The Jacksonville Jaguars fortified the roster in free agency, but if they truly want to compete in the AFC South next season, they'll need to come out of the 2025 NFL Draft with a good haul. Working in their favor is that they have 10 draft picks at their disposal. That's more than enough ammo for first-year general manager James Gladstone to make a few moves in the draft.
In fact, don't be surprised if Gladstone takes an aggressive approach and finds a way to trade back into the first round after choosing at No. 5. If he does, going after any of the following five prospects would make sense.
Matthew Golden, wide receiver
It doesn't look like the Jags will take a wide receiver at No. 5, but there's a chance they'll take one in the second round. They're reportedly interested in Jack Bech and Emuka Egbeka, both of whom should be available at No. 36, but it wouldn't be shocking if the front office is setting its sights on a few others. Depending on how things play out, Matthew Golden could be available in the late 20s.
Depending on who you talk you, Golden is a late-first or early-second talent, but the fact that he's invited to attend the draft indicates that he's projected to go in the first round. Given their need for a wide receiver, the Dallas Cowboys are seen as a logical destination for the former Texas Longhorn, but if they pass on him, the Jags should strongly consider moving up.
Golden is a superb route-runner with excellent speed who excels at reeling in contested catches. That sounds like something the Jaguars' passing game could use.
Omarion Hampton, running back
Chatter about Ashton Jeanty going to Jacksonville has ramped up the past few weeks, but nobody would bat an eye if they take a different route in the first round, especially if Will Campbell or Travis Hunter are still available. In the end, all three players could help the Jags, but if they still want to add a running back to their backfield, Omarion Hampton would be a terrific option.
The issue is that Hampton has seen his stock rise ahead of the draft and is a lock to go in the first round. But like most prospects on this list, he begins to fall, he would be worth trading for. He's the kind of downhill runner who would help the Jaguars wear opposing defenses.
Grey Zabel, offensive lineman
After an impressive outing in the Senior Bowl, Grey Zabel became the talk of the draft. Originally projected to go in the third round, he's now expected to go as early as the first round. The fact that he can play multiple positions up front makes him a coveted prospect worth taking a flyer on.
And while this draft class is loaded with guard talent, Zabel is the best of the bunch, which is why the Jags should consider the possibility of making a run for him late in the first round.
Shavon Revel, cornerback
Because of a knee injury he suffered last year, Shavon Revel appeared to be destined to go in the first round. However, his recovery is coming along nicely, and he's scheduled to be at full strength for offseason activities. That's helped him earn a first-round projection.
It would be surprising to see the Jaguars take a cornerback at No. 5, but they're planning to address the position early in the draft. Trey Amos and Maxwell Hairstone could be available at No. 36, but Revel may be the better of the two, and if Jacksonville likes him, it will probably need to trade back into the first round to call dibs on him.
Kelvin Banks Jr., offensive guard/tackle
Like fellow prospects Will Campbell and Armand Membou, Kelvin Banks Jr. mostly played offensive tackle at the collegiate level but could make the switch inside. Regardless of where he lines up, he would be an intriguing option to beef up the offensive line in case Jacksonville takes care of another need at No. 5.
Banks could challenge incumbent left tackle Walker Little for the starting job or compete with Ezra Cleveland at left guard. Either way, he would help the Jags raise the floor in the offensive trenches.