Things are fluid ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft, and the New York Giants just added even more uncertainty after signing Russell Wilson. While they could still take a quarterback at No. 3, they could also roll with defensive tackle. That's not great news for the Jacksonville Jaguars, who may be zeroing in on the former Michigan Wolverine. On the other hand, they could have a clear path to pass rusher Abdul Carter. Just recently, Mike Tannenbaum of ESPN explored that scenario.
Tannenbaum just drew up a mock draft in which Carter falls into Jacksonville's lap. Expected to go in the top 5, the former Penn State Ninnaty Lion makes it to No. 5 because the Cleveland Browns take Travis Hunter, Graham goes to Big Blue, and the New England Patriots land Armand Membou with the fourth overall pick.
While pass rusher isn't a priority for the Jaguars, Tannenbaum argues that Carter would provide ample value at No. 5, going as far as comparing him to Micah Parsons.
"Even this high on the board, this would be tremendous value. Carter got pressure on 18.5% of his pass rushes last season, helping him register 12 sacks and 23.5 tackles for loss. His ability to play both off the ball and off the edge will draw comparisons to Micah Parsons, and I think Carter might actually have more power in his game. Even with Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker, Jacksonville struggled with its pass rush last season, finishing 28th in sacks (34). So I'd be running the card in if I were the Jaguars and Carter was still available when they got on the clock."
For context, Parsons is one of the top pass rushers in the league, having posted 352 total pressures and 59 yards the past four years. That's the kind of impact Tanenbaum expects Carter to have in the pros.
In Jacksonville, Carter would join a pass rush rotation that includes Travon Walker and Josh Hines-Allen. Already, they're one of the top defensive-end duos in the NFL, and the 2024 Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year would turn their rotation into one of the best in the NFL.
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What options will the Jaguars have aside from Abdul Carter at No. 5?
It's hard to predict whether Abdul Carter will be as dominant as Micah Parsons, but there's no doubt that he's got the production and the traits to thrive in the NFL. He would be a great addition to the Jacksonville Jaguars, but as enticing as he is, their front office may want to address a more pressing need.
Sure, teams should go after the best player available whenever possible, and there's certainly room for Carter in Jacksonville. However, he's far from the only option the Jaguars will have if Mason Graham and Travis Hunter aren't available when they're on the clock, like Tannenbaum suggests in his mock.
For the sake of the argument, let's say the draft plays out the way Tannenbaum thinks. Will Campbell, Will Johnson, and Tetairoa McMillan would be available at No. 5. All three would feel needs for the Jaguars. And that's the thing, They don't have a glaring weakness, but nearly all of their position groups could use a boost. While they improved the roster floor in free agency, they're lacking playmakers and will ultimately go with whoever they think has the most talent.
Could that player be Abdul Carter? You bet, and on the off chance he's still available at No. 5, the Jaguars will consider drafting him. However, nobody will bat an eye if they go in a completely different direction.
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