Jaguars 2025 Draft
The Jaguars first round was full of fireworks, making a move nobody expected, trading up to get wr/cb Travis Hunter with the 2nd overall pick. Draft day is always littered with rumors of teams trying to move up or down, and this was no different. Multiple reports stated the Jaguars could trade down and take a wide receiver, or trade up and make a splash right away. Ultimately, the team made the instant splash, giving up the 5th pick in exchange, a 2025 2nd round pick, a 2025 4th round pick, and a 2025 first. Obviously, a steep price, but for such a generational player, that is what it takes for such a generational player.
The Jaguars are not a franchise known for being aggressive in the draft. Even as recent as last year's draft, where the team traded back 6 spots before taking Brian Thomas, the receiever paired with Travis Hunter. Owner Shad Khan believes this to be true as well, stating, “We've been great at stockpiling picks. And when it gets right down to it, what do you have to show for it? Via Michael Silver of The Athletic.
James Gladstone also expressed his desire to use the picks aggressively, rather than stacking picks. "I've probably got some familiarity with the uh, ---- them picks, sort of process," Gladstone stated. This is what the Jaguars have long needed. An aggressive but calculated mindset. To many times the draft has come and gone with fans wondering what the thought process was, or just hoping for the best. Now they, and the team, are bought in on true difference makers.
Source: NBC News
The next selection the Jaguars would make was pick number 88 in the third round, taking cornerback Caleb Rensaw out of Tulane. Caleb recorded 10 tackles for loss as well as 85 total tackles in his final 2 years in college. His numbers do not jump off the page, and they do not need too. The Jaguars filled their needs in the defensive backfield in free agency, leaving room for depth in the draft. Caleb is seen as a player that can be extremely versatile, playing safety and corner.
Nickel was his primary position in college, so he will likely be a rotation piece behind newly signed free agent Jourdan Lewis. Depth has been a lacking reality for the Jaguars the past 2 seasons, so a rotational piece with the chance to be a starter, given the free agent signings age, spells a good pick.
Source: Jaguars Wire
The very next pick at #89 would also be made by the Jaguars, taking offensive tackle Wyatt Milum. Milum was an all american in his senior year at West Virginia, flashing some of his elite traits. Wyatt played tackle in college but has a shorter arm length than most would like for his position, so there is a good chance he will be kicked inside at guard.
Bleacher report has him scouted as "an experienced, skilled run blocker with good play strength and powerful hands to displace blocks. He excels in pass protection on jumo sets with a stout anchor to end reps quickly once latched". The biggest takeaway, however, was him not allowing a single sack since 2022. The Jaguars have needed a pass protector for quarterback Trevor Lawrence since he joined the team, and while they team signed free agents to sure up the line, a young prospect whos expertise is pass protection will surely help.
In the 4th round the Jaguars selected Bhayshul Tuten, a speedy running back from Virginia Tech. Tuten ran a 4.32 40 at the combine, the fastest out of anyone. This speed translated well, putting up 1159 yards on 6.3 yards per carry and 105 per game, along with 15 touchdowns. The Jaguars have lacked explosiveness in the run game the past 2 seasons, ranking 30th and 19th in yards per attempt the past 2 seasons, with the main back Travis Etienne taking a massive step back. Part of this is due to a poor offensive line, but a lack of vision between Etienne and Tang Bigsby has hurt the team.
Tank started the season strong last season, with 415 yards 4 touchdowns and 6.2 yards per carry through his first 6 games, but this died down quickly. Part of this was due to key injuries on the offense, allowing the defenses to stack the box to stop him, but he was still never able to break any big runs the way he was early, and the Jaguars need another play making running back. The addition of Travis Hunter, better run blocking, and Trevor Lawrence coming back should open things up for Bhaysul and the other backs.
At pick 104, the Jaguars selected Jack Kiser, linebacker out of Notre Dame. This was the only puzzling pick for the Jaguars. Not a terrible pick but considering the linebacking group is well established as it is, more needs, such as the defensive line should have been addressed. Still, Kiser is an experienced player, playing for 6 years, 5 of them as a starter. He will enter camp as a backup/depth piece but will have the ability to learn under experienced veterans Devin Lloyd and Foye Oluokon. Many of his scouting reports all lead to the same conclusion. An undersized player who relies on instincts to make plays. Given the team's veteran leadership at the position, this will help him play with his mind, instead of relying on physical attributes.
The last 4 picks were in the final two rounds of the draft. Jalen Mcleod (linebacker), Lequint Allen (runningback), Jonah Monheim (offensive lineman), and Rayquan Lane (safety) will all be depth pieces, competing for a spot on the team.