The Jacksonville Jaguars are playing out the string for the remainder of the 2024 season. It seems unlikely that franchise quarterback Trevor Lawrence will be put in harm's way, meaning Mac Jones will likely be under center for a team that doesn't have the talent needed to save Doug Pederson's job.
The Jaguars have a few pieces to build around. Travon Walker keeps getting better, Brian Thomas Jr. has been a stud, and Lawrence has looked good despite a complete mountain of dysfunction popping up in front of him. Trent Baalke, if he keeps his job, only needs one or two big hits in the 2025 NFL Draft to get back on the right track.
The Jaguars need to improve their lackluster defense and get Lawrence one or two more weapons in order to challenge the Texans for AFC South supremacy. If they follow this 2025 NFL Mock Draft, Jacksonville could start the post-Pederson era off well with a bang.
Jacksonville Jaguars 3-round 2025 NFL Mock Draft
Round 1, Pick 4: Travis Hunter, CB/WR, Colorado
The Jaguars could land a new starting cornerback and a new wideout for Lawrence in one fell swoop. As a cornerback, Hunter is one of the best prospects in years, as he possesses elite of elite ball skills alongside once-in-a-decade athleticism that makes him a no-doubt starter right away.
Even if Hunter won't start at receiver in the pros, he should be in-line for 20-ish snaps a game on offense. With great speed and hands to go along with sharp route-running, Lawrence will be looking at Hunter quite often if he ends up in Jacksonville. The Jaguars would be stupid to pass on Hunter if he is available.
Round 2, Pick 35: Tyleik Williams, DT, Ohio State
The Jaguars used two picks on defensive tackles last year, as they recreated the LSU defensive line by selecting Maason Smith in the second round and Jordan Jefferson in the fourth round. Neither of them has made much of an impact, leading Jacksonville back to taking another DT in what is an extremely deep class.
Williams may not be a Week 1 starter due to his inexperienced he appears at times, but the physical gifts warrant a selection at this point in the draft. With good movement skills at 330 pounds and enough power to blow up plays at the line, Williams has Pro Bowl potential if use correctly.
Round 3, Pick 71: Tate Ratledge, IOL, Georgia
While the Jags' offensive line isn't abysmal, it has certainly taken a step back when compared to last season. With Brandon Scherff getting a bit long in the tooth, Jacksonville would be wise to groom a long-term successor by adding an aggressive mauler like Ratledge to the fold.
Ratledge is an old-school run-blocker who can beat up opponents at the line of scrimmage, leaning on his aggressive style of play and power to make up for a lack of great athletic ability. Gone are the days of the backfield getting stoned at the line of scrimmage.
Round 3, Pick 92: Sebastian Castro, SAF, Iowa
The Jaguars need to lead the first two days of the NFL Draft with at least two secondary players. The trio of Darnell Savage, Antonio Johnson, and Andre Cisco should be good on paper, but they haven't played well enough to ward off a young challenger like Castro coming in.
A versatile player in the tradition of many great Hawkeyes defensive backs, Castro has made his name as a turnover generator and zone coverage mastermind. Castro should have no difficulty getting playing time in this secondary, especially if Cisco leaves in free agency.