The Jacksonville Jaguars gave up their first-round draft pick next year as part of the package to move up for Travis Hunter in 2025. However, they still have their second and three selections in the third-round. That's more than enough ammo to replenish the roster.
The Jaguars wiil enter the offseason with clear needs. One that isn't discussed nearly enough is defensive tackle even though Arik Arkstead has bounced back from an underwhelming 2024 campaign to become one of their most productive players in the trenches.
After all, DaVon Hamilton is a fine player but not the kind that will keep opposing coordinator awake one night before Game Day. Similarly, sophomore Maason Smith has failed to build off his strong finish to his rookie campaign. Austin Johnson is also in the mix but is not much more than a rotational piece. It's clear Jacksonville needs reinforcements at the position and Matt Holder of Bleacher Report came up with an intriguing proposal.
Christen Miller would give the Jaguars a game-changer on the D-Line
The B/R scouting department took a look at the Jags' most pressing needs. Defensive tackle was one of them, and Matt Holder suggested they take Christen Miller in Round 2 of the 2025 draft, noting that the Georgia Bulldog has the speed and agility to bring the heat. Here's a tidbit of his scouting report.
"The Georgia defensive tackle is one of those rare players who combines size, strength and movement skills to have a potential to make an impact on every down at the next level," Holder wrote. "Miller is listed as 6'4", 310 pounds and entered the Bulldogs' program as a 4-star recruit in the 2022 class. He redshirted as a true freshman, playing behind first-round picks Jordan Davis, Devonte Waytt and Jalen Carter."
On the other hand, Holder argues that Miller must work on his overall fundamentals and points out that he's had minimal production at the collegiate level. Nevertheless, he has a Round 2 grade on him and goes on to compare him to Kenny Clark.
In case you were wondering, Clark was a 2016 first-round pick that made three Pro Bowls during his nine-year stint with the Green Bay Packers before he was traded to the Dallas Cowboys, along with two first-round picks, in exchange for All-Pro edge rusher Micah Parsons.
Why drafting Christian Miller makes sense for the Jaguars
The Jaguars are entering Week 15 with a 9-4 record and in the front seat to make the playoffs. That's a great sign that they're trending on the right direction under head coach Liam Coen. Having said that, qualifying for the postseason would hurt their draft position.
For the sake of the argument, let's say the Jags do get in, they will be on the clock in the later half of Round 2. By then, at least 50 prospects will be off the board. The good news is that several intriguing prospect will remain available, and Christian Miller will be one of them. The issue could be that Jacksonville also needs to add reinforcements at cornerback and possibly linebacker if Devin Lloyd leaves in free agency.
Left tackle could also be a top need if the team's brass has seen enough of Walker Little and the ascending Cole Van Lanen also hits the open market. Then again, the Jags must also fortify their defense-line rotation before it becomes a glaring need. After all, Arik Armstead isn't getting any younger and is under contract until 2026.
Of course, the Jaguars could also trade up if they set their sights on a prospects, but there's no doubt that they would get bang for their buck if they go with Christian Miller in the second round.