The Jacksonville Jaguars entered free agency looking to raise the roster's floor. Looking at their haul, it's fair to say that they accomplished their objective. While they managed to address immediate needs, they still have to bolster a handful of position groups. The good news is that the Jags position themselves to load up on talent in the 2025 NFL Draft.
By beefing up the offensive line and making upgrades to the secondary, Jacksonville can now turn its attention to adding reinforcements to the defensive front. That's precisely what Kyle Stackpole of CBS Sports projects them to do in his latest mock draft.
With Travis Hunter and Tetairoa McMillan going in picks No. 3 and No. 4, respectively, Stackpole has the Jaguars taking Mason Graham at No. 5, noting that they would surely like to make further upgrades to the offensive line but the former Michigan Wolverine is too much of a game-changer to pass up.
"'m sure new head coach Liam Coen wouldn't mind getting some added protection for Trevor Lawrence, but Mason Graham is too good of a player to pass up here. His arm length isn't that of a typical top-10 defensive tackle, but his tenacity, strength, technique and consistency more than make up for it."
Drafting McMillan at No. 5 would've made sense after the Jaguars traded Christian Kirk. However, the addition of Dyami Brown in free agency gives them a chance to take care of other needs. The same is true of the additions of Patrick Mekari, Robert Heinsay, and Chuma Edoga. Even with the three in the fold, the front office could still add other hog mollies in the later rounds but the interior offensive line is no longer a need.
Meanwhile, Jacksonville has yet to address the interior defensive line or the pass rush. That's by design, though. As general manager James Gladstone stated, it wouldn't make sense to add veteran help at either position because it would potentially hamper the team's incoming rookie class.
Related story: Grading every signing the Jaguars made in 2025 NFL Free Agency
Why does Mason Graham make sense for the Jaguars after free agency?
This is going to be a great year to pick a defensive tackle because the class is loaded at the position. That said, Mason Graham may be too good to pass up at No. 5. Simply put, the difference between him and the next prospect is steep.
On the other hand, defensive tackle isn't the only position the Jags could take care of with the fifth overall pick. Even though they signed Jourdan Lewis in free agency, they could still target Will Johnson. The Michigan product should still be on the board when they're on the clock.
Another position the team's brass could address is safety. You could make the case that it's too early in the draft, but Nick Emmanwori tested off the charts at the NFL Scouting Combine. His elite athletic traits would make him an intriguing pick at No. 5 despite the fact that Jacksonville just signed Eric Murray. Having said that, further improvements on offense shouldn't be ruled out just yet.
Before free agency, Armand Membou and Will Campbell were mocked to the Jags. Granted, they already addressed the offensive line in free agency, but they want to keep reinforcing the line of scrimmage, especially if either one is the highest-rated player on their big board.
The bottom line is that the Jacksonville Jaguars will be in a position to come out with a playmaker in the first round because of their free-agency haul.