The Jacksonville Jaguars will be in an enviable position with the fifth overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Having already addressed their most pressing needs in free agency, they can take different paths and will come out with a game-changer in most of them. One that's been picking up steam in recent weeks has been the offensive line.
Even though the Jags beefed up the offensive trenches in the offensive line, they could make further upgrades in the draft. They could wait until Rounds 2 or 3, but nobody should bat an eye if they roll with Armand Membou at No. 5 — that's the path Charles Davis of NFL Media has them taking.
Davis just did a mock draft and had Jacksonville taking Membou, pointing out that the pick is about getting Trevor Lawrence as much help as possible, and picking the offensive lineman would accomplish that.
"Yes, the Jags have two starting-caliber offensive tackles (Walker Little and Anton Harrison), but this pick is about maximizing the opportunity for QB Trevor Lawrence to realize his potential. Membou is an immediate starter, even if he moves over to the left side from right tackle, where he played at Missouri."
And added benefit of emphasizing the offensive line so early in the draft is that the Jags could at last establish the run, an area that's been an issue the past two years. Back in 2023, the Jags rarely made an effort to tot the rock because they couldn't block up front. The issue carried over into last year, and Jacksonville was among the worst teams in the NFL when it came to racking up yards before contact.
So why should the Jaguars roll with Membou and not Mason Graham or Travis Hunter? This year's defensive tackle class is as deep as it comes, so the front office could wait until Day 2 to take one and still come out with a quality player. On the other hand, the Jags already signed Dyami Brown in free agency, so wide receiver isn't a pressing need. This means that the Jags could prioritize another position group, let's say the offensive line.
In Membou, the Jags would get a player they could plug in on the offensive line from Day 1. While he mostly lined up at right tackle in college, the coaching staff could move him wherever they need him the most.
Related story: Jaguars' draft target gets unflattering comparison to former Saints bust
Why the Jaguars may or may not draft Armand Membou
Bolstering the offensive line was a top priority for the Jacksonville Jaguars this offseason, so it's not surprising that they signed four offensive linemen in free agency: Robert Hainsey, Patrick Mekari, Fred Johnson, and Chuma Edoga. The first two are slated to start, and the later two will compete for backup roles.
There's no doubt that the offensive line is in much better shape, but there's a chance the Jaguars brass isn't done making additions. After all, general manager James Gladstone has made it clear that they want to raise the team floor. The Jags let Blake Hance walk in free agency and just released Dieter Eiselen. Both of them were at the bottom of the depth chart, so their departure won't sting. On the other hand, Jacksonville needs to fill their spots.
If the Jaguars drafted Membou, they could plug him in at right guard so Mekari can stay at left guard, where he found a home last season after playing different positions throughout his career. Another option would be to have him compete with Walker Little or Ezra Cleveland on the left side of the offensive line. Either way, Membou would provide the boost the trenches need.
Then again, the pick isn't set in stone, so expect the Jags to do something unexpected in the first round.