The Jacksonville Jaguars are moving quickly after experiencing a few twists and turns early in the offseason. After running an extensive search, they hired Liam Coen to be their new head coach. He's now in the process of filling his staff. It's a matter of time before he checks off that box and can fully turn his attention to assessing the roster.
One of the biggest decisions Coen and the Jags will need to make in the offseason will be what to do with running back Travis Etienne. The former Clemson Tiger has been a stable of the offense the past three seasons but is entering a contract year in 2025. Moreover, the ascension of Tank Bigsby has made him somewhat expendable.
Jacksonville could free up $6.1 million if Etienne is released or traded. Teams in need of a proven running back could probably give up a fourth-round selection for him. For the sake of the argument, let's say the Jaguars do trade the Louisiana native, they replace him in this four-round mock draft.
Round 1, pick 5: Michigan CB Will Johnson
Cornerback is arguably the Jaguars' biggest need this offseason. They have a pretty good boundary corner in Tyson Campbell while Jarrian Jones is coming off a promising campaign in the slot. That said, the front office must round out the starting trio, and they do precisely that when they draft Will Johnson fifth overall.
Johnson and Travis Hunter are the top corners in this draft, but the latter may choose to play receiver in the pros full-time, so the Jags go with the former in this mock.
At 6'2" and 202 pounds, Johnson has all the traits you want in a starting cornerback in the NFL. He needs to work on his technique but that's mostly true for most prospects making the leap from the collegiate level. In Jacksonville, the Michigan product could be a Day 1 starter on the opposite side of Campbell.
Round 2, pick 37: North Carolina RB Omarion Hampton
In recent years, you'll only see a couple of running backs go in the first round, which is why there's a strong chance Omarion Hampton will still be on the board when Jacksonville is on the clock at No. 37. A four-star recruit out of high school, the former North Carolina Tar Heel is a downhill runner in the mold of Tank Bigsby.
Hampton lacks a fourth gear but is pretty good in pass protection and a capable receiver. Granted, he must work in his protection, but he could contribute right off the bat in the Jacksonville backfield alongside Bigsby.
Round 3, pick 70: North Dakota State OL Grey Zabel
Grey Zabel has been the talk of the town at the Reese's Senior Bowl, and it's easy to see why. The former North Dakota State Bison has won nearly all his reps and has done it while lining up at different spots up front. That kind of versatility could come in handy in Duval.
Now, you'll hear chatter about Zabel's stock skyrocketing and potentially being a first-round pick, but that's just pre-draft chatter. He's projected to go on Day 2. Maybe a team will be bold enough to pick him in the second round, but nobody will bat an eye if he's available in the third round. That's where the Jags nab him.
Round 3, pick 88: LSU TE Mason Tyler
The Jaguars got an extra third-round pick from the Minnesota Vikings in 2025 when they moved from No. 17 to No. 23 last year. With the selection, they go with Mason Tyler, who's making waves in the Senior Bowl just like Grey Zabel.
Now, the Jaguars already have two staring tight ends in Evan Engram and Brenton Strange, but the former could be a cap casualty. And even if he stays, he's entering a contract year, so the front office may want to start looking for his heir apparent.
It's also worth noting that tight ends Luke Farrell and Josh Deguara are also slated to hit the open market, so drafting Mason Taylor in the third would make sense.
Round 4, pick 105: Wisconsin OT Jack Nelson
Teams start to add depth and developmental prospects in Round 4 of the draft. Jack Nelson fits the bill. He isn't a mauler but can hold his own at the line of scrimmage with technique. With the Jaguars, not only would the former Wisconsin Badger add depth but could also push Javon Foster, who had an underwhelming rookie campaign.
Round 4, pick 124: Oregon CB Jabbar Muhammad
Having drafted a starting cornerback in Round 1, the Jags add depth at the position on Day 3 with Jabbar Muhammad. He doesn't have ideal height and needs to work on his footwork but could turn into a dependable reserve.
Montaric Brown is entering a contract year, so the front office should start looking and grooming his replacement one year too early and not one too late.
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