The Jacksonville Jaguars addressed several needs in free agency but still have a few roster holes to fill. Fortunately, they'll enter the 2025 NFL Draft with 10 picks. That's more than enough ammo to come out with a good haul or make a few trades.
The Jags could use some of those selections to move up but could also use them to trade for a proven veteran. There should be more than a few available. One of them is Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson.
Hendrickson has been in a contract impasse with the Bengals. Coming off a dominant 2024 campaign, he wants a contract that reflects his status as one of the best defensive ends in the league. The former Florida Atlantic standout isn't interested in becoming the highest-paid edge rushers in the league but finds Cincy's offer disrespectful.
While Hendrickson and the Bengals may end up getting a deal done by draft day, there's also a chance they won't and he'll be avilable. Having said that, he may not be the only player on the trade block.
With that in mind, here's a list of players the Jaguars could also target via trade in the draft.
Michael Mayer, Raiders tight end
The Jaguars aren't in need of a tight end despite the fact that they released Evan Engram ahead of free agency due to the presence of Brenton Strange. Having said that, they could use reinforcements at the position.
After all, Jacksonville signed Hunter Long and Johnny Mundt in free agency, but neither has done enough throughout their respective career to make you think they can come through if Strange misses time. That's where Michael Mayer comes in.
After breaking several school records the year prior, Mayer was one of the top tight-end prospects in the 2023 draft. He ended up going to the Las Vegas Raiders and went on to have an immediate impact. However, the former Notre Dame Irish became expendable when the Silver and Black selected Brock Bowers last year.
While Bowes put together historic numbers, Mayer was relegated to a reserve role. But it wasn't due to a dearth of talent. There's simply no room for him in Las Vegas, which is why the Raiders could make him available. Given that he's coming off a down year, a fourth-round pick may be enough to get a deal done. Coincidentally, the Jaguars have an extra one.
Odafe Oweh, Ravens edge rusher
There's no doubt that Trey Hendrickson would turbo charge the Jaguars, but acquiring him won't be cheap. But if they still want to round out their rotation with a veteran, Odafe Oweh would be an appealing alternative.
The Baltimore Ravens aren't actively shopping Oweh, but he's been the subject of trade chatter in the offseason. A first-round pick in the 2021 draft, he is set to make a manageable $12.251 million next season, so the Jags could most definitely afford him.
Oweh posted a combined 13 sacks in his first three seasons but tallied 10 in 2024. The Jaguars could certainly use that kind of production from their No. 3 edge rusher.
Greg Newsome II, cornerback
This isn't the first time Greg Newsome II has been brought up as a potential trade target for the Jaguars. It may not be the last one either, but that's because the Cleveland Browns haven't been able to untap his potential.
After making 39 starts in his first three seasons, Newsome logged only three last year. Currently stuck behind Denzel Ward and Martin Emerson, he may be better off getting a fresh start somewhere else. He could get it in Jacksonville.
Newsome could start opposite Tyson Campbell for the Jaguars. This, in turn, would allow the coaching staff to keep Jourdan Lewis in the slot. The downside of acquiring him would be that sophomore Jarrian Jones would be bumped into a backup role. Then again, Newsome is a better fit for the boundaries than he is. Moreover, he would turn the cornerback position into a strength.
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