- Joined
- May 8, 2002
- Posts
- 391,873
- Reaction score
- 43
Following the NFL's free agency frenzy, which included the Jacksonville Jaguars reshaping their roster with four cuts, one trade, and 10 free agent signings, Chad Reuter of NFL.com put together his latest four-round mock draft.
So, taking into account the signings made, the changes that occurred, and the needs that still remain, let's break down the Jaguars' selections in Reuter's mock.
Graham was a popular pick for the Jaguars before free agency, and this pick feels even more likely now. Of the 10 signings GM James Gladstone made in free agency, not one was a defensive lineman. Graham has proven to be a capable pass rusher but was at his best in 2024 against the run, ranking first in PFF's run-blocking grade and second in run-stop rate. When there is a strong interior presence, the entire defense can benefit.
"Graham's quick feet, upper-body strength, versatility and consistent motor portend a successful NFL career," wrote Reuter. "The Jaguars did not address their defensive line after trading Roy Robertson-Harris to Seattle last fall, so pairing Graham with 2024 second-round pick Maason Smith makes all kinds of sense."
Adding Jourdan Lewis to the secondary provides stability at cornerback as it allows Jarrian Jones to move to the boundary, where the biggest need at the position lies. However, creating competition for that starting role opposite of Tyson Campbell should still be on Gladstone's radar.
Hairston was one of the standout performers at the NFL combine. He is a relatively inexperienced player with just over 1,000 career snaps. Over the last two seasons, he's allowed a completion rate of 63.7% at 12.8 yards per catch with six interceptions and eight pass breakups.
The defensive line is a position that we should expect to see the Jaguars make multiple additions at in the draft. The need is there, with this unit ranking 32nd in ESPN's pass-rush win rate in 2024 and 27th in run-stop rate, and so is the talent in this year's class.
Jackson also impressed at the NFL combine and measures in at 6-7 - 280 pounds. He was one of the best defensive ends against the run last season by PFF's metrics, and he totaled 35 pressures and seven sacks in 362 pass-rush reps.
Eric Murray will likely step into the free safety role, but depth is still needed at this position, with only five safeties on the roster currently.
Most of Sigle's snaps have come either in the box or lined up in the slot, so he could compete with Darnell Savage for playing time to boost the competition at this position. Sigle was one of PFF's top-graded run defenders at safety in 2024 and allowed a completion rate of 58% with three interceptions and three pass breakups.
The addition of two free agents at tight end shouldn't stop Gladstone from further adding to this position. Fannin also brings a very different skill set to the table compared to Johnny Mundt and Hunter Long.
Fannin put together a monster season, totaling 1,555 receiving yards--the most among any tight end in the FBS--on 117 receptions, while averaging 13.3 yards per catch with 10 touchdowns. Only 38% of Fannin's snaps came lined up in-line.
Of note with the tight end position in Liam Coen's offense, the ability to block is going to be important.
The Jaguars added Dyami Brown in free agency but traded Christian Kirk and released Josh Reynolds and Devin Duvernay--so another addition or two at this position is needed.
Lining up both out wide and in the slot--an important element of playing receiver in Coen's offense--Felton had a career year in 2024, catching 67% of his 143 targets and totaling 1,119 yards with nine touchdowns.
This article originally appeared on Jaguars Wire: 2025 NFL draft: Breaking down Jaguars' picks in latest mock
Continue reading...
So, taking into account the signings made, the changes that occurred, and the needs that still remain, let's break down the Jaguars' selections in Reuter's mock.
Pick 5: Mason Graham, IDL, Michigan
Graham was a popular pick for the Jaguars before free agency, and this pick feels even more likely now. Of the 10 signings GM James Gladstone made in free agency, not one was a defensive lineman. Graham has proven to be a capable pass rusher but was at his best in 2024 against the run, ranking first in PFF's run-blocking grade and second in run-stop rate. When there is a strong interior presence, the entire defense can benefit.
"Graham's quick feet, upper-body strength, versatility and consistent motor portend a successful NFL career," wrote Reuter. "The Jaguars did not address their defensive line after trading Roy Robertson-Harris to Seattle last fall, so pairing Graham with 2024 second-round pick Maason Smith makes all kinds of sense."
Pick 36: Maxwell Hairston, CB, Kentucky
Adding Jourdan Lewis to the secondary provides stability at cornerback as it allows Jarrian Jones to move to the boundary, where the biggest need at the position lies. However, creating competition for that starting role opposite of Tyson Campbell should still be on Gladstone's radar.
Hairston was one of the standout performers at the NFL combine. He is a relatively inexperienced player with just over 1,000 career snaps. Over the last two seasons, he's allowed a completion rate of 63.7% at 12.8 yards per catch with six interceptions and eight pass breakups.
Pick 70: Landon Jackson, DE, Arkansas
The defensive line is a position that we should expect to see the Jaguars make multiple additions at in the draft. The need is there, with this unit ranking 32nd in ESPN's pass-rush win rate in 2024 and 27th in run-stop rate, and so is the talent in this year's class.
Jackson also impressed at the NFL combine and measures in at 6-7 - 280 pounds. He was one of the best defensive ends against the run last season by PFF's metrics, and he totaled 35 pressures and seven sacks in 362 pass-rush reps.
Pick 88: Marques Sigle, S, Kansas State
Eric Murray will likely step into the free safety role, but depth is still needed at this position, with only five safeties on the roster currently.
Most of Sigle's snaps have come either in the box or lined up in the slot, so he could compete with Darnell Savage for playing time to boost the competition at this position. Sigle was one of PFF's top-graded run defenders at safety in 2024 and allowed a completion rate of 58% with three interceptions and three pass breakups.
Pick 107: Harold Fannin Jr., TE, Bowling Green
The addition of two free agents at tight end shouldn't stop Gladstone from further adding to this position. Fannin also brings a very different skill set to the table compared to Johnny Mundt and Hunter Long.
Fannin put together a monster season, totaling 1,555 receiving yards--the most among any tight end in the FBS--on 117 receptions, while averaging 13.3 yards per catch with 10 touchdowns. Only 38% of Fannin's snaps came lined up in-line.
Of note with the tight end position in Liam Coen's offense, the ability to block is going to be important.
Pick 126: Tai Felton, WR, Maryland
The Jaguars added Dyami Brown in free agency but traded Christian Kirk and released Josh Reynolds and Devin Duvernay--so another addition or two at this position is needed.
Lining up both out wide and in the slot--an important element of playing receiver in Coen's offense--Felton had a career year in 2024, catching 67% of his 143 targets and totaling 1,119 yards with nine touchdowns.
This article originally appeared on Jaguars Wire: 2025 NFL draft: Breaking down Jaguars' picks in latest mock
Continue reading...