Remember when Jared Goff strolled up to the stage in the 2016 NFL draft with “California Love” blasting through the speakers? Or when Josh Allen had Bon Jovi’s “Wanted Dead or Alive” echoing his Wyoming grit in 2018? Even Lamar Jackson brought the heat with Future’s “No Basic,” while Saquon Barkley went full New York energy with “No Promises” by A Boogie. Yeah, walkout songs at the draft? They’ve always been a vibe—and they say something.

And this year’s NFL draft is no exception to it. With just a few hours remaining in the 2025 NFL draft, the NFL announced the songs selected by the draft prospects who are attending the event in Green Bay to walk out as they get drafted. The top prospects include the projected first-round pick, Cam Ward, defensive talents Abdul Carter and Mason Graham, along with other young talents. And they’re ready to stroll up the stage when the teams call their names.

Cam Ward walks out on “Freestyle” by Rod Wave

The former Miami quarterback, Cam Ward, who is projected to be selected by the Titans as the first overall pick, will walk out with Freestyle by Rod Wave blasting in the background. And let’s just say Cam’s all about raw emotion.

Freestyle is vulnerable but strong considering the guy’s ready to tell the tale of his rise in the NFL, just like Rod Wave used a straightforward approach, while rapping-singing about his rising career.

Travis Hunter selected “Let It All Work Out” by Lil Wayne

Travis Hunter arguably went deep with “Let It All Work Out” by Lil Wayne. The Colorado receiver/cornerback, who the folks believe will be picked within the top 5 picks, chose that very track, which is introspective, raw, and shows he’s been through stuff but kept pushing. It’s that walkout that makes you pause for a sec—like, this one’s got a story behind him.

When Abdul Carter will walk out with “Bout My Money” by OT7 Quanny

Looks like Penn State’s Abdul Carter has been keeping a track record of the edge rushers inking some massive contracts in the NFL. Think Maxx Crosby or Myles Garrett in 2025 getting monstrous contract extensions. Now, think of Abdul Carter in the same place a few years later.

Abdul’s all business. Like, strictly business. That song title alone lets you know he’s not playing around. “‘Bout My Money” hits hard, and Carter’s making it clear—draft him, and he’s coming for contracts, wins, and legacy.

Ashton Jeanty selected “Clear My Rain” by Gunna (ft. Leon Bridges)

Now this is different—and in a good way. Ashton Jeanty, who has been making waves as a top contender to be picked by the Cowboys on the first day of the draft, got that smooth Gunna and Leon Bridges collab, which brings emotion with a bounce. Feels like Jeanty’s clearing the past and stepping into something bigger. Think of him playing for Lone Star in Frisco in high school, and for the Cowboys in the 2025 NFL—of course, if the mock draft comes true.

Mason Graham—”Bottom” by Gunna

Speaking of Gunna, Mason Graham is surely in Ashton Jeanty’s boat. Another defensive talent who is projected to be one of the handful of defensive players to be selected in the draft will walk out while “Bottom” by Gunna will be playing in the background. Setting the stage for a 6’3” and nearly 300-pound guy who’s ready to tackle QBs in the pros.

Tyler Booker—”Imaginary Players” by Jay-Z

Tyler’s walking out with that old-school Jay-Z heat, and honestly? It’s a flex. “Imaginary Players” is all about calling out the fakes—and Tyler’s basically saying, “I’m real, I’m here, and I’m built different.” That NYC confidence? Oh yeah, he’s bringing it to the stage. The early predictions suggest that the Texans are expected to pick Booker with their 25th overall pick.

Jihaad Campbell–”Free Promo” by Lil Baby

Jihaad chose Lil Baby’s “Free Promo,” which is the kind of track that screams, “Y’all weren’t ready for this.” It’s gritty, it’s focused, and it sets the tone like, “I don’t need to talk too much, my game does it all.” Lowkey a power move. While most of the folks believe that Tyler Booker would be the first player from the Crimson Tide to be picked. ESPN’s Mel Kiper predicted that the Eagles would use their No. 32 pick to draft Campbell.

Will Campbell–”Right Above It” by Lil Wayne

Will Campbell joins the list of classic hits. Nicknamed Rex, who’s coming after winning the Jacobs Blocking Trophy, is going with Weezy and that iconic Drake hook, and it hits every time. It’s confident, it’s cocky in the best way, and it tells you he’s not just here to be part of the league—he’s here to stand above it. And if there is one team that is a top-tier contender to pick Will, then it’s the New England Patriots.

Matthew Golden–”Int’l Players Anthem (I Choose You)” by UGK (OutKast)

Yo, this is a vibe. Matthew Golden, coming after recording the best season of his collegiate career, went with a Southern classic, smooth and soulful, but still hits deep. UGK and OutKast? You just know he’s got taste. This walkout is saying, “I’m cool, I’m collected, and I got that old soul confidence.” For the time being, the Cowboys are expected to pick Matthew on draft day.

Maxwell Hairston–”Him All Along” by Gunna

Here comes another Gunna fan. And this time, it’s Maxwell Hairston from the Kentucky Wildcats. He’s basically saying, “It was always me.” The Gunna track hits that smooth confidence, like he knew from day one he was that guy. Swagger? Check. Chill energy? Also check. Draft pick? Umm, that’s hard to say. Some say the Bills are going to use their 30th overall pick to draft him, while others believe the Packers could make a surprise move.

Will Johnson–”Toast Up” by Gunna

Hard to miss someone who’s not walking out with a song by Gunna blasting the speakers in the background. But what’s Will Johnson’s story? Well, it seems like he’s already in celebration mode. And honestly, who can blame him? “Toast Up” is about winning, shining, and just soaking it all in. The guy’s walking out like, “Let’s party, I earned this.” And the mock draft suggests that the party will later continue in the Dolphins’ locker room.

Tetairoa McMillan–”Thank You Lord” by Kealamaualoa Alcon

Tetairoa’s walkout might be the most personal one on here. It’s spiritual, grateful, and rooted in culture. This one says, “I didn’t get here alone. It’s bigger than football.” Respect. McMillan publicly stated that he believes in the lord and his faith is a significant part of his life. While it’s hard to pin down which team’s going to pick him, the Cowboys are one of the top contenders who could select him.

Jalen Milroe–”Walk Thru” by Rich Homie Quan

Here comes a certified banger. “Walk Thru” by Rick Homie Quan. The track just hits different when you’ve got that cool confidence, and Milroe’s bringing all of it with this one. He is projected to be the fourth quarterback to be picked in the draft. Most probably in the second round.

Malaki Starks–”Get Ready” by Rod Wave

Malaki’s warning the league before he even gets his jersey. “Get Ready” is that perfect pre-battle anthem that shows confidence and preparing for a new chapter in his career. Again, several teams’ name are popping up who are projected to select Starks.

Shemar Stewart–”Forever” by Drake

Last but not least, Shemar Stewart’s going timeless with this one. Drake’s “Forever” is about legacy, domination, and doing it for the long haul. Stewart’s already thinking Hall of Fame before he’s even played a snap—and we love that energy. All in all, it’s safe to say that while the draft pressure’s obviously going to be there. But when the time comes to walk out after getting drafted, the prospects are surely going to have a blast.