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Roughly one month from the 2025 NFL draft taking place, ESPN's Matt Miller has put out a full seven-round mock draft. So who did the Jacksonville Jaguars come away with?
With 10 picks in this year's draft, along with making 10 free agent additions to help raise the floor of the roster, the Jaguars have what every team wants in April: Flexibility.
With that many selections, Gladstone can address major needs multiple times, he can address lesser needs, and he can move around the draft board if needed.
Now, let's break down each of the Jaguars' selections.
Since the Jaguars did not address the defensive line in free agency, Mason Graham is easily the most popular pick for the Jaguars in mock drafts, and it's easy to understand why. The Jaguars have a big need there after finishing 32nd in ESPN's pass rush win rate last season and 27th in run-stop rate. Graham, meanwhile, is the top defensive tackle in what is a very deep draft class.
"Graham doesn't lose many reps and has the quickness to slice through blockers and dominate gaps," wrote Miller. "He had 7.5 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks and 26 pressures this past season despite not being asked to attack the quarterback often. His well-rounded approach and ability would make him a cornerstone of the Jaguars' new defense."
I like this pick for the Jaguars. The additions of Hunter Long and Johnny Mundt in free agency shouldn't stop them from further adding to the tight end position, especially in what is a deep draft class. Taylor brings a well-rounded skill set to the NFL, which should fit well in Liam Coen's offense, where there will be an emphasis on being "multiple."
"Taylor brings the seam-busting ability of Engram, but he showed strength in run blocking and an ability to play in-line at LSU," Miller wrote. "I considered wide receiver here, but the value and scheme fit of Taylor are too good to pass up."
The Jaguars should still be looking to add to wide receiver. While there are options on the roster when it comes to filling the No. 2 wideout role, which include Dyami Brown, Parker Washington, and Gabe Davis, it's also not a given that any of those players provide that needed consistency either. So more competition is a good thing.
Williams has slot and boundary experience. He put together a career year in 2024, with 60 catches on 83 targets (72.3%) for 611 yards and six touchdowns. Williams was also involved in the running game with 51 carries at 6.3 yards per attempt with six more scores. That type of versatility is likely a skill set Coen will covet.
"Let's give the Jaguars more playmakers and add a player who had six receiving touchdowns and six rushing touchdowns last season," wrote Miller. "Liam Coen could have fun scheming touches for him."
Even with Eric Murray, the Jaguars should be looking to bolster the competition for playing time at that second starting safety spot. However, it's worth noting that the bulk of Woodson's snaps have come at free safety, where presumably, Murray will be playing--although as Miller notes, Woodson provides a longer-term option at that position.
In 2024, Woodson was one of PFF’s highest-graded run defenders and tacklers at the safety position. He also held opponents to a career-low 9.0 yards per catch with two interceptions and six pass breakups.
"Adding Eric Murray temporarily checks this need off the list, but not long term," wrote Miller. "Woodson is an elite hitter with the range to run alleys and make plays in the box."
The Jaguars' trio of starting cornerbacks may already be on the roster with Jourdan Lewis in the slot and Jarrian Jones moving to the boundary. But creating competition for Jones--and bolstering the depth--at that boundary position should be on the to-do list still for James Gladstone.
Bryant has been one of PFF's highest-graded run defenders at cornerback the last two seasons. In coverage, he allowed a completion rate of just 54% in 2024, but did give up 16.4 yards per catch. He also had four interceptions and four pass breakups.
The Jaguars' approach to free agency shouldn't stop them from further adding to any of the positions they already addressed, including the offensive line. Particularly along the interior, additional depth is still needed.
Gray played four seasons at left tackle before moving to left guard for the 2024 season. From the interior, he allowed only one sack and 12 pressures over 446 pass-blocking snaps. He also graded out well against the run by PFF's metrics.
Robert Hainsey will be starting at center, but Kendall can provide competition for Luke Fortner and be a long-term developmental option at the position.
Kendall played nearly 2,500 snaps at center over his career. This past season was his best as he surrendered only one sack and gave up only five pressures. He was one of the best by PFF's pass-blocking efficiency metric and held his own in the run game as well.
We can justify each of the picks made by the Jaguars up to this point, but in the actual draft, I'll be surprised if Gladstone doesn't take a second defensive lineman until the sixth round. I think that adding to this position group multiple times will be a much bigger priority.
Powell-Ryland has had steady production for two seasons as a pass rusher, recording 48 pressures each season along with 24 combined sacks. By PFF's metrics, he's been much more productive as a pass rusher.
As I already alluded to, while I expect Gladstone to further add to the offensive line, I'll be surprised if there are more offensive line selections in the draft than defensive line selections. With that said, Gladstone made it known that he wanted to address the trenches--on both sides of the ball--and Coen said earlier this offseason that the offensive line play has to improve.
Nelson is another player with heavy tackle experience at the college level but could play inside in the NFL. Nelson was effective in both the run and passing games at Wisconsin, and by PFF's metrics, had his best season in 2024.
This article originally appeared on Jaguars Wire: NFL draft: Breaking down Jaguars picks in ESPN's latest 7-round mock
Continue reading...
With 10 picks in this year's draft, along with making 10 free agent additions to help raise the floor of the roster, the Jaguars have what every team wants in April: Flexibility.
With that many selections, Gladstone can address major needs multiple times, he can address lesser needs, and he can move around the draft board if needed.
Now, let's break down each of the Jaguars' selections.
Pick 5: Mason Graham, IDL, Michigan
Since the Jaguars did not address the defensive line in free agency, Mason Graham is easily the most popular pick for the Jaguars in mock drafts, and it's easy to understand why. The Jaguars have a big need there after finishing 32nd in ESPN's pass rush win rate last season and 27th in run-stop rate. Graham, meanwhile, is the top defensive tackle in what is a very deep draft class.
"Graham doesn't lose many reps and has the quickness to slice through blockers and dominate gaps," wrote Miller. "He had 7.5 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks and 26 pressures this past season despite not being asked to attack the quarterback often. His well-rounded approach and ability would make him a cornerstone of the Jaguars' new defense."
Pick 36: Mason Taylor, TE, LSU
I like this pick for the Jaguars. The additions of Hunter Long and Johnny Mundt in free agency shouldn't stop them from further adding to the tight end position, especially in what is a deep draft class. Taylor brings a well-rounded skill set to the NFL, which should fit well in Liam Coen's offense, where there will be an emphasis on being "multiple."
"Taylor brings the seam-busting ability of Engram, but he showed strength in run blocking and an ability to play in-line at LSU," Miller wrote. "I considered wide receiver here, but the value and scheme fit of Taylor are too good to pass up."
Pick 70: Savion Williams, WR, TCU
The Jaguars should still be looking to add to wide receiver. While there are options on the roster when it comes to filling the No. 2 wideout role, which include Dyami Brown, Parker Washington, and Gabe Davis, it's also not a given that any of those players provide that needed consistency either. So more competition is a good thing.
Williams has slot and boundary experience. He put together a career year in 2024, with 60 catches on 83 targets (72.3%) for 611 yards and six touchdowns. Williams was also involved in the running game with 51 carries at 6.3 yards per attempt with six more scores. That type of versatility is likely a skill set Coen will covet.
"Let's give the Jaguars more playmakers and add a player who had six receiving touchdowns and six rushing touchdowns last season," wrote Miller. "Liam Coen could have fun scheming touches for him."
Pick 88: Craig Woodeson, S, Cal
Even with Eric Murray, the Jaguars should be looking to bolster the competition for playing time at that second starting safety spot. However, it's worth noting that the bulk of Woodson's snaps have come at free safety, where presumably, Murray will be playing--although as Miller notes, Woodson provides a longer-term option at that position.
In 2024, Woodson was one of PFF’s highest-graded run defenders and tacklers at the safety position. He also held opponents to a career-low 9.0 yards per catch with two interceptions and six pass breakups.
"Adding Eric Murray temporarily checks this need off the list, but not long term," wrote Miller. "Woodson is an elite hitter with the range to run alleys and make plays in the box."
Pick 107: Cobee Bryant, CB, Kansas
The Jaguars' trio of starting cornerbacks may already be on the roster with Jourdan Lewis in the slot and Jarrian Jones moving to the boundary. But creating competition for Jones--and bolstering the depth--at that boundary position should be on the to-do list still for James Gladstone.
Bryant has been one of PFF's highest-graded run defenders at cornerback the last two seasons. In coverage, he allowed a completion rate of just 54% in 2024, but did give up 16.4 yards per catch. He also had four interceptions and four pass breakups.
Pick 126: Joshua Gray, G, Oregon State
The Jaguars' approach to free agency shouldn't stop them from further adding to any of the positions they already addressed, including the offensive line. Particularly along the interior, additional depth is still needed.
Gray played four seasons at left tackle before moving to left guard for the 2024 season. From the interior, he allowed only one sack and 12 pressures over 446 pass-blocking snaps. He also graded out well against the run by PFF's metrics.
Pick 182: Drew Kendall, C, Boston College
Robert Hainsey will be starting at center, but Kendall can provide competition for Luke Fortner and be a long-term developmental option at the position.
Kendall played nearly 2,500 snaps at center over his career. This past season was his best as he surrendered only one sack and gave up only five pressures. He was one of the best by PFF's pass-blocking efficiency metric and held his own in the run game as well.
Pick 194: Antwaun Powell-Ryland, DE, Virginia Tech
We can justify each of the picks made by the Jaguars up to this point, but in the actual draft, I'll be surprised if Gladstone doesn't take a second defensive lineman until the sixth round. I think that adding to this position group multiple times will be a much bigger priority.
Powell-Ryland has had steady production for two seasons as a pass rusher, recording 48 pressures each season along with 24 combined sacks. By PFF's metrics, he's been much more productive as a pass rusher.
Pick 221: Jack Nelson, OT, Wisconsin
As I already alluded to, while I expect Gladstone to further add to the offensive line, I'll be surprised if there are more offensive line selections in the draft than defensive line selections. With that said, Gladstone made it known that he wanted to address the trenches--on both sides of the ball--and Coen said earlier this offseason that the offensive line play has to improve.
Nelson is another player with heavy tackle experience at the college level but could play inside in the NFL. Nelson was effective in both the run and passing games at Wisconsin, and by PFF's metrics, had his best season in 2024.
This article originally appeared on Jaguars Wire: NFL draft: Breaking down Jaguars picks in ESPN's latest 7-round mock
Continue reading...
