The Jacksonville Jaguars cleaned house after an underwhelming 2024 season. They then hired head coach Liam Coen and general manager James Gladstone to oversee a rebuild. The duo wasted no time making upgrades to the roster in free agency. They'll now get the chance to raise the roof in the NFL Draft.
Armed with 10 draft picks, the Jags won't be able to address all their remaining needs but have enough ammo to fortify several position groups and make a few deals during the three-day event. In fact, Ian Rapoport of NFL Media reports that Jacksonville will make a bold effort to acquire the second overall pick, which they could potentially use to take the two-way star.
Of course, there's a chance the Jaguars stay put and keep all their picks. Here's a seven-round mock draft where they do precisely that.
Round 1, pick 5: Ashton Jeanty, Boise State RB
Travis Hunter is a playmaker who could help the Jaguars on both sides of the ball. But if they can't pull off a trade, running back Ashton Jeanty will be the best player available at No. 5. Sure, the Jags have Tank Bigsby and Travis Etienne in the fold, but the 2024 Heisman Trophy finalist is the kind of player who can carry the team on his back.
Having Jeanty around would make life considerably easier for Trevor Lawrence, as he would force defenses to bring extra defenders into the box, which would, in turn, leave Brian Thomas Jr. and Dyami Brown with more favorable matchups.
Simply put, the former Boise State Bronco is the missing piece in what promises to be a dynamic offense in 2025.
Round 2, pick 36: Emeka Egbuka, Ohio State WR
The Jaguars have been linked to Tetairoa McMillan, but they only have one pick in the first round. If it came to that, they'll surely choose Ashton Jeanty over him. The silver lining is that there won't be a shortage of wide receiver talent in the second round. In fact, they've reportedly set their sights on Emeka Egbuka and Jack Bech. Both are intriguing prospects, but Egbuka has the biggest playmaking potential.
Although he mostly lined up in the slot, Egbuka thrived in the boundaries when he was given the chance. In Duval, he could contribute right away while he hones his skills behind Dyami Brown, Parker Washington, and Brian Thomas Jr.
Brown is slated to become a free agent in 2026. By then, Egbuka will be ready to take on a featured role.
Round 3, pick 70: Alfred Collins, Texans DT
As important as their first two selections will be, the Jaguars must ace most of their picks in the subsequent rounds if they want to seize the AFC South and enjoy sustained success. Having passed on defensive tackle prospects such as Mason Graham, Walter Nolen, and Derrick Harmon, the Jags take Alfred Collins 70th overall.
Collins may not have gotten nearly as much attention as Graham but has immense upside. With the Jaguars, he would join a rotation that includes Maason Smith, Arik Armstead, and Davon Hamilton, and get more playing time as he progresses. It wouldn't be shocking to see him become a starter in Year 2.
Round 3, pick 88: Kevin Winston Jr., Penn State S
The Jaguars signed Eric Murray in free agency to replace Andre Cisco in the defensive backfield, but he's not the long-term answer at safety. Enter Kevin Winston Jr.
Winston could watch early in his rookie season and be thrust into action once he's ready. Throughout his time at Penn State, he routinely thrived in coverage and showed amazing range. Couple that with his aggressiveness, and the Jags won't miss Cisco by the end of the 2025 season.
Round 4, pick 107: Ashton Gillote, Louisville DE
The Jaguars would like to bolster every single position in the draft but have just a finite amount of selections. Still, they won't neglect the pass rush and will take Ashton Gillote in Round 4. Although the former Louisville Cardinal lacks a good get-off, he's got the power to make his way to the quarterback.
WIth a bit of coaching and extra pass-rush moves, Gillote can develop into a sturdy rotational piece.
Round 4, pick 126: Scott McLaughlin, Ohio State IOL
The Jaguars beefed up the offensive line in free agency, but that shouldn't stop them from making further additions in the draft. Scott McLaughlin should be available in Round 4. Although he has adequate-not-great arm length and needs to work on his pad level, he's got the foot quickness and the power to make the leap to the NFL.
McLaughlin could come in and compete for the primary backup job on the interior offensive line and eventually compete for a starting spot at either guard or center.
Round 5, pick 142: Caleb Rodgers, Texas Tech OT
The Jaguars have a pair of solid bookend offensive tackles in Walker Little and Anton Harrison. The Jaguars could look for their potential replacements in 2025, but they should wait until next year because they have bigger needs. That said, the team's brass needs to add depth behind on the edges. After all, Cole Van Lanen, who'll tentatively be the swing tackle next season, is slated to hit the open market in 2025.
Rodgers was a four-year starter at Texas Tech and could learn the ropes behind Harrison and Little. Even if he ends up becoming a depth piece, he should be a big improvement over sophomore Javon Foster, who didn't do enough during his rookie season to make you think that he'll stick around for long.
Round 6, pick 182: Kaimon Rucker, North Carolina EDGE
The Jaguars already got Ashton Gillotte two rounds earlier, but they can afford to double-dip at defensive end due to the presence of Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker. With the duo firmly entrenched in the starting lineup, the coaching staff can develop a No. 3 to round out their rotation.
Rucker enters the draft with medical red flags and doesn't possess top-notch athleticism. That said, he has the tools to carve a niche as a rotational piece.
Round 6 pick 194: Korie Black, Oklahoma State CB
Like other positions, the Jaguars would love to make additions at cornerback early in the process, but having Jourdan Lewis, Tyson Campbell, and Jarran Jones gives them ample flexibility. With their starting trio set for at least 2025, the front office should instead focus on adding depth.
The Jags have Montaric Brown and DeAntre Prince in the fold, Korie Black could come in and challenge them for a roster spot. Drafting the former Oklahoma State product in Round 6 also makes sense when you take into account that Brown is scheduled to hit the open market in 2025, and it's better to look for his replacement one year too early and not one too late.
Round 7, pick 221: Jay Higgins, Iowa LB
And with their last pick of the draft, the Jaguars select Jay Higgins. Linebacker is one of those positions they shouldn't worry about in 2025. But at this point, they can afford to fortify the position. With Devin Lloyd, Foyesade Oluokun, and Ventrell Miller around, Jacksonville needs to focus on adding depth. Taking Jay Higgins in Round 7 would check off that box.