The NFL draft took place in Green Bay, Wisconsin, from April 24 to 26, and 257 players were selected.
The top pick of this year’s draft was Cam Ward, a quarterback from the University of Miami. Ward was drafted by the Tennessee Titans.
As a Heisman trophy finalist at the conclusion of his collegiate career, Ward was pushed into the spotlight and gained people’s attention.
Coach Andrew Blakemore, an Upper School English teacher at University Academy, said, “Cam Ward seems like a great leader who is 100% set on being the best football player he can be. I’m excited to watch him succeed.”
Travis Hunter, a cornerback and wide receiver from the University of Colorado, was drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars as the second overall pick of the draft. Many believe Hunter is one of the top players to play both sides of the ball. He averaged 115.1 snaps per game in 2023, and in 2024, he averaged 111.5 snaps per game.
Coach Aaron Clark, the Upper School PE teacher, said, “I think that was a great pick. He was the best draft prospect of this year’s draft. He is a top player on both sides of the ball. Literally, he was voted for the top awards on both sides of the ball and won the Heisman.”
Abdul Carter, a defensive end from Penn State University, was drafted by the New York Giants as the third overall pick; Will Campbell, a tackle from Louisiana State University, was drafted by the New England Patriots in the fourth slot, and Mason Graham, a defensive tackle from the University of Michigan, was drafted by the Cleveland Browns to round out the top five.
Shedeur Sanders, a quarterback from the University of Colorado, also participated in the NFL draft, hoping to follow in his father, Deion Sanders’, footsteps. Many people thought Shedeur Sanders would be picked in the first round, but that didn’t happen. He was eventually drafted in the fifth round by the Cleveland Browns.
The Kansas City Chiefs picked up seven new rookies including offensive linemen Josh Simmons, left tackle Omarr Norman-Lott, defense end Ashton Gillotte, cornerback Nohl Williams, wide receiver Jalen Royals, linebacker Jeffrey Bassa, and running back Brashard Smith.
The linemen the Chiefs added will hopefully be able to protect Patrick Mahomes and apply pressure to opposing quarterbacks, too.
Coach Blakemore said, “I’m glad the Chiefs addressed the offensive linemen and defensive linemen—it all starts in the trenches. I’m also hoping the wide receiver and running back can have a chance to compete for some meaningful snaps later in the season.”
Several players who graduated from local high schools were drafted, as well. Aireontae Ersery, a collegiate left tackle who graduated from Ruskin High School, was drafted by the Houston Texans in the second round of the draft. The Texans also picked up Jaylin Noel, a wide receiver from Park Hill High School, in the third round. Armand Membou, an offensive tackle from Lee’s Summit North High School, was drafted by the New York Jets in the first round.
Coach Blakemore said he always enjoys watching the draft because he gets to see young men reach their goal of playing in the NFL.
Coach Clark said he also appreciates the draft because he gets to see his team, the New England Patriots, address many of their problems. The New England Patriots needed a big tackle to help them, he said.
Time will tell how these players will do in the NFL. Tune into games next season to see what happens.
