The Jacksonville Jaguars need to prioritize the interior defensive line and the pass rush in the NFL Draft. However, they also need to add reinforcements to a handful of position groups. One that hasn't been discussed nearly as much is the offensive line because all five starters from 2025 will return next season. Having said that, the Jags shouldn't pass up the chance to beef up the trenches.
Specifically, the team's brass could use depth on the interior offensive line, and Alex Ballentine of Bleacher Report just made an intriguing suggestion.
Chase Bisontis could offer the Jaguars a draft fix at offensive guard
Alex Ballentine of Bleacher Report drew up a list of surprising draft needs for each NFL team and offered a potential fix. For the Jaguars, he chose the interior offensive, noting that Ezra Cleveland is entering a contract year and Patrick Mekari left a bit to be desired. Here's the skinny.
"The problem is that Ezra Cleveland is a 2027 free agent. Mekari ranked 68th out of 79 guards graded by PFF last season, and Hainsey was 24th among all centers," Ballentine wrote. "The Jaguars have other needs who have had more press, but the bottom line is that they could use an upgrade inside."
So how does Ballentine think the Jaguars should take care of the interior offensive line? He names Chase Bisontis as a potential draft target.
"The Jaguars don't have a first-round selection, so Olaivavaga Ioane is probably off the board. However, there could be a conversation about Chase Bisontis," Ballentine said.
A four-star recruit out of high school, Bisontis was a three-year starter at Texas A&M, playing tackle early in his collegiate career but later switching to guard.
Luke Easterling of Athlon Sports argues that Bisontis' physicality and versatility could make him a first-round selection. However, there's a chance he could be available in Round 2 or even slide to the third round.
The reason the former Aggie could still be on the board when the Jaguars are on the clock at No. 56 is that he lacks consistency in pass protection, and his overall technique needs refinement. Either way, Bisontis would be able to compete for the primary backup job on the interior offensive line as a rookie if he went to Jacksonville. And in Year 2, he could make a push for a starting spot.
Why it makes sense for the Jaguars to draft Chase Bisontis
Even though Patrick Mekari is expected to bounce back in 2025, the Jaguars shouldn't pass up the chance to add depth on the interior defensive line. With Ezra Cleveland scheduled to become a free agent in 2027, it would make sense to start looking for a potential heir apparent. Sure, sophomore Wyatt Milum is also in the mix, but that shouldn't stop Jacksonville from bringing in competition in the draft.
The issue is that the Jags have bigger needs than offensive guard. Specifically, they may want to add reinforcements at defensive tackle or the pass rush with the 56th overall pick. And if that's the route general manager James Gladstone chooses, Chase Bisontis may be gone by the time Jacksonville picks again at No. 81.
But if Bisontis is available in the third round, the Jaguars should hesitate to use a draft pick on him. Even if he doesn't have an impact right away, he could turn out to be a fixture on the offensive line for years to come.