Underrated first round picks

By: Jake Rajala

The 2025 NFL Draft was full of surprises. Most notably, there were a lot of teams that had a nice value with their pick in the first round. With that said, I’m going to untwine five underrated picks from the first round.

Colston Loveland

Colston Loveland could be a Top-5 tight end in 2025. His total NFL score was 84 – which was second among tight ends. Matt Miller compares him to Sam LaPorta. He ran a 40 in 4.70 and his three cone was 7.25. Meanwhile, Gronk ran it in 7.18. I would have liked to see him taken a couple of picks earlier by the Carolina Panthers. I would say he’s a Top-8 player.

Jihaad Campbell

Philly got a steal in Jihaad Campbell, who they traded a spot up to select him. His total NFL score of 82 was first among linebackers! It’s quite impressive that he’s 6’3, 250 and he can run a 40 in 4.52 seconds. His best comparison is Tremaine Edmunds by B/R. He also reminds me of Patrick Willis.

Jaxson Dart

It was seeming like Jaxson Dart would be a Top-10 pick. The Saints were one of the favorites to land Jaxson at ninth overall. Somehow he landed on the board until 25th overall! Jaxson can throw it quite well deep down the field and he can somehow run a 4.63 40 yard dash. He is often compared to Bo Nix, who was taken 12th overall last season!

Matthew Golden

“I am speed”

Matthew Golden had the biggest praise among first round picks, as he was taken by the Packers, in Green Bay! He ran the 40 in 4.29, which was fastest among WRs. He also comes with impressive ball skills. Green Bay can give him the ball on screens, quick passes, and deep shots. He reminds me of Desean Jackson.

Malaki Starks

Malaki had an NFL score of 78 – which was second among safeties! I would have liked to see the Minnesota Vikings draft Starks – as Harrison Smith is 36 years old! He only managed to run the 40 in 4.5 seconds, but he can make up for his speed with quality instincts. His pro comparison is Jessie Bates, by B/R.