The 2025 NFL Draft is less than two weeks away, but it's still uncertain what the Jacksonville Jaguars plan to do with the fifth overall pick. They don't have a glaring need after bolstering several positions in free agency, so they can take several paths. An NFL insider recently revealed the most likely two.
Adam Schefter of ESPN recently told Alessandra Pontbriand of News4Jax that Jacksonville appears to be setting its sights on Mason Graham and Jalon Walker, noting that they could go defense with the fifth overall pick.
"The fifth pick there. They've got a lot of needs, there's a lot of ways that they could go," Schefter told Alessandra Pontbriand. "They might lean defensive line. I think the name that you continue to see mocked there is Mason Graham, the Michigan defensive tackle. Don't think it would be a surprise if they went in that direction. I think there's a lot of different ways they could still go."
Schefter continued, "They could wind up using that pick on a pass rusher. It depends, of course, on what goes on with the four picks in front of them. But I've heard the name Jalon Walker, the pass-rusher from Georgia, as well. Those seemed to be the names most linked to them. Obviously, we'll find out in a couple of weeks.
It's worth noting that Schefter isn't alone. Cameron Wolfe of NFL Media also believes Graham and Graham are the favorites to land in Jacksonville.
When the Jaguars clinched the fifth overall pick, they were routinely linked to cornerback Will Johnson. However, Graham has slowly become the favorite to go at No. 5. More recently, though, Walker has gone to Jacksonville in multiple mocks.
Jalon Walker, or Mason Graham? Who should the Jaguars draft at No. 5?
There are arguments for and against drafting either Mason Graham or Jalon Walker. For instance, this is a deep defensive tackle class, so the Jacksonville Jaguars could afford to pass on the former Michigan Wolverine and address the position in Rounds 2 or 3. Moreover, some analysts believe that his lack of arm length may affect his performance in the NFL. Having said that, his power and athleticism are evident on tape.
On the other hand, Walker has seen his stock soar ahead of the draft but could turn out to be a reach. His lack of starting experience and playing time at the college level appear to be his biggest red flags. However, the Jaguars would love to have a player with his motor and burst to round out their pass-rush rotation.
The truth is that both players would fill holes for the Jaguars. Graham would round out their defensive line rotation and give them a potential game-changer inside. Walker, for his part, could be the No. 3 behind Travon Walker and Josh Hines-Allen they've sorely needed since Arden Key left in 2023.
This is to say that both Mason Graham and Jalon Walker could definitely help the Jacksonville Jaguars. Still, they probably won't mind if Travis Hunter is available at No. 5.