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Jaguars add reinforcements to D-Line and secondary in 3-round 2025 NFL Mock Draft

• The Jaguars put together a stout defensive core in this 3-round mock draft.

By Carlos Sanchez

Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Billy Bowman Jr. (2) celebrates an interception in the first half of the Red River Rivalry college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners and the Texas Longhorn at the Cotton Bowl Stadium in Dallas, Texas.
Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Billy Bowman Jr. (2) celebrates an interception in the first half of the Red River Rivalry college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners and the Texas Longhorn at the Cotton Bowl Stadium in Dallas, Texas. / SARAH PHIPPS/THE OKLAHOMAN / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
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The Jacksonville Jaguars find themselves at a crossroads at the midpoint of the regular season. Expected to bounce back after failing to make the playoffs last year, they're currently one of the worst teams in the league. Compounding the issue is that Trevor Lawrence is dealing with a shoulder injury, and if he needs to undergo surgery, he may not play until 2025.

The upside of having one of the worst records in the league is that the Jags will secure a top 5 pick in the 2025 draft. Currently, they hold the second overall selection. Add the fact that they got an extra third-rounder after moving down six spots in this year's draft, and the front office will have a prime opportunity to revamp the roster.

With that in mind, here's a three-round mock draft in which the Jags bolster the defensive trenches and the secondary.

Round 1, pick 2: The Jaguars select Will Johnson, CB, Michigan

The Jags signed Ronald Darby and later used a pair of draft picks on Jarrian Jones and DeAntre Prince. But in spite of the additions to the cornerback room, Jacksonville still needs to find a starter opposite Tyson Campbell.

After all, Darby has struggled and Jones is probably better suited to man the slot. When you take into account that the Jaguars don't have many immediate needs on offense, they will be in a position to select Will Johnson in the first round.

Johnson is one of the top cornerback prospects, and Pro Football Focus' latest simulation has the Jaguars landing him with the No. 2 pick. This season, the Michigan standout has not surrendered a touchdown but has already registered two picks. Travis Hunter could also be an option here, but there's a chance he'll go first overall.

Round 2, pick 34: The Jaguars select Billy Bowman Jr., S, Oklahoma

Safety Andre Cisco is on a contract year and there's a chance he won't return in 2025. Apart from the fact that he's been average this season, the team's brass has already allocated a considerable amount of cap space to secure other players, so they may not be able to afford to bring the former Syracuse Orangeman back. If that's the outcome, the Jags can select Billy Bowman Jr. with the 34th pick to replace him.

Bowman showed an affinity for making plays in 2023, registering six interceptions. He can line up anywhere in the backfield and has sideline-to-sideline speed. His biggest weakness is that he's not a great tackler but that's something that can be corrected with coaching.

Round 3, pick 66: The Jaguars select Tyleik Williams, DT, Ohio State

The Jaguars drafted defensive tackles Maason Smith and Jordan Jefferson in 2024. Both of them could turn out to be impact contributors down the road but neither of them has impressed this season.

For that reason, the front office shouldn't hesitate to keep beefing up the defensive trenches next year. At worst, they'll add depth to the position. Best case scenario, they'll have a dominant rotation, and Tyleik Williams would be an intriguing prospect in the third round.

Williams needs to work on his hand usage and stance. On the other hand, he's got the upper body strength and the agility to dominate in the trenches. Moreover, he can win matchups in different ways. Aside from a bull rush, the Ohio State Buckeye has developed a repertoire of moves to get after the quarterback.

Round 3, pick 92: Ashton Gillotte, Edge, Louisville

The Jaguars have a pair of dominant pass rushers in Travon Walker and Josh Hines-Allen but their rotation could use a boost. Free-agent acquisition Arik Armstead is the team's No. 3 right now but he's been disappointing. It would be a good idea to look for alternatives and maybe even his potential replacement in next year's draft. Ashton Gillotte should be available at No. 92.

Guillotte has the burst and power to wreak havoc at the line of scrimmage. But aside from bringing the heat, he can defend the run as well. The 2023 First-Team All-ACC could first have a rotational role in Jacksonville and earn more playing time as he gets better.

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