The NFL Draft is an annual event where years of scouting, strategic foresight, and calculated risk converge. While the full impact of a draft class is judged years down the line, the initial weeks of the season offer a powerful first glimpse. For the 2025 NFL Draft class, preseason and the first two regular-season games have already begun to validate or cast doubt on front office decisions.
These initial performances are rapidly shaping narratives. The choices made have set some rookies on a path to immediate success, while others struggle to live up to their draft status. The immediate on-field results quickly influence everything from fan debates to the odds seen when searching for a BetMGM bonus code, as markets react to which teams made the right call. This analysis deconstructs four of the most talked-about decisions from the 2025 NFL Draft, highlighting two early victories and two picks facing significant scrutiny.
Draft Day Victories
The Cleveland Browns and Atlanta Falcons demonstrated exceptional foresight, securing key contributors in the third round. Their success was built on targeting players who perfectly matched their schematic needs, proving that value can be found well after the first round concludes.
Harold Fannin Jr., a tight end selected by the Cleveland Browns with the 67th pick, stands out as a masterclass in value. Rather than drafting the highest-profile player, Cleveland identified a perfect role player for Kevin Stefanski’s run-heavy attack. With David Njoku in a contract year, Fannin was seen as a versatile weapon for the future.
This vision was immediately validated. Fannin’s debut was impressive, and his 12 total receptions through the first two weeks tied for the second-most in NFL history for a rookie tight end. Moreover, his usage was incredibly diverse; the Browns gave Fannin 72% of the offensive snaps in Week 1, deploying him as an inline tight end, in the slot, and even at wildcat quarterback. This decision highlights the power of drafting for “fit” over “best player available.”
The Atlanta Falcons also struck gold by selecting safety Xavier Watts with the 96th pick. Coming off a 2024 season with a porous pass defense, the Falcons needed high-IQ playmakers. Watts, known for his instincts, was a key component of new head coach Raheem Morris’s defensive vision.
Watts’s impact was immediate. In Week 1, he was inches from two interceptions. In fact, he built on that promise in Week 2 with a game-sealing interception against the Minnesota Vikings. His success has enabled a strategic shift for the Falcons, who are moving towards a more cerebral defense built on versatility and intelligence.
Here is a look at their early impact:
- Harold Fannin Jr. (TE, Cleveland Browns)
- Draft Pick: Round 3, Pick 67
- Weeks 1-2 Stats: 12 receptions, 111 yards
- Key Impact: High-volume usage in a new scheme and tied a record for rookie tight end receptions through two games.
- Xavier Watts (S, Atlanta Falcons)
- Draft Pick: Round 3, Pick 96
- Key Impact: Nearly had two interceptions in his debut and secured a game-sealing interception in Week 2.
Picks Facing Early Scrutiny
In contrast, the Tennessee Titans and Las Vegas Raiders made high-risk, first-round selections that have yet to pay dividends. These decisions underscore the dangers of misjudging team needs and positional value in the modern NFL Draft.
The Tennessee Titans’ selection of quarterback Cam Ward with the No. 1 overall pick placed immense pressure on a rookie entering a dysfunctional situation. The team was coming off a dreadful season marked by a porous offensive line and a lack of discipline. Therefore, placing Ward in this environment was a significant risk.
His debut reflected these underlying problems. Ward was sacked six times and hampered by eight receiver drops against the Broncos. The pick represents a potential strategic misstep, as the Titans used their most valuable asset on a quarterback without first establishing a stable environment. A quarterback’s success is a function of the system around him, and Ward has been set up for a difficult start.
- Cam Ward (QB, Tennessee Titans)
- Draft Pick: Round 1, Pick 1
- Week 1 Stats: 12/28 passing (42.8%), 112 yards, 6 sacks
The Las Vegas Raiders’ decision to select running back Ashton Jeanty with the No. 6 overall pick was perplexing. The league has largely devalued the running back position, and the Raiders had other pressing needs, especially at wide receiver.
Jeanty’s debut did little to quiet concerns. He averaged a meager 2.0 yards per carry against the Patriots. To be sure, he showed promise in pass protection, but his limited rushing production did not justify the high draft capital. The early returns suggest a suboptimal use of a premium asset that could have addressed a higher-value position.
- Ashton Jeanty (RB, Las Vegas Raiders)
- Draft Pick: Round 1, Pick 6
- Week 1 Stats: 19 carries, 38 yards (2.0 YPC)
The Early Verdict and the Road Ahead
The initial analysis offers a compelling narrative. The most successful teams drafted for organizational need and philosophical fit. Cleveland and Atlanta picked solutions perfectly suited for their schemes, allowing their rookies to produce immediately.
In contrast, the struggling decisions highlight the pitfalls of misallocating premium capital. The Titans and Raiders placed rookies in situations where success is difficult, either due to a lack of support or questionable positional value. While the final verdict on this draft class is years away, the lessons are clear. The true winners are the teams that best understood their own needs and the immense value of a perfectly executed plan.
