The Jacksonville Jaguars aren't lacking talent, they'll need to fill a handful of roster holes this offseason if they want to bounce back in 2025. Working in their favor is that they have ample cap space and draft capital to take care of most of them if not all. Dan Brugler of The Athletic believes the Jags will address the two most important ones in this year's NFL Draft.
In his latest two-round 2025 NFL Mock Draft, Brugler has Jacksonville taking Michigan stud cornerback Will Johnson at No. 5 and Arizona offensive lineman Jonah Savaiinaea with the 37th overall selection.
Regarding, Johnson, Brugler says it's "too early for Johnson" but he has the traits to thrive and could fill an immediate need for the Jaguars as a rookie.
"Personally, I think this is too early for Johnson — but that will be the case for several prospects in this year’s first round. I do really like Johnson’s eyes, feet and coverage IQ to match and make plays on the ball. He has a starter-caliber skill set and would upgrade one of the Jaguars’ outside corner spots as a rookie."
On the other hand, Brugler doesn't discuss the Savaiinaea pick but he would also fill what will potentially be a need in the offensive trenches this offseason.
Right guard Brandon Scherff signed a three-year deal worth $49.5 million in 2022 and has been the starting right guard the past three years. He's slated to become a free agent, and there's a chance he may not return to Jacksonville unless he takes a steep pay cut. After all, the former Iowa Hawkeye is no longer the Pro Bowler he was early in his career and is 33. Then again, he could stay with the Jags while they groom his replacement. Savaiinae would most definitely be an option.
Savaiinaea was a three-year starter at Arizona. He played right tackle for the Wildcats but may be better suited as an offensive guard. That's where Brandon Thorn of the Bleacher Report scouting department projects him to play in the NFL, and Brugler probably agrees with him.
Speaking of Thorn, he believes that Savaiinaea has the talent to "earn a backup role with starting potential within his rookie contract" and has a third-round grade on him.
The Jaguars would check 2 boxes with Will Johnson and Jonah Savaiinaea
The Jacksonville Jaguars need to find a starting cornerback opposite Tyson Campbell. They'll have several intriguing options in free agency, including D.J. Reed and Byron Murphy. But if they rather wait until the draft to bolster the position, Will Johnson would be an intriguing choice. In fact, the former Michigan Wolverine has been linked to the Jags for a while.
On the other hand, right guard will also be a priority in the offseason, but the Jags could easily wait until the draft to take care of it. Granted, they can go after Trey Smith in free agency, but it may not come cheap. Instead, they can address the position in the second or third round of the draft. Moreover, they want to invest all their effort in star receiver Tee Higgins, who would supercharge their offense.
All things considered, most Jaguars fans would certainly be fine if the draft unfolds the way Dane Brugler predicts in his latest mock. Heck, the Jags themselves would nod in approval.