Trade-down pitch allows Jaguars to hoard draft picks (and still draft their guy)

There's a lot of speculation surrounding the Jacksonville Jaguars ahead of the draft. More specifically, nobody seems to agree who will be their pick at No. 5. Throughout the past few months, you probably saw them linked to anyone from cornerback Will Johnson to pass rusher Jalon Walker. That said, one prospect has gotten a bit more consideration than others for the Jags: Defensive tackle Mason Graham.

The issue with Graham is that he was dominant at Michigan. On top of that, he has the power and athleticism to wreak havoc at the line of scrimmage. That said, his arm length is less than ideal, and that could potentially hinder his performance at the NFL level. But despite his shortcomings, the former Wolverine is projected to go in the top 10. At this point, nobody would bat an if the Jaguars picked him. But what if they could trade down a couple spots, garner extra assets, and still land him?

That's the scenario Matt Verderame of Sports Illustrated suggests in his latest first-round mock draft, with the gimmick that all 32 teams trade their current spot. In Jacksonville's case, it makes a deal with the New York Jets to move down two spots in exchange for picks No. 110 and no. 145. In case you were wondering, those are fourth and fifth-round selections.

Regarding the trade, Verderame is high on Graham and believes that he would Jacksonville build up the interior offensive line.

"After moving back two spots, Jacksonville gets its hands on a top-five talent in Graham. The Jaguars have to build up numerous areas of the roster and defensive line is one of them, especially on the interior. Graham is arguably the third-best player in the draft behind Hunter and Carter, and would give Jacksonville a quality defensive tackle to play between Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker."

With the pick they get, the New York Jets proceed to select Mizzou offensive tackle Armand Membou, another prospect who's been linked to the Jags, although not nearly as often.

Related story: Latest scoop pours water on likelihood of Travis Hunter falling to the Jaguars

Mason Graham is a fine player, but the Jaguars should consider trading down

It may be a bit hard for the Jacksonville Jaguars to trade down in the 2025 NFL Draft. Apparently, not many teams are interested in moving up. But if they manage to find a club willing to switch places, they should most definitely consider the possibility.

After all, the Jags could move as many as 10 spots and still come out with a prospect ready to contribute on Day 1. And that's the thing. The Jags have many needs ahead of the draft, but not a glaring one. That gives them ample flexibility not to force the pick. Heck, the front office could take a cornerback, an offensive lineman, a pass rusher, or even a safety in the first round, and nobody would bat an eye.

Circling back to Verderame's mock draft, other proposals might be better. For instance, Pete Prisco of CBS suggests that Jacksonville agrees with the Chicago Bears to move down to No. 10 in exchange for a second-round pick. With the selection they get in the pitch, the Jaguars would get wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan.

Another weapon in Trevor Lawrence's arsenal and a second-round pick would be a great return, and the Jaguars would benefit from a trade like that. On the other hand, getting fourth and second-round picks by moving down two spots isn't necessarily bad. Heck, Jacksonville would barely move a finger.

The truth is that the Jacksonville Jaguars will be in a position to take a potential building block at No. 5, but if the opportunity to trade down arises, they shouldn't pass it up.

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