The Jacksonville Jaguars will enter the 2025 NFL Draft without a clear need but will probably prioritize a handful of positions. Similarly, there will be a few they won't have to worry about. Having said that, Alex Ballentine of Bleacher Report is urging the Jags to bolster a unit that may not be in need of reinforcements next season.
Ballentine drew up a list of surprising needs every NFL team must take care of in the draft and picked linebacker for Jacksonville, pointing out that starters Foyeade Oluokun and Devin Lloyd might need to be replaced sooner rather than later.
"Foyesade Oluokun and Devin Lloyd have both been productive linebackers so it isn't a dire need right now. However, the former will turn 30 during the season and the latter is a 2026 free agent.
This year's class has two linebackers who could go in the first round in Jalon Walker and Jihaad Campbell. They probably aren't in the mix for Jacksonville based on other needs and its draft picks."
For the sake of transparency, Ballentine isn't suggesting the Jaguars target someone like Jihad Campbell in the first or second round. Instead, he believes Demetrius Knight Jr., Danny Stutsman, and Barrett Carter would be intriguing prospects to keep an eye on later in the draft. Either way, he thinks Jacksonville shouldn't pass up the chance to add depth to the linebacker corps.
As Ballentine pointed out, Lloyd and Oluokun are set to start. Behind them are Chad Muma and Ventrell Miller. The former has struggled when thurst into action while the latter has come through when given the chance. In fact, he could push Lloyd for playing time or even seize the starting job in training camp if there's an open competion.
It's also worth noting that Muma, like Lloyd, is slated to become a free agent in 2026, so the idea of adding depth at linebacker shouldn't be ruled out. That said, it may not be an issue of the front office skips it.
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The Jaguars don't have to upgrade the linebacker corps in the 2025 NFL Draft
Sure, there's a distinction between prioritizing a position and adding depth. However, the one position the Jacksonville Jaguars can afford to pass up in this year's draft is off-linebacker. After all, they have two dependable starters and a high-end backup.
Even if Lloyd and Muma leave next year, the front office could replenish the linebacker unit in free agency and the draft. On the other hand, they shouldn't be opposed to investing a later-round pick or even two at the position late in the draft. Then again, that should only happen once they've taken care of most of the needs.
And that's the thing: the Jaguars have 10 draft picks, so they could surely use one on a linebacker prospect. However, nobody should bat an eye if they don't. Heck, out of all the units on defense, it may be the one that doesn't need to be addressed in 2025.
Ultimately, the Jaguars will have several paths in the draft and will be fine if the one they choose skips the linebacker position altogether.