As collegiate athletes climb their way into the draft, here are five players who I think could be in the first round for their talent.
5. Jacksonville Jaguars: defensive tackle Mason Graham
The Jacksonville Jaguars have the fifth overall pick of the NFL season after a disappointing 4-13 finish. With trouble on the defensive line, the Jaguars should draft defensive tackle Mason Graham from the University of Michigan to patch up holes in the defense. The 6-foot-3-inch, 320-pound player had 3 ½ sacks and 46 total tackles this season, making him a solid pick for the Jaguars.
4. New England Patriots: wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan
The New England Patriots crawled into the offseason with a 4-13 record, finishing last in the AFC East — a whiplash from the Tom Brady era. The Patriots have had trouble finding a true No. 1 wideout since Julian Edelman. The Patriots should draft wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan from the University of Arizona.
McMillan is coming off back-to-back years with over 1,300 receiving yards, with a career-best game of over 300 yards against the University of New Mexico. Quarterback Drake Maye needs weapons, and McMillan could be the answer.
3. New York Giants: quarterback Shedeur Sanders
The New York Giants earned a 3-14 record during the season in the city that never sleeps. The Giants need a strong quarterback after the Daniel Jones deal led to disastrous outcomes, like letting running back Saquon Barkley walk into free agency, where he signed with their rival, the Philadelphia Eagles.
One prospective candidate for the Giants is quarterback Shedeur Sanders from the University of Colorado. Sanders is a hot commodity in a weaker quarterback class. He had 37 touchdowns and over 4,000 pass yards, and he could prove to be the missing puzzle piece for the Giants as quarterback.
2. Cleveland Browns: cornerback/receiver Travis Hunter
The Cleveland Browns have the second-highest pick in the draft after going 3-14 in the regular season. The Browns need versatility on their roster, which could come with drafting athlete Travis Hunter.
Hunter successfully played cornerback and receiver with the University of Colorado, putting up over 1,200 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns. Defensively, Hunter racked up four interceptions and only allowed 22 receptions. Hunter won the 2024 Heisman Trophy after an outstanding season, and he could help the Browns start to climb to glory.
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1. Tennessee Titans: quarterback Cam Ward
The Tennessee Titans boasted a 3-14 record and finished last in the AFC South. The ailing Titans offense suffered under quarterback Will Levis, and the team should draft a new quarterback.
One player with potential to turn his team around is University of Miami quarterback Cam Ward, who had 39 touchdowns and only seven interceptions this season. Ward plays exceptional offense and would add flavor to a dull Titans offensive scheme.
Izabella Kubiak-Reseigh is a freelance reporter for the Daily Lobo. She can be reached at sports@dailylobocom or on X @kubiakizabella
