2025 NFL Draft: Five draft picks who will be the most impactful in the AFC

As much buzz and hype as there is around free agency and the trade deadline, the draft is how franchises build the foundation of a contending roster.

Paying for players is not a sustainable strategy. Look at the best teams in the league—the Kansas City Chiefs, Philadelphia Eagles, Baltimore Ravens, Buffalo Bills, Detroit Lion, and Los Angeles Rams, to name a few. What do they all have in common? They nail the draft process and make aggressive, forward-thinking picks.

Unlike the previous few drafts, this year's class did not present as much talent and depth. However, several picks will make a significant impact on their respective teams.

Here are the five picks who will be the most impactful in the AFC.

5. Josh Simmons, OT, Kansas City Chiefs

It was evident that the Chiefs had to leave this draft with an offensive lineman who could potentially develop into the long-term solution at left tackle. It was also clear that Kansas City would have to use first-round capital on the position.

Patrick Mahomes was sacked 36 times in the regular season in 2024 and six times in a Super Bowl loss to the Eagles.

Landing Simmons - who was viewed as a potential top-10 pick heading into 2024 - at the end of the first round could prove to be a steal for the Chiefs.

The 22-year-old offensive lineman tore his patella tendon, which tanked his draft stock as teams worried about his long-term health.

If Simmons can stay healthy, he could be the best offensive tackle in this draft class.

4. Omarion Hampton, RB, Los Angeles Chargers

One flaw that everyone could see last season with the Chargers was the lack of explosiveness in the offense.

Hampton's top trait is his explosion and ability to produce "chunk" gains consistently. In 2024, the former Tar Heel running back averaged 5.9 yards per carry and had 45 carries of 10 or more yards.

This type of production on the ground will also open up the passing game, giving Justin Herbert more opportunities to push the ball down the field.

Jim Harbaugh wants to establish the run. With Hampton and Najee Harris, Los Angeles should be one of the most effective rushing offenses in the NFL next season.

3. Cam Ward, QB, Tennessee Titans

Quarterback is the most pivotal position in football, and because of that fact alone, Ward finds himself on this list.

The 22-year-old quarterback may be the most overlooked first-overall pick in NFL history, as the talk of the draft was Shedeur Sanders, who fell to the fifth round.

Ward was the best quarterback prospect from this draft class. In a weak AFC South, he could have Tennessee competing for a division title sooner rather than later- - probably not in 2025, but if Ward proves to be the answer, the Titans could load up the roster around him heading into the 2026 season.

2. Ashton Jeanty, RB, Las Vegas Raiders

Potentially the safest pick in the entire first round was made by the Raiders, who added a generational talent at the running back position, a major area of need for the franchise. Las Vegas ranked last in rushing in 2024, averaging 79.8 yards per game.

Jeanty could be viewed as a top-five running back by the end of his rookie season.

With Pete Carrol taking over as the Raiders head coach, Jeanty will be the centerpiece of this offense.

1. Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Jacksonville Jaguars

Jacksonville was somewhat reckless, trading a future first-round pick for Hunter. However, Hunter can make an immediate impact and could be the best receiver and defensive back from this draft class.

The Jaguars did not give up all of those assets to trade up to the second-overall pick for a cornerback. Hunter will predominantly play receiver while being sprinkled in at cornerback.