The Jacksonville Jaguars have a new general manager. After putting together an intriguing list of candidates, they chose James Gladstone, who enjoyed lots of success as the scouting director of the Los Angeles Rams.
All things considered, Gladstone inherited a roster with several intriguing pieces. But while the cupboard isn't bare, he'll have ample work in the offseason. With that in mind, here are the five biggest needs he'll need to address.
5. Safety
This lands at the cellar of the list because the Jaguars have several options to address the position. Andre Cisco is coming off a disappointing season but has previously shown ball-hawk skills, registering seven interceptions and 15 passes defensed in 2022-2023. He's slated to become a free agent, but there's a chance he'll walk.
If Cisco does leave, Jevon Holland would be a logical replacement given his ties to defensive coach Anthony Campanile. On the other hand, the front office could wait until the draft to take care of the position. There will be several intriguing options in the first three rounds, but where the Jags take safety will depend on how much they want to prioritize the need.
4. Defensive tackle
The Jaguars have a pair of bookend defensive ends in Travon Walker and Josh Hines-Allen. The duo excelled at bringing the heat from the edges but Jacksonville couldn't generate pressure (or stop the run) from the interior. That will need to change in 2025.
Maason Smith showed promise in the second half of his rookie campaign while Jordan Jefferson showed aptitude to stuff the run. It will also help that Arik Armstead will be moving back inside after mostly playing end last year.
But even if the current group is expected to better in 2025, it shouldn't stop James Gladstone from beefing up the interior trenches. This year's defensive tackle class will be stacked, so they could pass on Mason Graham at No. 5 and get a couple bigs to bolster the position in the later rounds. Tyliek Williams and Derrick Harmon are a couple of names that make sense on Day 2.
3. Wide receiver
Brian Thomas Jr. showed in 2024 that he's a bonafide No. 1 receiver, but Trevor Lawrence cannot target him on every play (even if he would like). The Jags need to get more weapons aside from the 2024 Offensive Rookie of the Year finalist, and that's the thing, the wide receiver corps will probably undergo a transition period next season.
Christian Kirk has been one of Lawrence's most trusted targets since 2022 but has been the subject of trade speculation this offseason. He could be back, but if he leaves, the front office will need to find a replacement in the slot if Parker Washington isn't ready. His performance last season proved that he is, but the team's brass may not be entirely sure.
Gabe Davis was underwhelming last season after signing a top-market contract in free agency. Whether he bounces back or not, the Jaguars cannot take a risk and must add insurance in case he doesn't.
Even though receiver isn't as pressing as other needs, draft Travis Hunter or Tetairoa McMillan fifth overall deserves a thought. After all, the Jaguars can bolster other position groups in later rounds of the drafts or in free agency.
2. Cornerback
Nowadays, you need three starting cornerbacks if you want to slow opposing teams down. The Jags have two in Jarrian Jones and Tyson Campbell. The former fared well in the slot and the latter has one spot locked down. Jacksonville is missing a third. Fortunately, there will be a wide array of options in free agency or the draft.
The Jags could reunite Anthony Campanile with cornerback Jaire Alexander, or go after the likes of Byron Murphy, Carlton Davis, or D.J. Reed in free agency. If they want to wait for the draft, then Will Johnson is a viable option at No. 5. Either way, the Jags need to address a need they created when they released Darious Williams last offseason.
1. Interior O-Line
And here we are: The team's biggest weakness is the interior offensive line. Their pass blocking was mediocre and couldn't open holes in the running game. The main issue is obvious: A dearth of top-notch talent. Right guard Brandon Scherff was fine but far from dominant like he was during his time with the Washington Commanders. He's set to become a free agent, and Jacksonville could bring him back but is better off finding upgrades at the position this offseason.
Mitch Morse was adequate at center but is closer to the end than the beginning. Add the fact that he's entering a contract year, and it would make sense to find his heir apparent, even if he sticks around in 2025. There's also left guard Ezra Cleveland, who's been solid but not much else since joining the Jaguars in 2023.
The Jaguars may only bring in a new starter at right guard, but they must also add depth in the offseason. They have the draft capital to add a couple of developmental hog mollies in Rounds 3 and 4.