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In the seven-round mock draft from Dane Brugler of The Athletic, the Jacksonville Jaguars held off on adding to their defensive front until Day 3.
After going running back, cornerback, safety, and tight end on Days 1 and 2, it wasn't until pick 107 that the Jaguars added a defensive tackle. Then, with their final pick at 221 overall in Round 7, the Jaguars added a defensive end.
With 10 draft picks in total--the second-most among any team--as we've discussed previously here, the Jaguars have the flexibility to not initially address a higher priority need, like the defensive line, knowing that they have as many selections as they do.
Perhaps further adding to that flexibility is knowing that this year's draft class at defensive end and tackle is quite deep, which means quality impact players can be found deeper into the draft.
Of course, not all needs are going to be addressed right with immediate impact help. But having said that, I just cannot imagine the Jaguars waiting to add to the defensive line until Day 3, especially after Jacksonville didn't add to the defensive front in free agency. That seemingly set the stage for them to make some early additions to that unit in the NFL draft.
"We're going to have to have some spots that are actually open for [draft picks] to insert," Gladstone said early on in free agency. "So [adding] a veteran at this point could be just standing in the way. We're going to allow these rookies to get a chance to get out on the field and help us this coming fall."
This was a unit last season that ranked 32nd in ESPN's pass rush win rate metric and 27th in run stop rate. Liam Coen likes the foundation that is there, but admittedly, more depth and help are needed.
"I think ultimately, you’re looking to add some competition in there," Coen said of the defensive line via Big Cat Country. "We’ve got some really good players down there. I think we’ve got three first-rounders on our defensive line currently.
"Three guys that are going to have some good years, hopefully. They’re hoping to elevate that room. We’ll continue to evaluate it, but absolutely, you’re looking to add somebody to the D-line, however that thing plays out, inside or outside.”
As we saw from the Philadelphia Eagles this past season, and in the Super Bowl, when there is a strong presence along the defensive line, every single defender on the field benefits when there is a steady push, space being eaten up, and blockers being occupied.
Having a better defensive unit overall starts with improved play up front, and that needs to be prioritized.
This article originally appeared on Jaguars Wire: 2025 NFL draft: Jaguars don't add to DL until Day 3 in latest mock
Continue reading...
After going running back, cornerback, safety, and tight end on Days 1 and 2, it wasn't until pick 107 that the Jaguars added a defensive tackle. Then, with their final pick at 221 overall in Round 7, the Jaguars added a defensive end.
With 10 draft picks in total--the second-most among any team--as we've discussed previously here, the Jaguars have the flexibility to not initially address a higher priority need, like the defensive line, knowing that they have as many selections as they do.
Perhaps further adding to that flexibility is knowing that this year's draft class at defensive end and tackle is quite deep, which means quality impact players can be found deeper into the draft.
Of course, not all needs are going to be addressed right with immediate impact help. But having said that, I just cannot imagine the Jaguars waiting to add to the defensive line until Day 3, especially after Jacksonville didn't add to the defensive front in free agency. That seemingly set the stage for them to make some early additions to that unit in the NFL draft.
"We're going to have to have some spots that are actually open for [draft picks] to insert," Gladstone said early on in free agency. "So [adding] a veteran at this point could be just standing in the way. We're going to allow these rookies to get a chance to get out on the field and help us this coming fall."
This was a unit last season that ranked 32nd in ESPN's pass rush win rate metric and 27th in run stop rate. Liam Coen likes the foundation that is there, but admittedly, more depth and help are needed.
"I think ultimately, you’re looking to add some competition in there," Coen said of the defensive line via Big Cat Country. "We’ve got some really good players down there. I think we’ve got three first-rounders on our defensive line currently.
"Three guys that are going to have some good years, hopefully. They’re hoping to elevate that room. We’ll continue to evaluate it, but absolutely, you’re looking to add somebody to the D-line, however that thing plays out, inside or outside.”
As we saw from the Philadelphia Eagles this past season, and in the Super Bowl, when there is a strong presence along the defensive line, every single defender on the field benefits when there is a steady push, space being eaten up, and blockers being occupied.
Having a better defensive unit overall starts with improved play up front, and that needs to be prioritized.
This article originally appeared on Jaguars Wire: 2025 NFL draft: Jaguars don't add to DL until Day 3 in latest mock
Continue reading...
