The Jacksonville Jaguars are doing anything they can to help Trevor Lawrence play at a high level lext season. New head coach Liam Coen is helping him fix his footwork while general manager James Gladstone did his best to upgrade his supporting cast in free agency. Having said that, the front office could continue to bolster the talent around him in the 2025 NFL Draft.
The Jags are entering the draft with 11 draft picks and no clear need. That gives the flexibility to either go with the best player available or bolster positions that could use a boost. That's precisely what they do in this three-round mock draft.
Round 1, pick 5: Colorado WR/CB Travis Hunter
if there were any doubts about who's the best skill-position player in this year's draft, Travis Hunter put them to rest with an impressive outing at the Colorado Pro Day. He could've easily sat it out, and his stock wouldn't have been hurt as a result. However, the two-way star ultimately ran routes, showing a willingness to compete.
In Jacksonville, Hunter could play receiver or cornerback and would fill a need either way. Given that he wouldn't have to compete right off the bat, the coaching staff would have time to find out how he can have the biggest impact. But if the Heisman Trophy winner lines up on offense, he would round out Trevor Lawrence's arsenal of weapons.
Round 2, pick 36: Oregon DT Derrick Harmon
The Jaguars would surely love to get their hands on defensive tackle Mason Graham with the fifth overall pick. However, they can afford to pass on him because the 2025 draft is stacked at the position. This means that Jacksonville could wait until Rounds 2 or 3 to draft a defensive tackle and still come out with a game-changer. Derrick Harmon certainly fits the bill.
Sure, Harmon wouldn't help Lawrence since he plays defense, but the team's brass could easily beef up the front four and continue to bolster the offense in later rounds. The former Oregon Duck needs to improve his hand usage and develop a wide repertoire of pass-rushing moves. Having said that, he could contribute right off the bat in a rotational role and earn a bigger workload as he progresses.
Round 3, pick 70: Georgia OG Tate Ratledge
Once the Jaguars give defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile an intriguing prospect to work with, they can turn their attention to the offense again. With their first of two third-round picks, they continue fortifying the trenches.
Jacksonville signed Patrick Mekari and Robert Hainsey to start at offensive guard and center, respectively. Moreover, it added depth with the additions of Fred Johnson and Chuma Edoga. Now, they put the finishing touches in the offensive trenches by drafting Tate Ratledge.
Ratledge, like most prospects, needs to hone his overall technique, but his biggest red flag ahead of the draft probably is that he only lined up at right guard. All things considered, that's not necessarily a bad thing. He could play other positions in Jacksonville if needed while he hits his stride. Then, the former Georgia Bulldog could compete for a starting job in Year 2.
Round 3, pick 88: LSU TE Mason Taylor
The Jaguars could double-dip at wide receiver if someone like Jalen Royals is still available late in Round 3. However, they cannot neglect the tight end room. This is especially true when you take into account that they could use depth at the position.
Brenton Strange should have no trouble filling Evan Engram's shoes, having proven last year that he's a capable starter. However, there's not much depth behind him. Sure, Jacksonville signed Johnny Mundt and Hunter Long in the offseason, but there's a steep dropoff between Strange and them. That's why Mason Taylor at No. 88 makes sense.
Taylor needs to learn his hands better and do a better job of creating separation. His route-running could use some work, but he could turn out to be a solid backup behind Strange.
Here are other Jaguars stories you may also like:
manual