2025 NFL draft
Green Bay, Wisconsin, was chosen over Washington, D.C. as the host city on the 22nd of May 2023. The decision placed the event at Lambeau Field and its adjacent Titletown District for the 24th of April 26, 2025. This location marked a shift from previous years where major metropolitan areas typically hosted the league's annual gathering. The choice highlighted the NFL's willingness to bring its showcase to smaller markets with deep football traditions.
For the first time in the common draft era, all teams held their original selections before any trades occurred. The Jacksonville Jaguars, Cleveland Browns, Philadelphia Eagles, and Kansas City Chiefs traded picks within the first round after the process began. Houston Texans and Los Angeles Rams also moved out of the first round later in the proceedings. This sequence created an unprecedented moment where no team had surrendered their initial slot prior to the start of the draft.
Every player selection came from an NCAA Division I FBS or FCS program during this year's event. Barryn Sorrell flew to Green Bay with family and friends despite not being invited to attend. He stayed all three days until the Packers selected him in the fourth round. Roger Goodell announced his name and welcomed him on stage like a first-round pick. The staff did not know he was present when they submitted the selection.
Tennessee Titans held the first overall pick and selected Cam Ward from the Miami Hurricanes. Ward became the focal point of the opening night as the league's top prospect entered professional play. His transition from college quarterback to NFL starter drew immediate attention from fans and analysts alike. The choice set the tone for the rest of the draft weekend at Lambeau Field.
Three picks were awarded for the 2025 draft pursuant to Resolution JC-2A enacted by the NFL in November 2020. San Francisco, Denver, and Minnesota received compensatory selections for developing minority candidates for head coach or general manager roles. These awards appeared at the end of the third round after standard compensatory picks. If multiple teams qualified, they were distributed by draft order in the first round.
Shedeur Sanders received an unauthorized call during day two of the draft from Jax Ulbrich pretending to be New Orleans Saints staff. Jax is the son of Atlanta Falcons defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich. Another person joined him in making the impersonation attempt. Afterward, Jax and the Falcons issued an apology to Sanders and his family. Other prospects including Abdul Carter, Tyler Warren, Mason Graham, Josh Conerly Jr., Kyle McCord, and Chase Lundt also received calls from unrelated pranksters.
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Common questions
Where and when was the 2025 NFL draft held?
The 2025 NFL draft took place at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin on the 24th of the 26th of April 2025. The league selected this location over Washington, D.C. on the 22nd of May 2023.
Which team made the first overall pick in the 2025 NFL draft?
Tennessee Titans held the first overall pick and selected Cam Ward from the Miami Hurricanes. This selection marked the focal point of opening night as Ward entered professional play.
How many compensatory picks were awarded for the 2025 NFL draft?
Three picks were awarded for the 2025 draft pursuant to Resolution JC-2A enacted by the NFL in November 2020. San Francisco, Denver, and Minnesota received these selections for developing minority candidates for head coach or general manager roles.
Who impersonated New Orleans Saints staff during the 2025 NFL draft?
Jax Ulbrich pretended to be New Orleans Saints staff to call Shedeur Sanders during day two of the draft. Jax is the son of Atlanta Falcons defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich and another person joined him in making the impersonation attempt.
What happened when Barryn Sorrell attended the 2025 NFL draft without an invitation?
Barryn Sorrell flew to Green Bay with family and friends and stayed all three days until the Packers selected him in the fourth round. Roger Goodell announced his name and welcomed him on stage like a first-round pick after the staff submitted the selection.