Among a number of topics in a recent article, ESPN draft analyst Matt Miller shared the approach that the Jacksonville Jaguars should take in the 2025 NFL draft.
As Miller put it, the Jaguars should be “all-in” on improving their defense early in the draft. Miller would go on to mention Colorado’s Travis Hunter, who could help bolster both the cornerback and wide receiver positions potentially–although even with the fifth overall pick, it is fair to wonder if Hunter makes it to that point in the draft.
“Colorado’s Travis Hunter is a unique target here, thanks to his ability to not only play cornerback — he had four interceptions this season — but also help at wide receiver,” wrote Miller. “Filling a crucial hole on defense while assisting Lawrence is a win-win proposition.”
Miller’s mindset about attacking the defensive side of the ball is a fairly common one when discussing the Jaguars. In fact, a majority of early mock drafts have Jacksonville doing just that. The two most popular selections right now are Michigan cornerback Will Johnson and Michigan interior defensive lineman Mason Graham.
Last season, the Jaguars ranked 27th in points per game allowed with opposing quarterbacks finding quite a bit of success against the secondary. The Jaguars allowed a league-high 7.5 yards per pass attempt, which included surrendering 22 plays of at least 30 yards.
In the trenches, Jacksonville ranked 19th in yards per rush allowed and 30th in pressure rate as well.
As the Jaguars search for that crucial complementary football component, improved play on defense would go a long way in helping out Trevor Lawrence and the offense.
In total, the Jaguars currently hold 10 selections in the upcoming NFL draft.
