Who Should Go No. 1 in the 2025 NFL Draft? Cam Ward, Abdul Carter, or Travis Hunter?
With the 2025 NFL Draft fast approaching, the debate over who will be selected first overall is intensifying. The Tennessee Titans currently hold the top pick, and while they’ve made it clear they “will not pass on generational talent,” speculation is growing that the New York Giants, who are sitting at pick 3, could make a move to trade up for a quarterback.
The race for the No. 1 selection is shaping up to be a three-way battle between Miami quarterback Cam Ward, Penn State linebacker Abdul Carter, and Colorado’s two-way superstar Travis Hunter. Each brings a unique skill set, but who truly deserves to be the first name called on draft night? Let’s break it down.
Cam Ward: The Poised Playmaker
Position: Quarterback | School: Miami | Size: 6’2”, 220 lbs
Cam Ward’s transfer to Miami proved to be a game-changer. Under head coach Mario Cristobal, he thrived in a pro-style offense, showcasing his arm strength, mobility, and ability to make throws on the run. Ward’s stock has skyrocketed throughout the pre-draft process, and he has drawn comparisons to Jordan Love for his ability to extend plays and make tough throws downfield.
In 2024, Ward passed for 4,300 yards, 36 touchdowns, and 9 interceptions, proving he can operate in a structured offense while still providing elite off-script playmaking. His quick release, deep-ball accuracy, and athleticism make him an intriguing prospect for teams needing a long-term quarterback solution.
Biggest Strength: Ward possesses elite physical tools, including arm talent and mobility. His ability to evade pressure and make plays outside the pocket is a rare trait among top quarterback prospects.
Biggest Concern: While Ward’s arm talent is undeniable, his decision-making under pressure has raised concerns. He can be overly aggressive, leading to avoidable turnovers. His ability to process defenses quickly at the next level will be a key area of development.
Abdul Carter: The Defensive Game-Wrecker
Position: Linebacker/EDGE | School: Penn State | Size: 6’3”, 250 lbs
Every draft has a defensive player who makes teams think twice about automatically selecting a quarterback first, and Abdul Carter is that guy. The Penn State standout has been compared to Micah Parsons for his ability to wreck offensive game plans with his combination of speed, strength, and versatility.
Carter dominated in 2024, racking up 14 sacks and 22 tackles for loss, proving he can be both a dominant pass-rusher and a sideline-to-sideline enforcer. His ability to disrupt plays in multiple ways has made him one of the most coveted defenders in recent draft history.
Biggest Strength: Carter is a complete defensive prospect—he can rush the passer, stop the run, and even drop into coverage when needed. His athleticism and motor are top-tier, and he projects as an immediate-impact player in the NFL.
Biggest Concern: Health! Carter is currently dealing with a stress reaction in his right foot that could require surgery. This has raised red flags for some teams, as foot injuries can linger and impact a player’s long-term explosiveness. If medical evaluations show he’ll make a full recovery, he remains a strong candidate for the No. 1 pick.
Travis Hunter: The Two-Way Superstar
Position: Wide Receiver/Cornerback | School: Colorado | Size: 6’1”, 185 lbs
Travis Hunter is unlike any prospect in modern draft history. A true two-way player, he has excelled at both wide receiver and cornerback at Colorado, showing elite playmaking ability on both sides of the ball.
In 2024, Hunter recorded 1,200 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns on offense, while also tallying 4 interceptions and 12 pass breakups on defense. His versatility, athleticism, and elite ball skills make him one of the most exciting draft prospects in years, if not history.
Biggest Strength: Hunter’s ability to impact a game in multiple ways is unmatched. He’s a top-tier cornerback prospect with lockdown ability, but his dynamic playmaking as a receiver has some teams envisioning him as the next two-way NFL superstar.
Biggest Concern: While Hunter’s talent is undeniable, NFL teams will need to decide how to use him. Will he be allowed to play both ways, or will he be forced to specialize? There’s also concern about his durability, given the workload he handled at Colorado.
Who Will Go No. 1? The Titans Hold the Key
The Tennessee Titans currently hold the No. 1 pick, and with their statement about not passing on “generational talent,” Abdul Carter could be a strong candidate if they believe he fits that definition. However, the New York Giants are rumored to be aggressively pursuing a trade-up for a quarterback, which could shake up the entire draft order.
As the draft approaches, the biggest question remains: will Tennessee stay put and take the best overall player, or will they trade down and let another QB-needy team make the pick?
One thing is certain—the 2025 NFL Draft will be must-watch TV.
I am a 22-year-old senior at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, currently completing my first semester of senior year with an expected graduation in December of 2025. I am pursuing a double major in Sports Law and Finance, along with a minor in Marketing. My lifelong passion for the NFL fuels from a young age as it has been a dream since childhood to become an NFLPA-certified players agent, and while I appreciate every aspect of the National Football League, I am especially devoted to the Philadelphia Eagles.