The 2025 National Football League (NFL) draft has picked up a lot of mixed reactions from many sports fans. Most were shown in a positive light, while others think the picks have been questionable. With a total of 257 athletes drafted to teams all over the NFL, there are many players that fans analyzed, especially the ones who stood out, and shared their opinion on. Hope and anticipation for a great season arise with all the new talent that has been drafted.

“This has to be one of the best NFL draft classes I’ve ever watched in my whole life,” said Jerome Epps (11).

There have been many new athletes who have been introduced into the NFL to fit the team’s needs. From first-round picks like Travis Hunter to the Jacksonville Jaguars, Colston Loveland drafted to the Chicago Bears, Cameron Ward to the Tennessee Titans, and more, there has been a plethora of high-caliber picks that will be useful for teams. Some fans express their satisfaction with certain players who were drafted to help fit their teams.

“My team is the Las Vegas Raiders, and I’m happy that we picked up Ashton Jeanty and a couple offensive tackles because we really need that,” said Epps.

Not just expressing joy for what their team has drafted, but also players, some are excited to see talented athletes show off their style of play on the NFL field.

Although there have been great athletes chosen by wise teams, not all teams’ picks have been golden. There have been debates on teams who picked up rather questionable players, and some have been concerned about it. Most of the debates surround the fifth round draft pick, Shedeur Sanders, (drafted into the Cleveland Browns), who is known for being the son of former NFL legend, Deion Sanders Jr.

“I think Shedeur Sanders should’ve gotten picked in the first round of the draft,” said security guard Jason Wiley.

While there was room for a lot of room for better choices, others were very vocal about the controversial decision of the Cleveland Browns’ decision to give up their second overall pick (in the first round) to pick up other players from different rounds. Many fans criticized the Browns for not picking up a better prospect in the first round.

“Shedeur in the fifth round, just leave him undrafted,” said Clayton Clyborne (12). “[The Browns] could have Travis Hunter, but they traded their second pick.”

Some thoughts on the NFL draft go beyond just a team picking a player. Some individuals are hoping that a draft will happen at certain locations. This year’s draft was located in Green Bay, while the next one will happen in Pittsburgh. Some fans are hoping to witness the NFL draft live near where they are, especially one in California.

“Next year, [the draft] is gonna be in Pittsburgh,” said Wiley. “I think they should bring it to Los Angeles one day.”

Despite all the actions the draft has showcased and all the new athletes entering the league, many hope to see a good NFL season in the future, whether it’s guided by the draftees or not. Many students still continue to show support for their teams.

“I’m a fan of the Seattle Seahawks. They’ll probably be good in a few years [and] maybe next year, not this year though,” said Clyborne.