The Jacksonville Jaguars are currently running a search to find their next head coach. They scraped Ben Johnson off their wish list after he went with the Chicago Bears. Now, the Jags have turned their attention to three specific candidates, and once they pick one, they'll need to focus on revamping the roster.
While Jacksonville has ample talent at all three levels, they also have a few holes. They can fill a few of them in free agency, but will address most of them in the draft. With this in mind, here's a four-round mock draft where the Jags take care of their needs.
Round 1, pick 5: Colorado CB Travis Hunter
When the Jags were on track to hold the first overall selection. They were routinely linked to two-way star Travis Hunter. Even though they ultimately clinched the No. 5 pick, they still have a realistic shot at landing the Heisman Trophy winner.
The top two teams in the draft, the Tennessee Titans and the Cleveland Browns, need quarterbacks, so the Jags won't have to worry about either of them drafting Hunter. If the New York Giants and New England Patriots roll with Mason Graham and Abdul Carter, they would clear the path for Jacksonville to choose the former Colorado Buffaloe.
In Hunter, the Jags they would get a lockdown corner opposite Tyson Campbell and would check off one of their biggest needs this offseason.
Round 2, pick 37: Ole Miss DT Walker Nolen
2024 second-round pick Maason Smith got off to a slow start to his rookie season but played much better toward the end of the year. He should keep getting better in his sophomore campaign. Add the fact that Arik Armstead is switching back to defensive tackle, and the interior trenches will look much better in 2025.
That said, the Jags must continue fortifying the defensive front and Walker Nolen in Round 2 would most definitely be an intriguing choice. The former Ole Miss Rebel needs to work on his stance and pad leveling but showed pass-rush potential throughout his collegiate career.
With the Jags, Nolen could play in passing downs and get a bigger role once he gets better.
Round 3, pick 69: Georgia RG Tate Ratledge
Right guard Brandon Scherff is slated to become a free agent. Given that he's 33 and no longer the Pro Bowler he was during his time with the Washington Commanders, he'll probably leave. If he does, Jacksonville will need to look for his replacement. Trey Smith will be the best option in free agency but will command top-market compensation, so the top brass may want to turn to the draft to address the position.
Tate Ratledge in Round 3 would be a solid choice. The former Georgia Bulldog has all the traits you want in the NFL and is virtually pro-ready. He could compete for a starting job right off the bat.
Round 3, pick 88: Oklahoma S Billy Bowman Jr.
One of the biggest decisions the Jaguars will need to make in the offseason will be whether to bring safety Andre Cisco back. Although he's a ballhawk, he was inconsistent in 2024. If the former Syracuse Orangeman leaves, Bill Bowman Jr. can fill the void.
Bowman is a bit short to play safety in the NFL but makes up for with with superb instincts and sound fundamentals. He may need to get acclimated to the pros, but could end up becoming a starter at some point in his rookie season.
Round 4, pick 105: Ohio State QB Will Howard
Quarterback Mac Jones is another notable player the Jaguars will probably need to replace in the offseason. The former Alabama product had several ups and downs throughout his lone season in Jacksonville but would be worth re-signing. That said, he may want to test the market and look for a place where he can compete for a starting job, something he won't be able to do with the Jags due to the presence of Trevor Lawrence.
The quarterback market won't be particularly strong in free agency, so the Jaguars can easily turn to the draft to find a backup quarterback. Will Howard in Round 4 will check off that box. He'll be 24 in 2025 and will need to work on his mechanics but has a good arm and the touch to make all kinds of throws. Add the fact that the Ohio State product has enough mobility, and he's an intriguing developmental prospect.
Round 4, pick 124: Purdue RT Marcus Mbow
The Jaguars had enviable depth at offensive tackle in 2024. However, they'll need to fortify the position after trading Cam Robinson midseason. Cole Van Lanen is a fine backup but will be entering a contract year in 2025. Moreover, Javon Foster was a healthy scratch throughout most of his rookie campaign, so the team's brass needs to add competition and depth to their offensive trenches.
Purdue offensive tackle Marcus Mbow can play inside or outside. That kind of versatility would come in handy in Jacksonville. He needs to bulk up and lacks ideal arm length. Nevertheless, he could push Foster right off the bat and eventually develop into a viable backup.