Jacksonville Jaguars (Last Year: 4-13)
Goals Entering the 2025 NFL Draft: Trevor Lawrence has failed to finish the past two seasons, so protecting him is the greatest priority. The Jaguars must find tons of upgrades on the defensive side of the ball as well. They’ve had one of the worst defenses in the NFL over the past couple of years, so improvement is needed at every level.
2025 NFL Draft Accomplishments: The Jaguars made a blockbuster deal to start the draft, trading up to No. 2 overall. They moved up three spots, yet surrendered first- and second-round picks to do so, which seems to be too expensive for a non-quarterback. However, they are getting a potential unicorn in Travis Hunter, who will be able to play both wide receiver and cornerback. He had great success doing this at Colorado. Whether it translates to the NFL remains to be seen.
While I didn’t like the trade itself, the rest of Jacksonville’s draft class looks rather strong from a grading perspective. Only one grade scored worse than a “B,” and that was a B-.
However, there’s one fundamental thing wrong with the Jaguars’ haul, and that would be that they failed to upgrade the offensive line on multiple occasions. They drafted the versatile Wyatt Milum, but that was the only resource they spent on their blocking in the first six rounds. While Lawrence will have a superior option opposite Brian Thomas Jr., he may not survive the season because of the shoddy blocking.
NFL Draft Individual Grades:
2. Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado – C- Grade
It makes sense for the Jaguars to draft the best player available, and that would be Travis Hunter. Some would argue Abdul Carter, but there’s a Carter in many drafts. There’s never been a player like Hunter who can be elite at two positions. However, trading a 2026 first-round pick to move up three spots for a non-quarterback is insane. I guess we can’t be surprised that a Browns general manager bullied a new Jaguars general manager into a poor trade. Despite his poor dancing, Hunter will likely be great. But Jacksonville should have remained at No. 5.
88. Caleb Ransaw, CB/S, Tulane – A- Grade
The Jaguars needed a cornerback (despite the Travis Hunter pick) and a safety. They got both with Caleb Ransaw! The Tulane product can play all over the secondary, whether it’s at cornerback or safety. He makes sense in this range.
89. Wyatt Milum, G/OT, West Virginia – A Grade
More protection for Trevor Lawrence is welcome. Milum is very versatile, as he can play both tackle and guard. I thought he could go earlier than this. Trevor Lawrence has to be thrilled with this draft.
104. Bhayshul Tuten, RB, Virginia Tech – A- Grade
Another solid pick in Round 4. Bhayshul Tuten is a speedy running back who could emerge as the starter. Travis Etienne has been a huge bust, and Tank Bigsby is just OK, so Tuten, who fits the range, might be the starter by the end of the year.
107. Jack Kiser, LB, Notre Dame – B- Grade
Jack Kiser can make some good plays in coverage. This is a decent pick, though I believed he’d be drafted a bit later. This doesn’t fill a huge need either, so I’m not a huge fan of this pick.
194. Jalen McLeod, LB, Auburn – B Grade
Jalen McLeod is a versatile linebacker who can rush the passer well. He can wear many hats in Jacksonville’s defense, so I imagine he’ll stick on the team in some fashion.
200. Rayuan Lane, S, Navy – B Grade
Rayuan Lane, expected to go in this range, is a very tough player. However, he’s undersized, so this is likely just for special teams, which have become more important this year.
221. Jonah Monheim, C/G/OT, USC – A+ Grade
I love this pick. Jonah Monheim should have been taken much earlier than this. Monheim has great potential to be an elite backup lineman in the NFL because he can play every position. He might be able to emerge as a starter eventually.
236. LeQuint Allen, RB, Syracuse – A Grade
Another running back, but the Jaguars need to nail this position. LeQuint Allen is a major receiving threat out of the backfield. He could have gone much earlier than this.
Follow me @walterfootball for updates.
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