Jaguars eye WR at no. 5, Saints skip QB for OL

With just three days remaining before the 2025 NFL Draft, a new mock draft projects bold decisions from top franchises. Jacksonville moves early to bolster its receiving corps, while New Orleans bypasses a quarterback to address offensive line concerns.

Various sports analysts have been releasing their mock NFL draft with a twist—forecasting what NFL teams should do instead of what they will do.

The first-round breakdown features bold calls, notable slides, and a few surprise rises.

At No. 5 overall, the Jacksonville Jaguars select Arizona wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan, providing quarterback Trevor Lawrence with a much-needed weapon. McMillan, who tallied 84 catches for 1,319 yards and eight touchdowns last season, ranks as the top receiver in this projection.

The pick prioritises offensive firepower over defensive needs in a draft class deep at the line positions.

Further down at No. 9, the New Orleans Saints pass on quarterback Shedeur Sanders, despite speculation linking them to a long-term successor under centre.

Instead, the Saints opt for Texas offensive tackle Kelvin Banks Jr., citing the retirement of Ryan Ramczyk and struggles with Trevor Penning.

Banks, a top-ranked offensive tackle, is expected to stabilise a unit crucial to New Orleans’ playoff aspirations. Notably, Sanders falls to No. 21, landing with the Pittsburgh Steelers, who opt for value and scheme fit.

The mock draft also sees Mason Graham, Michigan’s highly rated defensive lineman, slide to No. 11 with the San Francisco 49ers, while Travis Hunter goes No. 2 overall to Cleveland as a rare two-way star.

The Las Vegas Raiders make waves by selecting Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty at No. 6, valuing explosiveness in the backfield over defensive upgrades.

The New York Jets reinforce their offensive line at No. 7 with Missouri’s Armand Membou, while Georgia’s Jalon Walker boosts the Panthers’ edge at No. 8.

Elsewhere, the Dallas Cowboys grab Alabama’s Tyler Booker to bolster the interior offensive line, and the Indianapolis Colts secure Penn State tight end Tyler Warren as a security blanket for quarterback Anthony Richardson.

Rounding out the first half of the round, Texas wideout Matthew Golden and Georgia pass rusher Mykel Williams go to Arizona and Cincinnati, respectively, while Nick Emmanwori, a versatile safety from South Carolina, lands in Seattle.

The full NFL mock draft provides in-depth insight into potential draft strategies and player evaluations ahead of Thursday’s opening round.