The Jacksonville Jaguars made several important additions in free agency but couldn't address every single need. Doing so would've been unrealistic, but they'll be able to continue bolstering the roster in the 2025 NFL Draft. One position that could still use upgrades is the defensive line. Based on head coach Liam Coen's latest comments, it looks like the Jags will prioritize it.
Coen talked to the press corps at the 2025 NFL Owners Meeting and said that Jacksonville will bring in competition to the defensive trenches, noting that there's already plenty of talent in place but could still add help inside or outside.
"Yeah, I think you're looking to add some competition in there," Coen responded when he was asked whether the team would beef up the defensive trenches in the draft. "We've got some really good players down there. I think we've got three first-rounders right on our defensive line currently, so three guys that are going to have some good years, hopefully elevate that room, and we'll continue to evaluate it."
Coen continued, "But yeah, absolutely, you're looking at definitely somebody through the deal and however that thing plays out inside."
Those three first-rounders Coen was referring to are Josh Hines-Allen, Travon Walker, and Arik Armstead. They combined for 20 sacks last season, but Armstead mostly played a rotational role on the edge behind Walker and Hines-Allen. He'll switch back to defensive tackle, where he's at his best, in 2025. Add last year's second-round pick Maason Graham to the mix, and you have a pretty stout defensive front.
Having said that, the Jaguars still have room for another talent, and there isn't a limit or required number of first-rounders you can have. Granted, it sounds like Coen is praising the defensive front in his conversation with the media, but that doesn't mean the Jags won't add any more talent early in the draft. Below is the full exchange. His remarks about the 22:18 mark.
Jalon Walker and Mason Graham make plenty of sense for the Jaguars
The Jaguars don't appear to have a pressing need right now. That's clear in mock drafts, where they have been linked to a myriad of players, ranging from wide receiver Travis Hunter to offensive lineman Armand Memboue. However, the consensus is that they'll take defensive tackle Mason Graham.
Although the players' readiness is always variable coming out of college, Graham consistently wreaked havoc at Michigan despite the fact that he lacked ideal arm strength. He could certainly provide the competition Liam Coen was talking about. But if the Jaguars want to round out their pass rush rotation in the first round, Jalon Walker is an intriguing choice.
Abdul Carter is the best pass-rush prospect in this year's draft, but he probably won't make it to No. 5, so the odds of Jacksonville picking him are relatively low. On the other hand, Walker should be available. He lacks the name recognition that Carter has, but the tape shows a player that caused disruption on a consistent basis.
Heck, draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah of NFL Media just moved the former Georgia Bulldog to No. 5 on his big board. Having a player like that behind Travon Walker and Josh Hines-Allen would supercharge the rotation.
The bottom line is that the Jacksonville Jaguars could add another first-round pick and easily address other needs later in the draft.
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