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The NFL Draft is just weeks away.
After an overhaul of their leadership contingent this offseason, the Jacksonville Jaguars are preparing for their first draft in the Liam Coen and James Gladstone era.
The team is currently slated to pick No. 5 overall, holding 10 total picks as they head into the three-day selection process of future talent in the league.
After a large class of free agent signings, the team feels they've raised their floor and are in a good position to select players who can make an immediate impact on the team.
Trevor Talks: Jacksonville Jaguars' Liam Coen sees 'the vision' with Trevor Lawrence, praises work ethic
"We’ve got 10 picks in this year's draft. We're going to have to have some spots that are actually open for them to insert," Gladstone told media members during a free agency press conference. "If you add 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.”
The Jaguars closed holes along their offensive line with the free agency signings of Robert Hainsey and Patrick Mekari. And they added stability in their defensive back room with Jourdan Lewis and Eric Murray slotting in as immediate starters.
Still, the team will look to add impact players at positions like wide receiver, boundary cornerback, interior defensive line and depth edge rusher. Specifically along the defensive line, Coen sees the team adding rookie players to the mix.
"We’ve got some really good players down there. I think we’ve got three first-rounders on our defensive line currently," he said from the NFL owners meetings in Palm Beach. "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.”
The draft, and selecting inside of the top five, certainly provides the opportunity to bring in highly talented players at those positions.
We went through several mock drafts to find who it appears the Jaguars will be drafting in the first round. We came away with the same name for most experts.
Here's a look at who draft experts have Jacksonville drafting at No. 5.
Kiper opted to select Michigan's Mason Graham, adding him to a defensive line that struggled last season.
"The Jaguars' top need hasn't changed through free agency. They have to add a pocket-pushing, havoc-wreaking defensive tackle in the middle of the line after Arik Armstead and DaVon Hamilton combined for two sacks there in 2024. Graham had only 3.5 sacks last season at Michigan, but he also tallied 26 pressures and 14 run stops. His technique is outstanding, and he has the power and leverage to pop back interior offensive linemen. Slotted between Travon Walker and Josh Hines-Allen, he could dominate.
After Jacksonville cut Evan Engram, I considered Penn State tight end Tyler Warren. It's not out of the question, and quarterback Trevor Lawrence would love having Warren in the pass game, which also just lost Christian Kirk."
In his third mock draft, Brooks has the Jaguars selecting Graham to pair alongside Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker.
"The hardworking interior defender would give the Jaguars another pass-rushing option at the point of attack."
The pairing selected Graham for the Jaguars, touting his athleticism.
"Graham is a monster along the defensive front, which the Jaguars will need to try and turn around in a hurry. He played injured in 2024, but in 2023 he was a dominant player for a Michigan defense that was one of the best in college football history. He has the athleticism and skill that Jacksonville wants on its defensive line."
Podell also has the Jaguars going Graham, saying he'd help their defense immediately.
"The Jaguars defense was one of the worst in football a season ago, ranking bottom five in the league in numerous metrics. Jacksonville has two solid edge rushers in Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker, but it needs a difference-maker in the middle of the defensive line. New general manager James Gladstone knows how crucial that is after coming over from the Los Angeles Rams. That's why unanimous All-American defensive tackle Mason Graham is the pick here."
In Reuters' four-round mock he has the Jaguars selecting Graham.
"Graham's quick feet, upper-body strength, versatility and consistent motor portend a successful NFL career. 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."
Stackpole went with Graham as well for Jacksonville, opting for a defensive player instead of added beef for Trevor Lawrence.
"I'm sure new head coach Liam Coen wouldn't mind getting some added protection for Trevor Lawrence, but Mason Graham is too good of a player to pass up here. His arm length isn't that of a typical top-10 defensive tackle, but his tenacity, strength, technique and consistency more than make up for it."
Miller sees Graham as a fit for the Jaguars, labeling him as the "best defensive tackle in the draft."
"New Jacksonville general manager James Gladstone has talked about building up the trenches, and he can start doing that with the best defensive tackle in the draft. Gladstone was with the Rams when they traded up to draft Braden Fiske in Round 2 last year and might see a similar player in Graham -- but with more pass-rush upside.
Graham doesn't lose many reps and has the quickness to slice through blockers and dominate gaps. 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."
This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Jaguars mock draft roundup: Latest NFL expert projections
Continue reading...
After an overhaul of their leadership contingent this offseason, the Jacksonville Jaguars are preparing for their first draft in the Liam Coen and James Gladstone era.
The team is currently slated to pick No. 5 overall, holding 10 total picks as they head into the three-day selection process of future talent in the league.
After a large class of free agent signings, the team feels they've raised their floor and are in a good position to select players who can make an immediate impact on the team.
Trevor Talks: Jacksonville Jaguars' Liam Coen sees 'the vision' with Trevor Lawrence, praises work ethic
"We’ve got 10 picks in this year's draft. We're going to have to have some spots that are actually open for them to insert," Gladstone told media members during a free agency press conference. "If you add 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.”
The Jaguars closed holes along their offensive line with the free agency signings of Robert Hainsey and Patrick Mekari. And they added stability in their defensive back room with Jourdan Lewis and Eric Murray slotting in as immediate starters.
Still, the team will look to add impact players at positions like wide receiver, boundary cornerback, interior defensive line and depth edge rusher. Specifically along the defensive line, Coen sees the team adding rookie players to the mix.
"We’ve got some really good players down there. I think we’ve got three first-rounders on our defensive line currently," he said from the NFL owners meetings in Palm Beach. "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.”
The draft, and selecting inside of the top five, certainly provides the opportunity to bring in highly talented players at those positions.
We went through several mock drafts to find who it appears the Jaguars will be drafting in the first round. We came away with the same name for most experts.
Here's a look at who draft experts have Jacksonville drafting at No. 5.
Mel Kiper, Mason Graham
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Kiper opted to select Michigan's Mason Graham, adding him to a defensive line that struggled last season.
"The Jaguars' top need hasn't changed through free agency. They have to add a pocket-pushing, havoc-wreaking defensive tackle in the middle of the line after Arik Armstead and DaVon Hamilton combined for two sacks there in 2024. Graham had only 3.5 sacks last season at Michigan, but he also tallied 26 pressures and 14 run stops. His technique is outstanding, and he has the power and leverage to pop back interior offensive linemen. Slotted between Travon Walker and Josh Hines-Allen, he could dominate.
After Jacksonville cut Evan Engram, I considered Penn State tight end Tyler Warren. It's not out of the question, and quarterback Trevor Lawrence would love having Warren in the pass game, which also just lost Christian Kirk."
Bucky Brooks, Mason Graham
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In his third mock draft, Brooks has the Jaguars selecting Graham to pair alongside Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker.
"The hardworking interior defender would give the Jaguars another pass-rushing option at the point of attack."
Nate Tice/Charles McDonald, Mason Graham
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The pairing selected Graham for the Jaguars, touting his athleticism.
"Graham is a monster along the defensive front, which the Jaguars will need to try and turn around in a hurry. He played injured in 2024, but in 2023 he was a dominant player for a Michigan defense that was one of the best in college football history. He has the athleticism and skill that Jacksonville wants on its defensive line."
Garrett Podell, Mason Graham
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Podell also has the Jaguars going Graham, saying he'd help their defense immediately.
"The Jaguars defense was one of the worst in football a season ago, ranking bottom five in the league in numerous metrics. Jacksonville has two solid edge rushers in Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker, but it needs a difference-maker in the middle of the defensive line. New general manager James Gladstone knows how crucial that is after coming over from the Los Angeles Rams. That's why unanimous All-American defensive tackle Mason Graham is the pick here."
Chad Reuter, Mason Graham
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In Reuters' four-round mock he has the Jaguars selecting Graham.
"Graham's quick feet, upper-body strength, versatility and consistent motor portend a successful NFL career. 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."
Kyle Stackpole, Mason Graham
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Stackpole went with Graham as well for Jacksonville, opting for a defensive player instead of added beef for Trevor Lawrence.
"I'm sure new head coach Liam Coen wouldn't mind getting some added protection for Trevor Lawrence, but Mason Graham is too good of a player to pass up here. His arm length isn't that of a typical top-10 defensive tackle, but his tenacity, strength, technique and consistency more than make up for it."
Matt Miller, Mason Graham
You must be registered for see images
Miller sees Graham as a fit for the Jaguars, labeling him as the "best defensive tackle in the draft."
"New Jacksonville general manager James Gladstone has talked about building up the trenches, and he can start doing that with the best defensive tackle in the draft. Gladstone was with the Rams when they traded up to draft Braden Fiske in Round 2 last year and might see a similar player in Graham -- but with more pass-rush upside.
Graham doesn't lose many reps and has the quickness to slice through blockers and dominate gaps. 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."
This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Jaguars mock draft roundup: Latest NFL expert projections
Continue reading...
