The 2025 NFL draft is all wrapped up. This was one of the most surprising drafts from start to finish in NFL history. There are so many stories that are developing following the 2025 draft. So here is a recap of April 24-26.

The biggest story in this draft is Shadeur Sanders, son of Deion “Prime Time” Sanders, falling to the fifth round, despite being a projected top five pick. This has never happened in NFL history where someone who was undoubtedly one of the top prospects in the draft, got passed on by every single team, multiple times. Sources claim this happened due to off-the-field issues. Specifically, a sense of entitlement and arrogance in Shadeur’s pre-draft interviews. There were reports throughout the pre-draft process that Shedeur Sanders rubbed teams the wrong way during pre-draft interviews. Yet, the belief was still that he was going to be the second or third quarterback drafted. Shadeur ended up going in the fifth round, at pick 144, being the sixth quarterback taken. This is the biggest headline following the draft and will be a very intriguing story to follow during this upcoming NFL season.

Another unexpected post-draft storyline involves Atlanta Falcons defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich and his son, Jax Ulbrich, a 21-year-old student at Ole Miss. Shortly after the draft, a video surfaced of Jax and his friends prank-calling several NFL prospects, including Shadeur Sanders, while pretending to be the general manager of the New Orleans Saints. The prank caused confusion and frustration for the Sanders family. Following public backlash, Jax issued a formal apology, and the Falcons organization took the matter seriously, fining Jeff Ulbrich $100,000, despite him not being directly involved. Reports suggest that other prospects, including Tyler Warren and Mason Graham, were also targeted by similar prank calls. This event has raised concerns about player treatment and the need for more respect during such a pivotal moment in these young athletes’ careers.

One of the more underrated stories from the draft was Miami quarterback Cam Ward going first overall to the Tennessee Titans. Ward’s rise is remarkable, due to him being a zero-star recruit out of high school. He spent two years at Incarnate Word—an FCS school in San Antonio—before transferring to Washington State, where he played two strong seasons. For his senior year, Ward transferred to Miami University and excelled, emerging as the top prospect in the 2025 draft. Ward now continues his football journey with the Tennessee Titans.

All in all, the NFL draft is always a special event where so many men take the next step in their lives: playing in the National Football League. From the 1st pick to the 257th pick, this year’s draft was full of excitement and surprises that will continue to unfold in the coming seasons. The stories, the drama, and the potential for greatness make each draft unforgettable. As NFL commissioner Roger Goodell once said, “The draft is about hope. It’s about finding that one player who can change your future.”