The Jacksonville Jaguars address needs in free agency and will continue making further upgrades to the roster in the 2025 NFL Draft. This is great news for a team that lacked playmakers and depth at several positions last year. On the other hand, all the changes the Jags have made could affect a handful of players.
The new regime is making an effort to increase the roster floor this offseason. This means that several players from last year's team may not be good enough and may be replaced in the upcoming months. These five, in particular, could be on the hot seat ahead of the draft.
Walker Little, Jaguars offensive tackle
The Jaguars gave Walker Little a three-year deal worth $45 million last year, but the new regime doesn't appear to be sold on him for whatever reason. That's led to chatter about him needing to compete for the starting job at left tackle despite the fact that he's fared well when called upon.
One thing that could help Little is that this year's offensive tackle isn't that deep, and if the Jaguars skip the position on Days 1 or 2, that will be a sign he's safe in 2025.
DaVon Hamilton, defensive tackle
DaVon Hamilton's development as a rookie was a bright spot in what was mostly an underwhelming 2020 season. The former Ohio State product kept showing progress the following two years, so nobody batted an eye when he got a three-year, $34 million deal in 2023. Since then, though, he hasn't done much of note.
Granted, a back injury forced Hamilton to miss time in 2023. Even when he returned, he wasn't 100 percent. With enough time to recover, though, he was expected to get back on track last year, but ended up being a non-factor last year.
As things stand, Hamilton's seat is already hot due to the presence of sophomores Jordan Jefferson and Maason Smith. If Jacksonville adds another defensive tackle in the draft, his fate could be sealed.
Ezra Cleveland, Jaguars offensive guard
By all accounts, Ezra Cleveland hasn't been dreadful since joining the Jaguars via trade in 2023. But he hasn't been great either. Nevertheless, general manager Trent Baalke gave him a three-year deal worth $24 million last season.
Held back by injuries in his first season with the Jags, Cleveland was expected to hit his stride in 2024. However, he was unremarkable. If the Jaguars are serious about raising the team's floor, they'll look to add an interior offensive lineman to compete with Cleveland for the starting job at left guard.
Travis Etienne, Jaguars running back
After missing his rookie season with a Lisfranc injury, Travis Etienne rewarded the Jaguars' patience with back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons. However, injuries hampered his performance last season and made him the second option in the Jacksonville backfield due to the ascension of Tank Bigsby.
Etienne is now entering a contract year and has been the subject of trade speculation. If the Jaguars select Ashton Jeanty — and signs point in that direction — the former Clemson Tiger could be shopped during or after the draft.
Gabe Davis, Jaguars wide receiver
Head coach Liam Coen recently turned heads when he praised several Jaguars players but failed to mention wide receiver Gabe Davis. The omission may or may not be intentional, but the 2024 free-agent signing currently seems to be an afterthought.
Earlier this year, Jacksonville added Dyami Brown to a one-year deal. He's expected to start opposite Brian Thomas Jr., so Davis may need to compete for playing time. Add the fact that the front office is reportedly targeting Emeka Egbuka and Jack Bech in the second round, and the veteran wideout could be on his way out.
The one thing saving Davis from getting his walking papers is his badly structured contract, but if the Jaguars are willing to bite the bullet, he may not be on the roster come September.