For higher or for worse, the Jacksonville Jaguars are already on the clock for the 2025 NFL Draft.
With the fifth total decide, the Jags could have a bunch of gamers to select from provided that probably three groups forward of them might be available in the market for a quarterback. The choices are open for whoever would be the new head coach, and this might even doubtlessly be the staff’s first draft with out Trent Baalke. Quite a lot of issues are at play for Jacksonville which is drafting within the high 5 as soon as once more.
It does suck to be watching groups proceed their run by means of the playoffs whereas your staff is already desirous about the draft however as is clear with groups just like the Detroit Lions or Washington Commanders, one draft might change the outlook of a franchise eternally.
ESPN’s Jordan Reid
We begin the brand new Mock Draft Monday roundup with an ESPN+ article from Jordan Reid. Reid thinks that with the fifth decide, the Jags determine to draft Michigan nook Will Johnson.
The Jaguars recorded solely six interceptions this season, the third-lowest whole within the league. So their secondary wants a lift, and Johnson — who set Michigan’s faculty report with three profession pick-sixes — can present that. At 6-foot-2, 202 kilos, he’s an enormous nook who has drawn some comparisons to Broncos Professional Bowler Pat Surtain II. Pairing Johnson with Tyson Campbell would give Jacksonville a younger, lockdown duo on the perimeter.
The decide looks as if a no brainer: the Jags want assist in the secondary and Johnson is clearly the CB1 on this draft. He had half the quantity of picks the Jags did as a staff by himself. Montaric Brown has proven to be an honest alternative nook however the Jags want a shutdown man. Johnson initiatives to be that man.
CBS Sports activities’ Josh Edwards
Sticking with defenders from Michigan, Josh Edwards hyperlinks Huge Blue inside defensive lineman Mason Graham to the Jags. Graham, like Johnson, must be the highest participant at his place and Edwards thinks Graham can contribute on Day 1.
There are groups with worse rosters that had higher seasons than the Jaguars, however they nonetheless have must fill. Mason Graham fills a place of want as a brand new head coach is embraced. A entrance with Josh Hines-Allen, Travon Walker, Arik Armstead and Graham can be formidable.
Drafting an inside man after doing so twice final yr would definitely be an eye-raising transfer by the Jags, however after posting the league’s worst protection, something and anybody helps. Graham is completely large at a listed 6’3”, 320 kilos which actually can’t harm. He additionally was named an All-American final yr and First Workforce All-Huge 10. Whereas drafting three defensive tackles in two years will not be preferrred, the Jags have actually drafted worse.
Michigan DT Mason Graham placed on a 1 min spotlight reel by himself towards Ohio State. Dominant efficiency for a top-5 participant on this NFL Draft class. pic.twitter.com/HXUdsgfyuC
— Cory (@fakecorykinnan) December 2, 2024
The Draft Community’s Mason Johnstone
Graham is the man for the Jags once more, this time from The Draft Community. The reasoning for the decide is a bit completely different, nonetheless, as author Mason Johnstone likes the defensive normal and tenacity that having a man like Graham will assist set for the Jags up entrance.
The Jaguars are in a wierd spot. Whereas a number of holes should be addressed, establishing an identification on protection might be essential to rebuilding the franchise’s tradition, particularly following the firing of Doug Pederson. Mason Graham provides a right away enhance to the Jaguars’ trenches. His tenacity and technical prowess mix to create a dominant, two-phase, all-downs inside lineman who will instantly complement Travon Walker.
It isn’t a secret that the Jags don’t have a lot of an identification on both aspect of the ball. The staff’s personal proprietor mentioned so. If there’s any faculty staff in America that performs onerous protection, it actually is Michigan. Hopefull,y Graham might translate that to the First Coast.
Tankathon
Everybody’s favourite NFL Draft place web site additionally has the Jags taking Graham at No. 5. On this draft he can be the second defensive lineman off the board after Penn State EDGE Abdul Carter being chosen by the New England Patriots.
I’ve been requested to indicate extra Mason Graham highlights.
Really that’s a lie. No person requested. I simply need to watch him play soccer as a result of he’s the alpha male. pic.twitter.com/ZG51hxsZKE
— Due# (@JDue51) October 8, 2023
Draftwire’s Jeff Risdon
This mock draft is fairly easy. The Jags need assistance up entrance on offense and who higher to draft than LSU offensive sort out Will Campbell?
Jacksonville nonetheless lacks a head coach, so selecting Campbell is a presumption that the brand new head man will need to construct round Trevor Lawrence. The Jaguars are painfully skinny at OT, and Campbell is essentially the most NFL-ready in an odd sort out class.
The Jags SHOULD have some safety on the sort out place with Walker Little and Anton Harrison. Clearly that appears higher on paper than it did in follow this previous season. Campbell provides the Jags depth on the very least and will push anybody on the offensive line for taking part in time. Trevor Lawrence clearly isn’t being protected sufficient so it may’t harm to have extra choices to maintain him upright. The beneath Tweet isn’t tape, however a really entertaining interview by Campbell which is able to probably be proven time and time once more main as much as his drafting.