Jacksonville Jaguars Rookie Forecast 2025

Jaguars Rookie Forecast 2025

Solid Starter

Wyatt Milum, G, West Virginia – Round 2

The Jaguars’ offensive line was underwhelming in 2023 and 2024. The underwhelming play of the line allowed Trevor Lawrence to take a lot of hits, and his play has regressed significantly over the past few seasons. While Jacksonville did not use a premium draft pick or sign a star free agent, they signed some moderate veteran linemen and selected Milum in the third round.

Milum was the starting left tackle for West Virginia in 2024. He has good size at 6-foot-6, 313 pounds, and versatility, which could earn him consideration as a tackle or guard in the NFL. Moving inside to guard could be the best plan for Milum, and it appears that is what the Jaguars are planning on doing. Milum is a solid player but lacks a dominant trait as he is not overly strong, quick, or athletic. Moving inside makes sense for Milum to protect him from elite NFL speed rushers.

The Jaguars have a pair of veteran guards in Ezra Cleveland and Patrick Mekari set to start in 2024, but Milum could beat out one of them to become a starter by his second season. While Milum may not have elite talent to become a dominating force at the point of attack, Milum could become a solid starting guard for Jacksonville.

2024: Maason Smith, DT
2023: Brenton Strange, TE
2022: Devin Lloyd, LB
2021: Travis Etienne, RB
2020: K’Lavon Chaisson, OLB
2019: Josh Allen, LB
2018: Ronnie Harrison, S
2017: Cam Robinson, OT
2016: Sheldon Day, DT
2015: Dante Fowler, DE
2014: Allen Robinson, WR
2013: Luke Joeckel, LT

Most Likely To Bust

Caleb Ransaw, CB, Tulane – Round 3

The Jaguars have needed cornerback upgrades across from Tyson Campbell, and they added a proven nickel in Jourdan Lewis in free agency. With second-round pick Jarrian Jones a projected starter along with first-rounder Travis Hunter, it looks like a crowded depth chart that will be a challenge for Caleb Ransaw to break into. Ransaw has some issues with grabbing, and he will need to improve on that to avoid pass interference penalties in the NFL. Between the Jaguars veterans and other high draft picks, I think Ransaw could struggle to stick with Jacksonville and may be a third-round pick that doesn’t develop into a starter role.

2022: Jarrian Jones, CB
2022: Tyler Lacy, DT
2022: None
2021: Walker Little, OT
2020: Laviska Shenault, WR
2019: Josh Oliver, TE
2018: D.J. Chark, WR
2017: DeDe Westbrook, WR
2016: Jalen Ramsey, DB
2015: A.J. Cann, G
2014: Blake Bortles, QB
2013: Denard Robinson, RB

Potential Boom Pick

Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado – Round 1

The Jaguars gave up a ton for Hunter, and they overpaid, but there is no doubt that Hunter is an elite talent for the NFL. I think Hunter could be a good starter at cornerback or wide receiver, while doing rotational duty at the other position.

As a wide receiver, Hunter is an impressive playmaker who can hurt defenses downfield. Hunter is quick, sudden, and athletic as Hunter runs well enough that he can stretch defenses vertically. He runs good routes and shows a real knack for generating late separation from cornerbacks. Hunter is superb on 50-50 passes and winning contested catches, even though he does not have a mismatch in height for a wide receiver. With serious athleticism, Hunter has excellent adjustment ability to contort his body and redirect to put himself in a position to make the reception. After the catch, Hunter is dangerous with the ball in his hands and is capable of juking tacklers, breaking tackles, and ripping up yards through the secondary.

Hunter’s ball skills are outstanding, and his ball skills are incredible at either position. His ability to snatch receptions as a receiver or interceptions as a cornerback is phenomenal. Hunter’s hands are extremely strong when he gets a grip on the ball, and he has soft hands to avoid drops. He is fantastic at high-pointing the ball, and if there is a 50-50 play with a corner or receiver, you can safely assume that Hunter will win the play. The sure-handedness makes him a real red zone weapon on offense, and a dangerous cornerback to throw against. Along with snatching interceptions, Hunter is very skilled at slapping passes away from wide receivers.

As a cornerback, Hunter is extremely instinctive and versatile. Hunter’s instincts and vision make him a dynamite zone corner, and he is capable of playing off man coverage. He tricks quarterbacks, reads their eyes, has fabulous route recognition, and a serious closing burst to eat up ground. Hunter has enough size and physicality to play press man and is a willing tackler in run support. One area of weakness as a corner for Hunter is handling deep-speed receivers. Hunter has some problems with deep speed, so he might need some help and scheme protection when handling fast pro wideouts.

It would not surprise me if Hunter is unable to be a full-time wide receiver and cornerback. Given his size and repeated injuries in college, it could make more sense for him to play one position full-time and do spot duty at the other. At either wide receiver or cornerback, I think Hunter could be a boom pick for Jacksonville.

2024: Brian Thomas Jr., WR
2023: Anton Harrison, OT
2022: Travon Walker, DE
2021: Trevor Lawrence, QB
2020: C.J. Henderson, CB
2019: Jawaan Taylor, OT
2018: Taven Bryan, DT
2017: Leonard Fournette, RB
2016: Myles Jack, LB
2015: T.J. Yeldon, RB
2014: Marqise Lee, WR
2013: Jonathan Cyprien, S

Future Depth Player

Jack Kiser, LB, Notre Dame – Round 4

The Jaguars are set with their starting linebackers, and they have added some mid-round talents in recent years that might develop into starting roles. Thus, it could be hard for Kiser to break through. Kiser lacks some speed and athleticism to cover against NFL passing attacks, but he is a smart defender who is tough against the run. Kiser could be a good contributor on special teams and serve as a solid backup middle linebacker behind Foyesade Oluokun. As a fourth-rounder, Kiser should be a nice backup and depth pick for the Jaguars.

2024: Jordan Jefferson, DT
2023: Tank Bigsby, RB
2022: Chad Muma, LB
2021: Luke Farrell, TE
2020: DaVon Hamilton, DT
2019: Ryquell Armstead, RB
2018: Will Richardson, OT
2017: Dawuane Smoot, DE
2016: Brandon Allen, QB
2015: Michael Bennett, DT
2014: Chris Smith, LB
2013: Ace Sanders, WR