NFL fans and draftniks almost always default to a trade back preference when it comes to maneuvering within the annual NFL Selection Meeting. It's easy to understand why; the more at-bats you get, the more likely you are to get a hit. But, last night fans of the Jacksonville Jaguars were reminded that sometimes the other side of the coin is true.
There are times when a talented player is available ahead of a given team's draft slot, but likely won't be when the team's turn arrives. A move up is worth going for when when those conditions exist and the team's conviction is strong.
And Boy Howdy did the Jags go for it in a big way, by moving a substantial amount of draft capital in order to secure the the services of the intergalactically talented Travis Hunter. Sometimes trading up is worth it!
With that in mind, there are dozens of starters to be found on Day 2 of any given NFL Draft, and this year is no exception. The Jags had to mortgage their second round pick in order to secure Hunter, but they still have two thirds and two fourths to work with, and are in the market for more elite players.
What players the Jaguars should consider trading back into Round 2 for?
The NFL Trade Value charts say it would only cost about 60 "points" for Jacksonville to move up from their pick at number 70 to the 60 range. Their second fourth round pick, No. 2 107, is worth 80 points. So, if they spy a player falling to the back half of the second round that might not make it to the third, they could easily move up an grab him without sacrificing their second pick in the third round (No. 88).
Here are three names to watch tonight that could warrant another bold move by James Gladstone, Liam Coen and Tony Boselli:
Alfred Collins, DT Texas
Although Collins only started for a year at Texas, he has tremendous traits. At 6'6" and 332 pounds with 33.5 inch arms, he's known to have unusual coordination to pair with brute power. The Jags struggled to stop the run last year, and could be looking for a large body to anchor the defense and replace Davon Hamilton. His ability to two-gap presents an enticing opportunity for Jacksonville to address one of their major needs.
Collins is projected by many to have a seconnd to thirrd round grade, which puts him squarely in the Jaguars' discussion for moving up. Some have him ranked right around the Jags' pick at number 70. So, moving up might not be necessary in order to nab the massive big man. But with need aligning nicely with talent, the Jags could very well choose not to risk it.
Xavier Watts, S Notre Dame
In the days leading up to round one of the 2025 Draft, the Jaguars still held the No. 36 overall selection. Numerous mock drafters repeatedly identified that spot as an ideal opportunity for the Jaguars to solidify their secondary with Watts.
With the potential contributions from Travis Hunter now in the fold, the Jags' secondary has already elevated from average to good. With the possibility of Watts slipping into the back half of the second round as seen above, Jacksonville could see an opportunity to go from good to elite.
Watts proved to be a ball hawk with 13 total interceptions for the Irish, while allowing zero touchdown catches over the past two seasons. He is the first two-time consensus All-American at Notre Dame since 1993. So, although he lacks elite traits, the words "tough" and "instincts" hover around him, making him extremely "intangibly rich."
PFF has him ranked as the 36th best prospect, and ESPN has him going at number 48 to the Dolphins, which would cost the first of the Jags' fourth round picks (104) rather than the second (107), plus a little more. But, if he slips, he could make it to the right range for the Jaguars to pounce.
Jonah Savaiinaea, G Arizona
Dazzling weapons like Travis Hunter are exciting. But, in order to utilize his talents on offense, the Jaguars still need to add more protection for Trevor Lawrence. The Jags' O-Line has been atrocious for a long time, and although the team added four bigs in free agency, only two are expected to claim starting roles, leaving three other O-Line positions available for upgrade.
Savaiinaea is a massive, powerful lineman who projects more as a guard than a tackle. The Jaguars have not addressed tackle, so they could be looking for more of a pure edge protector. Still, he played tackle in college manning both right and left sides for the Wildcats, all the while maintaining a great outlook.
"Wherever my coaches want me, I’ll play there. Whatever the team needs."Ultra-intangibly Rich Jonah Savaiinaea
Savaiinaea is described by one service as a potentially ideal candidate to help the Jaguars: "Overall, Savaiinaea has the length and functional movements to stay at tackle, but his square play style projects best inside at guard, where he can use his bear claws to control the man in front of him. He should compete for starting reps as early as his rookie season."
Savaiinaea is predicted by ESPN to be taken at number 58 by the Texans on Day 2, so he is right in the strike zone for the Jaguars to move up and swipe the big man.
Bonus: Wyatt Milum, OL West Virginia
Milum's draft stock has been a little all over the place, and with some lists having him ranked as low as 91 on their big board, a move up could be unnecessary. However, he's seen in many mocks going near the top of the second, and his positional versatility and overall toughness could be exactly what the Jags are looking for as they continue to try and bolster Trevor Lawrence's protection.