Additionally, quarterback Jalen Milroe, with his elite physical attributes, could enhance the running game in 2025.

Seattle’s ability to fill gaps and invest in high-potential players marks them as clear winners.

New England Patriots

The Patriots are constructing a formidable offence around Drake Maye, and their 2025 draft class significantly advances this goal. Will Campbell, a first-round tackle, is poised to become a cornerstone of the line.

Running back TreVeyon Henderson is an ideal addition, offering explosive playmaking without needing to be a workhorse back. Sharing carries with Rhamondre Stevenson and Antonio Gibson, Henderson’s vision and burst will be maximised. Wide receiver Kyle Williams provides another target for Maye, enhancing New England’s offensive arsenal. This draft positions the Patriots to fully utilise Maye’s talents and compete strongly in the AFC East.

New York Jets

After a couple of underwhelming seasons, the Jets finally tackled a major roster weakness by selecting Armand Membou in the first round. He will step in as the replacement for Morgan Moses at right tackle, forming a strong tandem with Olu Fashanu.

The Jets also planned for the future by drafting tight end Mason Taylor, a dependable pass-catcher with 6-foot-5 size and excellent route-running skills. Taylor is a perfect fit for new quarterback Justin Fields, who thrives when targeting tight ends. With these selections, the Jets are reshaping their identity and equipping Fields with the tools to succeed.

Losers

Pittsburgh Steelers

The Steelers did not have a poor draft—Derrick Harmon and Kaleb Johnson are expected to make immediate impacts—but their failure to address the quarterback position is perplexing. Are they truly relying on Will Howard or Mason Rudolph as their 2025 starter?

The Steelers’ leverage with quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who they are widely reported to be targeting, has diminished, particularly after new Jets coach Aaron Glenn distanced himself from the Rodgers situation. With Rodgers yet to commit to a 21st NFL season, Pittsburgh’s quarterback room remains uncertain. In a draft rich with promising quarterback talent, the Steelers’ inaction at the position feels like a missed opportunity.

Shedeur Sanders

Shedeur Sanders, once projected as a potential first overall pick, suffered a significant setback in the 2025 NFL Draft. Selected in the fifth round by the Cleveland Browns, Sanders’ draft position represents a substantial financial loss. Had he been chosen in the first round, as many anticipated, he would have secured a rookie contract worth approximately $18 million. Instead, he now faces a four-year deal valued at around $5 million, a difference of $13 million.

Beyond the financial implications, Sanders must now navigate a challenging path to establish himself in the NFL. The Browns, having selected Dillon Gabriel 50 spots earlier, have already invested in another quarterback. This places Sanders in a position where he must outperform Gabriel to climb the depth chart. The pressure is immense; if he fails to impress in training camp, the Browns could easily move on, viewing him as just another fifth-round disappointment.

While joining the Browns presents an opportunity, it is fraught with uncertainty. Sanders has no leverage and must prove his worth immediately. The risk of becoming another overlooked late-round pick looms large, making his journey in the NFL an uphill battle from the start.