Outlook for Each 2025 NFL 1st-Round Pick Heading into Training Camp

Everyone has to start somewhere, right?

Rookies in the NFL all have different starting points, even the first-round picks. While it would be ideal for each team’s top selection to come in and contribute and/or start the moment they walk into the building, that’s not always the case.

Some teams draft players to get ahead of needs and develop them for the future, while others need to solve a major problem right away.

With training camp just a few weeks away and thus, the start of the 2025 draft class’ professional careers, let’s take a look at the situation each first-rounder is heading into this summer.

That’ll give us an idea of who is expected to walk in as a starter, and who might have to compete for playing time over the next month or so.

Picks 32-29

AP Photo/Jeffrey T. Barnes

32. OT Josh Simmons, Kansas City Chiefs

Initial Role: Compete for starting LT

If Simmons is healthy, expect him to be protecting Patrick Mahomes’ blindside in Week 1 this fall. The Chiefs did sign Jaylon Moore in free agency to potentially take on that role, but Moore should be more of an insurance policy in case the rookie isn’t ready to go than the full-time starter. 

The veteran played in 55 career games but only made 12 starts in San Francisco, while Simmons could have been the highest-drafted offensive tackle if it weren’t for the season-ending knee injury last fall. Luckily, Andy Reid said on June 19 that the first-round pick will be a full participant in training camp, per ESPN’s Adam Teicher.

31. LB Jihaad Campbell, Eagles

Initial Role: Compete for starting LB

Last year’s breakout star and first-team All-Pro selection, Zack Baun, isn’t going anywhere in the Eagles’ starting lineup. But the defense will likely be missing Nakobe Dean at least to begin the upcoming campaign, as Dean tore a patellar tendon during the playoffs.

That creates an opportunity for Campbell to play right away. However, second-year pro Jeremiah Trotter Jr. played well in his limited opportunities last year to provide some competition. Still, the Alabama product is the favorite to win the job, and the bigger question is if he can play well enough to keep it when Dean returns.

30. CB Maxwell Hairston, Buffalo Bills

Initial Role: Compete for starting CB

Hariston’s outlook is a little foggy right now since he could face discipline from the NFL after being accused of sexual assault while in college. Obviously, taking care of that situation is paramount, but he is also facing a position battle during training camp.

The Bills were looking to add a starting cornerback opposite Christian Benford this offseason, bringing Tre’Davious and Dane Jackson back to Buffalo after a year away. The Kentucky product is still the favorite to win that job, but he’ll have to fend off a couple of veterans this summer.

29. OT Josh Conerly Jr., Washington Commanders

Initial Role: Compete for starting RT

The Commanders traded for five-time Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil this offseason, so Conerly will have to learn a new position in training camp. But the rookie still has a good chance at cracking the starting lineup if he has a seamless transition and beats out last year’s starting right tackle, Andrew Wiley.

Granted, second-year pro and 2024 left tackle Brandon Coleman could factor into the competition as well, but Coleman was primarily taking reps on the inside during the spring practices in Washington.

Picks 28-25

AP Photo/Angelina Katsanis

28. DT Tyliek Williams, Detroit Lions

Initial Role: Compete for fill-in duties

Technically, Williams will be battling with Levi Onwuzurike for a starting spot in training camp. However, that’s only because Alim McNeill is recovering from a late-season torn ACL and isn’t expected to be ready to return during training camp and the Week 1 matchup in Green Bay, making it more of a “fill-in” role. 

When healthy, McNeill and DJ Reader will be the Lions’ starting defensive tackles, pushing the Ohio State product into backup duties in year one. Then again, Williams will have a chance to prove himself and keep the job while the five-year pro is sidelined.

27. S Malaki Starks, Baltimore Ravens

Initial Role: Starting Safety

With Ar’Darius Washington tearing an Achilles, Starks has a clear and easy path to the starting lineup. Part of the reason the Ravens used their first-round pick on the Georgia product is that they are thin at safety, so he doesn’t have much, if any, competition to be a Week 1 start with Washington on the mend.

26. Edge James Pearce Jr., Atlanta Falcons

Initial Role: Situational Pass-Rusher

The Falcons desperately needed to improve their pass rush this offseason, so it made sense that they targeted Pearce during the draft. However, Atlanta also signed Leonard Floyd in free agency and used a higher pick on Jalon Walker, pushing the Tennessee product onto the bench in year one.

Pearce’s run defense could use some work anyway, and he has enough pass-rush skills to still contribute in passing situations as a rookie.

25. QB Jaxson Dart, New York Giants

Initial Role: Backup QB

Dart could use some time to sit and develop, especially when it comes to his ability to read defenses quickly and throw with anticipation.

Meanwhile, the Giants brought in veterans Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston during free agency, who can get the team by and prevent the young quarterback from being thrown into the fire too early. The Ole Miss product could easily win the second-string job during training camp, though.

Picks 24-21

AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar

24. Donovan Jackson, Minnesota Vikings

Initial Role: Compete for starting LG

The Vikings will likely have three new starting interior offensive linemen this season, with Jackson occupying one of those spots. However, he’ll have to beat out last year’s starting left guard, Blake Brandel, in training camp. That’s a battle the Ohio State product should win, but he won’t be handed the job and has to earn it.

23. WR Matthew Golden, Green Bay Packers

Initial Role: Compete for starting job

While the Packers need a WR1, the offense does have a collection of young wideouts who have been productive recently with Romeo Doubs, Jayden Reed, Christian Watson and Dontayvion Wicks returning from last season. Granted, Watson is expected to begin training camp on the PUP list.

So, Golden might be expected to crack the starting lineup as a rookie, but he’ll have plenty of competition and will have to prove himself in training camp.

22. RB Omarion Hampton, Los Angeles Chargers

Initial Role: RB2

Jim Harbaugh is an old-school coach who loves to run the ball, so Hampton will get plenty of touches regardless of whether he’s at the one or two spot on the Chargers’ depth chart. 

But Los Angeles also brought in Najee Harris this offseason, who has four 1,000-yard campaigns in as many seasons, to be the lead back heading into training camp. That could easily change as the year goes on, but Harris seems like the favorite right now.

21. DT Derrick Harmon, Pittsburgh Steelers

Initial Role: Starting DL

The Steelers moved on from Larry Ogunjobi this offseason, creating a vacancy on their defensive line. Harmon has the talent to start right away, especially under Cameron Heyward’s guidance, and the Oregon product will eventually fill the five-time All-Pro’s shoes in Pittsburgh.

Picks 20-17

AP Photo/Chris O'Meara

20. DB Jahdae Barron, Denver Broncos

Initial Role: Starting CB

Whether it’s on the perimeter opposite Pat Surtain II or inside at nickel, expect to see Barron in the Broncos’ starting lineup. While last year’s starters Riley Moss and Ja’Quan McMillian return, both left the door open for someone to take their jobs with their play last year.

Ultimately, the Texas product’s talent and versatile skill set are too good for Denver to keep him off the field.

19. WR Emeka Egbuka, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Initial Role: Compete for WR3

How far along Chris Godwin is in his recovery from the dislocated ankle that prematurely ended his 2024 campaign plays a factor in what Egbuka’s role in the Bucs’ offense will be early on. Ideally, Godwin is ready to go during training camp, and Egbuka takes on the WR3 role.

However, second-year pro Jalen McMillan finished last season strong and racked up eight touchdowns, while nine-year veteran Sterling Shepard will also provide some competition for the rookie.

18. OL Grey Zabel, North Dakota State

Initial Role: Starting G

Seattle had arguably the worst offensive line in the league last year, and the interior was the unit’s biggest problem. With no significant free-agent signings at guard or center, Zabel will easily be a day-one starter. 

The only question is how quickly he can make the transition from college tackle to NFL guard. Luckily, the North Dakota State product got some experience playing on the inside during his first four years in Fargo. 

17. Edge Shemar Stewart, Cincinnati Bengals

Initial Role: Holdout?

Stewart is currently the only first-round pick who hasn’t signed his rookie contract yet, as the Texas A&M product and the Bengals are currently in a standoff. According to USA Today’s Tyler Dragon, the two parties have had discussions, but no progress has been made as of July 3.

That situation needs to be resolved before any sort of discussion about what the rookie’s role on the team will be, as it seems to be trending toward some form of a holdout. On top of that, Trey Hendrickson’s contract negotiations will impact Stewart’s outlook as well.

Picks 16-13

AP Photo/Brynn Anderson

16. DL Walter Nolen, Arizona Cardinals

Initial Role: Compete for a starting DL job

The Cardinals made some major changes to their defensive line this offseason, signing Josh Sweat, Calais Campbell and Dalvin Tomlinson in addition to drafting Nolen. The three free-agent additions, and 2024 trade deadline acquisition Baron Browning, feel like shoo-ins to start, leaving one job in the trenches up for grabs.

The Ole Miss product is entering training camp as the favorite to win the first-string role, but 2024 first-round pick Darius Robinson won’t go down without a fight.

15. Edge/LB Jalon Walker, Atlanta Falcons

Initial Role: Starting Edge

Walker’s skill set could allow Atlanta to use him as an off-ball linebacker who blitzes on third downs. However, the Falcons already have Kaden Elliss for that role and need help on the edge.

Free-agent addition Leonard Floyd will likely occupy the other starting spot opposite the Georgia product, while fellow first-round pick James Pearce Jr. comes off the bench. 

14. TE Tyler Warren, Indianapolis Colts

Initial Role: Starting TE

There’s no question that Warren will enter training camp as the top tight end in Indianapolis. The bigger mystery is where he’ll fall in the passing game’s pecking order with Michael Pittman, Alec Pierce and Josh Downs out wide. 

Granted, the answer might depend on who wins the quarterback battle between Anthony Richardson and Daniel Jones.

13. DT Kenneth Grant, Miami Dolphins

Initial Role: Starting DT

Zach Sieler has quietly become a very good interior defender over the last few years in Miami, but the Dolphins’ defensive line was desperate for another playmaker on the inside heading into the draft. Hence why the front office took Grant early last April. 

The only question is where the Michigan product will line up, at nose or as the 4i-technique opposite Sieler? The defense could use help at either spot. 

Picks 12-9

AP Photo/Tony Avelar

12. G Tyler Booker, Dallas Cowboys

Initial Role: Starting RG

The Cowboys needed some help in the trenches to improve their rushing attack, which ranked 27th in the league last year. That’s where Booker’s nasty demeanor comes in as he’s a mauler in the trenches and should start right away in Dallas. 

That said, the Alabama product will be flipping sides of the center since he was primarily a left guard in college, where two-time Pro Bowler Tyler Smith lines up. Also, four-year veteran Robert Jones started 17 games in Miami last season, providing some insurance if the rookie isn’t ready.

11. Edge Mykel Williams, San Francisco 49ers

Initial Role: Starting DE

Nick Bosa needs a running mate to take some of the pressure off his shoulders. That’s why the 49ers spent their high draft pick on Williams. 

While Bryce Huff and Yetur Gross-Matos will provide competition, Huff is a situational pass-rusher, and Gross-Matos has only been a full-time starter once in five career seasons. That points to the rookie getting thrown into the fire early on.

10. TE Colston Loveland, Chicago Bears

Initial Role: Second TE

The Bears already have an established tight end in Cole Kmet, who has nearly 2,600 receiving yards and 19 touchdowns in five seasons. Plus, Loveland is recovering from offseason shoulder surgery, so the Bears would be smart to ease the rookie into the rotation. 

That said, Ben Johnson is expected to lean heavily on 12 personnel with Kmet and Loveland in the fold, so the Michigan product will still have a role in the offense this fall.

9. OT Kelvin Banks Jr., New Orleans Saints

Initial Role: Starting LT

The Saints tried to get away with playing Taliese Fuaga at left tackle and Trevor Penning on the right side last season, but both struggled in pass protection. Hence why the front office used its top 10 pick on Banks, allowing Fuaga to move back to his college position at right tackle and Penning to get a shot at guard.

That lineup, with Erik McCoy and Cesar Ruiz at the other two interior spots, looks like the best combination up front for New Orleans this year. 

Picks 8-5

AP Photo/John Locher

8. WR Tetairoa McMillan, Carolina Panthers

Initial Role: Compete for WR1

While Carolina needed a wide receiver this offseason, the team wasn’t necessarily desperate for one with Adam Thielen, Xavier Legette and Jalen Coker already on the roster. 

McMillan will still enter training camp as a starter and could easily become the Panthers’ top receiver, but he’ll have to establish chemistry with Bryce Young quickly and outplay those three wideouts, especially Thielen, this summer to earn that role.

7. OT Armand Membou, New York Jets

Initial Role: Starting RT

With 2024 first-rounder Olu Fashanu at left tackle, Membou will get to stick at his natural position in New York.

The Missouri product isn’t a perfect prospect and could use some time to develop, but the Jets’ other tackle options are Carter Warren and Chukwuma Okorafor, both of whom were primarily backups over the last two years.

6. RB Ashton Jeanty, Las Vegas Raiders

Initial Role: Lead RB

The Raiders, who ranked dead last in rushing yards last season, didn’t spend a top-10 selection on a running back to not feature him in the offense early and often. 

With 33-year-old Raheem Mostert being Jeanty’s biggest competition for carries in Las Vegas, expect the Boise State product to get plenty of touches in year one.

That makes him a strong Offensive Rookie of the Year candidate.

5. DT Mason Graham, Cleveland Browns

Initial Role: Compete for Starting Job

Graham should be a starter for the Browns in Week 1, but the job won’t just be handed to him. Cleveland has a few decent defensive tackles in free-agent signing Maliek Collins, 10-year veteran Shelby Harris and 2024 second-round pick Mike Hall Jr. 

Granted, Hall is recovering from a knee injury, but Collins and Harris will at least make the rookie earn his spot in training camp.

Picks 4-1

AP Photo/Angelina Katsanis

4. OT Will Campbell, New England Patriots

Initial Role: Starting LT

The primary reason the Patriots took Campbell this high is that they don’t have another legitimate option to protect Drake Maye’s blind side. As a result, the LSU product will be taking on the league’s best pass-rushers immediately, starting with the Raiders' Maxx Crosby in the season opener.

3. Edge Abdul Carter, New York Giants

Initial Role: Situational Pass-Rusher

After racking up 12 sacks during his first year as a full-time edge-rusher last season, there’s little to no doubt about Carter’s pass-rush ability. However, he could use some time to develop against the run, and Kayvon Thibodeaux is still on the Giants' roster.

So, the 2022 first-rounder will likely be the starter early on to help ease the 2025 first-rounder along.

2. WR/CB Travis Hunter, Jacksonville Jaguars

Initial Role: Starting WR/Backup CB

Hunter’s situation is complicated since he’s a unique two-way player. Right now, the Jaguars could use more help at wide receiver than at cornerback.

Trevor Lawrence needs a second target behind Brian Thomas Jr., and Jacksonville has Tyson Campbell, Jourdan Lewis and Jarrian Jones to line up at the three cornerback spots.

The Heisman Trophy winner likely will still have a role in the secondary this season, but the team’s roster construction allows him to make a bigger impact offensively in year one. 

1. QB Cam Ward, Tennessee Titans

Initial Role: Starting QB

With Will Levis slated as the backup in Tennessee, Ward’s tenure as the new face of the Titans’ franchise technically already began during OTAs and minicamp.

The No. 1 overall pick will likely get thrown into the fire immediately and have to work through any rookie growing pains on the field, as the team doesn’t have another legitimate starting quarterback option.