Even though the offensive line isn't a pressing need for the Jacksonville Jaguars, it wouldn't hurt to add depth across the trenches. After all, left tackle Walker Little could be traded to another team this offseason. On top of that, left guard Ezra Cleveland is entering a contract year and could leave in 2025.
While sophomores Wyatt Milum and Jonah Monheim are in the mix, it makes sense for Jacksonville to beef up the benches. The issue is that they have bigger priorities. In particular, the team's brass needs to add reinforcements at cornerback, defensive tackle, and the pass rush.
But once the Jaguars bolster those position groups, they could easily add a hog molly or two on Day 3 of the draft. In fact, that's what they could do based on a recent scoop.
The Jaguars are reportedly meeting with Memphis OT Travis Burke
Justin Melo of NFL Draft on Sports Illustrated reports that the Jaguars are set to have a virtual meeting with Travis Burke. It's also worth noting that the former Memphis Tiger also met with a team contingent Jacksonville sent to the NFL Scouting Combine.
This shows that the Jags do have interest and are doing their due diligence in Burke. The San Francisco 49ers, the Los Angeles Chargers, the Arizona Cardinals, and the Indianapolis Colts have also met with him.
At 6'9", Burke has outstanding size and length. On the other hand, he's a work in progress, needing work on his pad level, footwork, and hand placement. Couple that with the fact that his 2025 season came to an end due to a foot injury, and he's projected to either be a seventh-round selection or go undrafted.
Related: Post-NFL Combine mock draft puts the Jags on path to Super Bowl 61
Why Travis Burke would be a draft gem for the Jaguars
Teams begin to look for core special teams players and developmental prospects as early as the fourth round. The Jaguars currently have three picks in Round 7 because of the Christian Kirk, Riley Patterson, and Fred Johnson trades. That will allow them to take several low-risk bets. One of them should be on someone like Travis Burke.
Last year, general manager James Gladstone struck gold when he chose center Jonah Monheim in Round 7. Lighting could strike twice with Travis Burke. Of course, Jacksonville could also take a chance and hope he goes undrafted but would run the risk of losing him to other teams.
In Jacksonville, Burke could compete for the backup job at left tackle. After a breakout season, Cole Van Lanen is trending toward being Trevor Lawrence's blindside protector, but because Walker Little could be traded, the Jags will need to add depth. Bringing in an affordable veteran in free agency to compete with Burke would be the best course of action to ensure the offensive trenches aren't depleted throughout the year.
Although the offensive line isn't a strength for the Jaguars, it isn't a weakness either. But that shouldn't deter them from adding reinforcements across the line of scrimmage, even if they prioritize other positions first.