If the Jacksonville Jaguars had wanted to, they could've signed a defensive tackle in free agency. After all, there were several intriguing options available, and they had the cap space to make a run for whichever they wanted. However, the team's brass chose to prioritize other positions and their defensive front still needs reinforcements. The good news is that they can take care of it in the 2025 NFL Draft. For the time being, Josh Edwards of CBS Sports believes it remains the Jags' biggest need.
Edwards discussed every NFL team's top need after free agency and brought up defensive tackle for Jacksonville. On the other hand, he also thinks they could bolster the tight end unit or the secondary.
"There is a lot of wish-casting in regards to Jacksonville's defensive interior. They hope that DaVon Hamilton and Arik Armstead return to form and that second-year defensive tackle Maason Smith builds upon last campaign. New head coach Liam Coen could use a few more bodies in the secondary and tight end could be addressed in the absence of Evan Engram, but Michigan defensive tackle Mason Graham has been a popular choice at No. 5 overall. "
Wish-casting may be a bit of a stretch, but there are legitimate reasons to believe that the Jaguars will get better production from their defensive tackle position in 2025. For starters, they got rid of defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen, who was expected to get the most out of his group but instead rubbed players the wrong way with his arrogant demeanor.
To replace Nielsen, the team hired Anthony Campanile. He should be able to accomplish what his predecessor failed to do with this no-nonsense approach. Then again, that's not the only reason the Jags will be better at the line of scrimmage. Maason Smith got off to a slow start to his rookie campaign and even cast doubt in the Jaguars' decision to draft him in Round 2.
However, Smith turned the corner and went on to register three sacks, the third-most on the Jaguars last year. He should have no trouble picking up where he left off. There's also Arik Armstead who was underwhelming on the edge but will return to defensive tackle, where he's at his best, in 2025. Behind him and Smith are DaVon Hamilton and Jordan Jefferson. Both are solid rotational pieces.
On the other hand, tight end and the secondary remain needs for the Jaguars ahead of free agency. Although they signed Johnny Mundt and Hunter Long in free agency, they also released Evan Engram. Both Mundt and Long are solid blockers and will provide depth at tight end, but that shouldn't stop the front office from bolstering the position in the draft. The same is true for the defensive backfield.
Jacksonville signed Eric Murray and Jourdan Lewis in free agency, but investing a couple draft picks on Day 1 or 2 would most definitely make sense.
Related story: Updated cap space and draft picks for the Jaguars in 2025
Mason Graham would solidify the Jaguars' defensive tackle group
Circling back to Josh Edwards, he's right Mason Graham could turn the Jacksonville Jaguars' defensive tackle into one of the most dominant in the league. The Michigan Wolverine is without a doubt the top prospect at the position in this year's draft. Having said that, picking at No. 5 is far from a lock.
The Jaguars could go take cornerback Will Johnson or wide receiver Tatairoa McMillen at No. 5. Heck, two-way star Travis Hunter may be a legitimate option, and so are offensive linemen Armand Membou and Will Campbell.
It's worth noting the Jaguars gave themselves plenty of flexibility in the draft with their free-agent strategy, so there are several paths they could take in Round 1. Then again, nobody will bat an eye if they go defensive tackle at No. 5. Heck, general manager James Gladstone hinted at something along those lines in a recent press conference.
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