Unexpected Turns at NFL Draft: Hunter Soars, Sanders Slips
GREEN BAY, Wis. — The first round of the NFL draft defied expectations Thursday night as teams prioritized disruptive playmakers over conventional quarterback prospects.
Hunter Drafted second Overall
Two-way Colorado standout Travis Hunter, known for his exceptional skills as both a wide receiver and cornerback, was selected second overall by the Jacksonville Jaguars. The jaguars traded up with the Cleveland Browns to secure Hunter, a move signaling their belief in his ability to redefine the game.
Sanders Overlooked in First Round
Shedeur Sanders, the highly touted Colorado quarterback once projected as a potential No.1 pick, surprisingly went unselected in the entire first round. Despite notable pre-draft buzz, Sanders was passed over by all 32 teams.
Jaguars GM lauds Hunter’s Potential
Jaguars General Manager James Gladstone emphasized Hunter’s transformative potential, stating, “There are players that you can target and acquire that alter the trajectory of a football team… Travis is somebody that we view has the potential to do that.”
Hunter Compared to Shohei Ohtani
Earlier in the week, Browns general manager Andrew Berry likened Hunter’s two-way prowess to that of Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani, a comparison that seemingly resonated with the Jaguars’ decision-makers.
Colorado Honors Hunter and Sanders
Both Hunter and Sanders have been honored by the University of Colorado, which recently retired their jersey numbers.
NFL Draft Makes History in Green Bay; Quarterbacks and Running Backs Highlight First round
Green Bay, Wis. — The 2025 NFL Draft kicked off with a historic first round in Green Bay, drawing an estimated 205,000 fans to Lambeau Field. Commissioner Roger Goodell, met with the customary boos, was joined by a group of Green Bay Packers legends.
A Historic Night in Green Bay
The draft marked a significant milestone for both the NFL and the city of Green Bay. Commissioner Goodell emphasized the Packers’ integral role in the league’s legacy, stating, “You can’t write the history of the NFL without talking about the Green Bay Packers.” The event transformed the area outside Lambeau Field into a massive festivity of football.
Giants Make Unexpected Quarterback Move
While Ward wasn’t the only Quarterback selected in the first round, The New York Giants surprised many by trading back into the first round to pick Mississippi quarterback Jaxson Dart after already drafting Penn State pass rusher Abdul Carter third overall.
Chargers and Rams Bolster Offense
The Los Angeles Chargers added depth to their running game by selecting North Carolina’s Omarion Hampton, while the Los Angeles Rams also made offensive improvements in the first round.
Rams Secure Future with Strategic Draft Day Trade; Servite High Alumni Shine
The Los Angeles Rams made a significant move during the NFL Draft, trading the 26th overall pick to the Atlanta Falcons.In return,the Rams acquired a second-round pick in the current draft and a valuable first-round pick in 2026,bolstering their future draft capital.
Servite High School Celebrates Two Top-10 Draft Picks
Two alumni from Servite High School in Anaheim, California, were selected within the first eight picks of the draft. Defensive tackle Mason Graham, from the University of Michigan, was chosen by the Cleveland Browns with the No.5 pick. Wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan, from the University of Arizona, was drafted by the Carolina Panthers at No. 8.
Strong Showing for California High Schools in the 2024 NFL Draft
A significant number of players with roots in California high school football were selected in the 2024 NFL Draft,underscoring the state’s prominence as a breeding ground for top-tier football talent. Several local prospects achieved their dreams of playing professional football.
Defensive Linemen Lead the Charge
Defensive linemen from California high schools made a particularly strong showing in the draft. These athletes were selected to bolster the defensive lines of NFL teams across the league.
Graham Selected
Mason Graham, a standout defensive lineman from Michigan and an alumnus of Servite high School in anaheim, was among those drafted. His selection highlights the impact of California high school programs on collegiate and professional football.
Wide Receiver Garner’s Opportunity
Another notable draftee is Jalen Garner, a wide receiver from Serra High School. Adding to the list of California preps that were selected to play at the next level.
continued California Presence in the NFL
The 2024 NFL Draft results are a testament to the enduring strength and quality of football programs in California high schools. The success of these athletes serves as an inspiration for aspiring players and a point of pride for their communities.
NFL Draft 2025: Offensive and Defensive Linemen Dominate First Round
The 2025 NFL Draft saw a heavy emphasis on bolstering both offensive and defensive lines, while unexpected picks and draft-day snubs created buzz.
Linemen in High Demand
The early rounds were defined by a focus on the trenches, with nine defensive linemen and eight offensive linemen being selected. Abdul Carter of Penn state was the first defensive lineman off the board at No. 3 overall.
Raiders Grab Coveted Running Back
New Las Vegas Raiders coach Pete Carroll made a splash by selecting Ashton Jeanty from Boise State with the No. 6 pick. Jeanty was widely considered the draft’s top running back prospect and is the highest-drafted player in Boise State’s history.Carroll celebrated the pick by posting a meme of Marshawn Lynch on X, saying, “We’re fired up!! RAAAAIIIDDDEERRRSS!!”
Packers Get a First-Round Receiver
In a move that excited their fanbase, the Green bay Packers used their first-round pick to select texas wide receiver Matthew Golden. golden, who ran a 4.29-second 40-yard dash at the scouting combine,is the first receiver the Packers have taken in the first round as 2002. The pick was met with loud cheers and fireworks.
Golden said he had a feeling he would end up in Green Bay after meeting Packers GM Brian Gutekunst, stating “Man, I knew once I shook his hand, something just told me they’re going to come get me.”
Draft Day Surprises
Several projected first-round picks, including Michigan cornerback Will Johnson, South Carolina safety nick Emmanwori, and edge rushers Mike Green of Marshall and Donovan Ezeiruaku of Boston College, did not hear their names called during the first round.
Sanders Celebrates in Style
Instead of attending the draft, Sanders watched from a private draft party in Texas, sporting a gem-encrusted gold necklace and shimmering chest plate for the occasion.
Shedeur Sanders Awaits NFL Draft Fate After Disappointing First Round
Quarterback Shedeur Sanders, son of NFL Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, remains undrafted after the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft concluded Thursday night. Despite pre-draft buzz and carrying his father’s “Legendary” brand, Sanders did not hear his name called, leaving him to face an uncertain future as the draft continues.
Visibly disappointed, sanders addressed family and friends, offering a message of resolve after the opening round.Acknowledging the setback, sanders framed the situation as “more fuel to the fire,” drawing parallels to the draft slides experienced by quarterbacks aaron Rodgers, Brady Quinn, and Geno Smith in their respective years.
“Tomorrow’s the day, and we’re going to be happy irrespective,” Sanders stated, expressing optimism for the remaining rounds of the draft.
Unexpected Turns at the 2025 NFL Draft: Q&A
The 2025 NFL Draft delivered a night of surprising picks and historic moments. Here’s a breakdown of the key takeaways in an easy-too-understand Q&A format.
Key Draft Day Questions Answered
Q: Who was the biggest surprise of the draft?
A: without a doubt, the selection of Travis Hunter by the Jacksonville Jaguars with the second overall pick was a major headline. Hunter, a two-way player from colorado, is considered one of the top talents in the draft class [[1](https://www.patspulpit.com/2025/4/23/24414538/patriots-2025-nfl-draft-target-travis-hunter-colorado-profile-scouting-report)].
Q: What made Travis Hunter such a high pick?
A: Hunter’s versatility is unmatched. He excels as both a wide receiver and a cornerback, leading to comparisons to MLB star Shohei Ohtani by Browns GM Andrew Berry. The Jaguars clearly believe he can transform their team [[1](https://www.patspulpit.com/2025/4/23/24414538/patriots-2025-nfl-draft-target-travis-hunter-colorado-profile-scouting-report)].
Q: What happened to Shedeur Sanders?
A: despite pre-draft hype, Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders, son of NFL Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, went unselected in the first round. He’s quoted saying this is “more fuel to the fire”.
Q: What were some other unexpected draft outcomes?
A: Several highly-touted players, including Michigan cornerback Will Johnson, South Carolina safety Nick Emmanwori, and edge rushers Mike Green and Donovan Ezeiruaku were not selected in the first round.
Q: What positions were most emphasized in the first round?
A: The 2025 draft prioritized the trenches,with a significant emphasis on offensive and defensive linemen. Nine defensive linemen and eight offensive linemen were selected early on. Abdul Carter of Penn State was the first defensive lineman off the board.
Q: What other notable picks came out of the draft?
A: The las Vegas Raiders picked running back Ashton Jeanty, who was the top running back prospect. The Green bay Packers selected wide receiver Matthew Golden, who ran a 4.29 at the scouting combine.
Q: What was the importance of the draft being in Green Bay?
A: The draft in Green Bay marked a historic moment,drawing a massive crowd of 205,000 fans to Lambeau Field. Commissioner Roger Goodell highlighted the Packers’ integral role in NFL history. The draft transformed the area outside Lambeau into a massive festivity of football.
Takeaways
The 2025 NFL Draft showed that teams are willing to take risks and prioritize players who can make an immediate impact. Keep an eye on how these draft picks perform as the season unfolds.
