2025 NFL Draft Round 1 Recap: Shedeur Sanders Goes Undrafted as Jaguars Make Blockbuster Move for Travis Hunter

Updated: April 24, 2025

The 2025 NFL Draft delivered fireworks, drama, and a few jaw-dropping surprises, but no storyline loomed larger than the fall of Shedeur Sanders. The former Colorado quarterback, once projected as a top-five pick in several early mock drafts, went completely undrafted through all 32 picks — a stunning development that has already ignited conversation across the league.

While Sanders watched his name go uncalled, another Buffalo stole the spotlight.

Jaguars Land Travis Hunter in Aggressive Trade-Up

The Jacksonville Jaguars stunned the draft world by trading up to the No. 2 overall spot — originally owned by the Cleveland Browns — to select the dynamic two-way phenom Travis Hunter. The cornerback/wide receiver hybrid from Colorado became the centerpiece of the draft’s biggest move, with Jacksonville surrendering a package of picks to secure Hunter.

Hunter, widely regarded as the most versatile player in the draft, is expected to start immediately at corner and contribute offensively in specialty packages under head coach Doug Pederson.

Titans Go QB at No. 1, Giants Build in the Trenches

The Tennessee Titans kicked off the draft by selecting Miami quarterback Cam Ward, ushering in a new era after a season of quarterback uncertainty. The pick signals the franchise’s commitment to youth and dynamic playmaking at the position.

At No. 3, the New York Giants beefed up their defensive front with the selection of Penn State edge rusher Abdul Carter, a high-motor defender with elite burst and versatility.

Round 1 Highlights and Full Recap

Other major storylines included:

The New England Patriots went offensive line with LSU’s Will Campbell at No. 4, continuing their rebuild in the trenches.
Ashton Jeanty, the explosive Boise State running back, was taken by the Las Vegas Raiders at No. 6.
Kelvin Banks Jr. (OT, Texas) went to the Saints at No. 9, while Colston Loveland, a rising tight end from Michigan, landed in Chicago with the Bears at No. 10.
Defensive depth dominated the middle and back of the round, with selections like Mykel Williams (EDGE, Georgia), Kenneth Grant (DT, Michigan), and Shemar Stewart (EDGE, Texas A&M).

Here’s the full list of Round 1 selections:

Titans – Cam Ward, QB, Miami
Jaguars (via Browns) – Travis Hunter, CB/WR, Colorado
Giants – Abdul Carter, EDGE, Penn State
Patriots – Will Campbell, OT, LSU
Browns (via Jaguars) – Mason Graham, DT, Michigan
Raiders – Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
Jets – Armand Membou, OT, Missouri
Panthers – Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona
Saints – Kelvin Banks Jr., OT, Texas
Bears – Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan
49ers – Mykel Williams, EDGE, Georgia
Cowboys – Tyler Booker, G, Alabama
Dolphins – Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan
Colts – Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State
Falcons – Jalon Walker, EDGE, Georgia
Cardinals – Walter Nolen, DT, Mississippi
Bengals – Shemar Stewart, EDGE, Texas A&M
Seahawks – Grey Zabel, G, North Dakota State
Buccaneers – Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State
Broncos – Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas
Steelers – Derrick Harmon, DT, Oregon
Chargers – Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina
Packers – Matthew Golden, WR, Texas
Vikings – Donovan Jackson, G, Ohio State
Giants (via Texans) – Jaxson Dart, QB, Mississippi
Falcons (via Rams) – James Pearce Jr., EDGE, Tennessee
Ravens – Malaki Starks, SAF, Georgia
Lions – Tyleik Williams, DT, Ohio State
Commanders – Josh Conerly Jr., OT, Oregon
Bills – Maxwell Hairston, CB, Kentucky
Eagles (via Chiefs) – Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama
Chiefs (via Eagles) – Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State

The Shedeur Sanders Fallout

Despite entering the first round of the draft with significant media buzz and impressive collegiate numbers, Shedeur Sanders’ name was never called. Multiple sources reported concerns around his interview process, perceived entitlement, and leadership questions — all of which may have contributed to his shocking slide out of the round altogether.

Still, league insiders expect Sanders to land with a team as a second rounder, with interest reportedly coming from several quarterback-needy franchises.

Looking Ahead

With Travis Hunter now a Jaguar and Cam Ward expected to start Day 1 in Tennessee, the 2025 draft may be remembered as a turning point for multiple franchises — but it could also be defined by the player who wasn’t picked at all.

The next chapter begins now.