The Jacksonville Jaguars are doing a good job of bolstering their defense in the 2025 NFL Draft. Even though they had taken defensive back Caleb Ransaw and linebacker Jack Kizer in prior rounds, they didn't hesitate to make further upgrades to the back seven in Round 6.
With pick No. 194, the Jags selected outside linebacker Jalen McLeod. Then at No. 200, they drafted safety Rayuan Lane III. Both players should immediately compete for a role on defense.
A pass rusher at Auburn, McLeod made the most of his playing time last year. However, he's undersized to be a defensive end full-time in the pros, so he may make the transition to off-linebacker with the Jaguars. Of course, there's also a chance he lines up with his hand on the ground. Either way, he'll probably get playing time in obvious pass situations.
Kyle Crabbs of The 33rd Team had a sixth-round grade on him, arguing that he'll be better suited for sub-packages where "he can align and attack from a variety of angles."
On the other hand, Lane should compete for a reserve role early on. He's the third safety the Jaguars have added this offseason. Back in free agency, locked up veteran Eric Murray. He'll be the favorite to start next to incumbent Darnell Savage on Day 1. The front office also added Ransaw in the third round. He mostly played cornerback at Tulane but will make the switch to safety in Jacksonville.
Lane was the first ever defensive back drafted in Navy program history. He can also line up at cornerback or safety, but will need to work on his tackling skills. Then again, his eight career interceptions make him an intriguing developmental prospect.
Ray Fowler of The Draft Network had a Day 3 on Lane, pointing out that he's better suited for a specific role in a defensive backfield but could also see playing time on special teams.
"Overall, it remains to be seen where Lane finds his niche at the next level. Structured in the mold of a slot corner, Lane's lapses in man may push him to live at safety where his instincts and ball skills could showcase best," Fowler said. "Improving in the finer areas as a coverage defender, along with tackling technique, should allow Lane to challenge for snaps in multiple phases. He enters the draft with 572 career snaps on special teams."
What should the Jaguars expect from Rayuan Lane and Jalen McLeod?
Rayuan Lane and Jalen McLeod won't be starting anytime soon but should be competing for backup roles. The former will join a group that includes Eric Murray, Darnell Savage, Andrew Wingard, and Antonio Johnson. All four are serviceable but far from impact players. After adding Lane to the mix, it's hard to tell how the depth chart will look.
McLeod, on the other hand, won't see much competition. The Jaguars don't have a true No. 3 behind Travon Walker and Josh Hines-Allen, so he could carve a niche as a rotational piece. Of course, the team's brass could add a veteran before the regular season, but the former Navy standout should be granted lots of opportunities in the summer.
You should never expect a sixth-rounder to have an immediate impact, but Jalen McLeod and Rayuan Lane give defensive coach Anthony Campanile a couple of interesting pieces to mold.