NFL Draft 2025: 6 Winner and Loser from the talent lottery

From the “only in Green Bay” files: Put this one on your NFL Draft travel playlist—yes, that very German folk song ("Ja, mir san mit'm Radl da) you might recognize in the States as the gospel classic “Just Over in the Gloryland.” Why? Because NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell kicked off the 2025 NFL Draft on a bicycle, flanked by none other than rapper Lil Wayne and a crew of cyclists. You can’t make this up.

Of course, the obligatory boos from the crowd followed - Draft Day tradition at its finest. Even a tribute to NFL Draft host city couldn’t shield him from that. But as always, the focus quickly shifted. After three days, seven rounds, and 257 picks, the outrage has found new targets. Let’s break down the biggest winners and losers of the 2025 NFL Draft:

NFL Draft 2025: Winner

Generational talent and attraction for the NFL London Games 2025: Travis Hiunter

Baltimore Ravens

When you talk about the Ravens, you’re talking about perhaps the most well-rounded—but still ringless—roster in the NFL. GM Eric DeCosta had a pretty straightforward task heading into this year’s draft: Keep the window open for a Super Bowl travel trip, even if the team had only a few glaring needs—most notably a deep safety to pair with Kyle Hamilton. 

Mission accomplished. Georgia standout Malaki Starks headlines a thin safety class and brings instant impact potential. Offensive tackle Emery Jones Jr. is a versatile addition who might slide inside early on. And if second-rounder Mike Green can keep his off-field concerns in check, DeCosta may have snagged a top-20 talent by some Big Boards. Baltimore gets better - again.

Jacksonville Jaguars

Cam Ward, Travis Hunter, Abdul Carter - heading into Round 1, that top trio felt like a lock. But Jacksonville shook things up, winning a behind-the-scenes bidding war for the No. 2 overall pick in a trade with Cleveland. The prize? Travis Hunter, the generational two-way talent out of Colorado.

A lockdown corner and explosive receiver, Hunter is set to become a headliner when the Jags return to NFL London Games this fall - a city that’s never seen anything quite like him. Sure, some argue that the Browns came away with better long-term value (a 2026 first-rounder, plus second-round RB Quinshon Judkins).

But Jacksonville didn’t just make a trade - they made a statement. While their Day 2 and 3 picks lacked consistency, there’s real upside in guys like CB Caleb Ransaw and OT Wyatt Milum. If even one pans out, this class could age very well.

Robert Saleh

What do the first five picks of the San Francisco 49ers’ 2025 draft class have in common? For the first time since 1981, the 49ers used every one of their first five picks on defense - practically rolling out the red carpet for returning DC Robert Saleh.

Can Saleh recreate the magic from his first Niners stint (three NFC title games and a trip to Super Bowl LIV)? That remains to be seen. But pairing Georgia star Mykel Williams with Nick Bosa (DPOY 2022) gives the Niners one of the scariest edge duos in the league. Buckle up, NFC West.

NFL Draft 2025: Loser

Pittsburgh Steelers: Instead of the picks, it was the fans who caused the euphoria at draft weekend in Green Bay

Pittsburgh Steelers

Last year, Pittsburgh was on our winners list. This year? Not so much. Head coach Mike Tomlin and the Steelers stayed true to form—targeting the trenches with power and size—but a few questionable decisions flipped the script.  

They used their second top-100 pick on RB Kaleb Johnson, a luxury pick at best, then waited until the next-to-last round to address the quarterback room. That’s a gamble. Will presumed backup Will Howard step in if things go south? Or will we see Aaron Rodgers - yes, that drama queen Aaron Rodgers - suit up in black and gold when the Steelers travel to NFL Dublin Game for their historic game at Croke Park?  Either scenario feels... the first losing season of the Tomlin era in Steel City.

Shedeur Sanders

Round 1? Nope. Presidential lobbying from Donald Trump? Ignored. It wasn’t until pick No. 144 that Shedeur Sanders finally heard his name called. To add insult to injury, he even fell victim to a fake-out call from the Falcons on live TV.

The drop to Round 5 likely cost him around $13 million in rookie contract value—and he has no one to blame but himself. While his father, Deion “Primetime” Sanders, was a natural showman and game-changer, Shedeur’s skills haven’t caught up to the hype. At least not yet.

Detroit Lions

After getting steamrolled by the Commanders in the playoffs, Detroit entered the offseason looking to reestablish their edge. Instead, things feel... off. First-round DT Tyleik Williams was a surprise pick, and the Lions front office followed that up with several aggressive trades -including a 32-spot leap to draft small-school WR Isaac TeSlaa.

Yes, Detroit has hit on unconventional picks before. But these kinds of reaches can come back to haunt them. Is the Motown Mojo fading? The 2025 season may offer an uncomfortable answer.