The Jacksonville Jaguars recently hired new General Manager James Gladstone after a disappointing 4-13 season, and two consecutive years of missing the playoffs, after high expectations were set with a divisional-round appearance in 2022. Gladstone and new Head Coach Liam Coen have a lot of holes on the roster that they will need to fill this offseason. This three-round Jacksonville Jaguars mock draft explores how the Jaguars could go about fixing the roster through the draft this offseason.
Jacksonville Jaguars Three-Round Mock Draft
Round 1, Pick 5: IDL Mason Graham, Michigan
The Jaguars have two good edge rushers in Travon Walker and Josh Hines-Allen, but there is still a weakness on the interior of the defensive line. With Arik Armstead shifting back to the interior next season, pairing him with Mason Graham could solidify a strong starting defensive line unit for the Jaguars.
Graham is a well-balanced defensive lineman who can make an impact as both a pass rusher and run stopper. He stands out particularly against the run, where he graded as the highest-rated run defender in college football last season, according to PFF. With his active hands, high motor, and ability to make plays against the pass and the run, he would be a major boost to the Jaguars defensive line.
Round 2, Pick 36: CB Benjamin Morrison, Notre Dame
The Jaguars ranked last in the entire league in pass defense last season, allowing over 257 passing yards per game. The Jaguars have also not spent a first or second-round draft pick on a cornerback since Tyson Campbell in 2021, but it may be time for them to invest a high pick in the position once again.
Benjamin Morrison is a high-IQ cornerback with exceptional ball skills. He is a technician with good footwork and the ability to play well in both man and zone coverage. Morrison’s ball-hawking ability helped him bring in nine interceptions over two seasons in 2022 and 2023, a skill that would greatly benefit the Jaguars, who ranked last in the NFL in takeaways last season. His skill set would greatly improve the Jaguars secondary and address a major need for the team.
Round 3, Pick 70: WR Jalen Royals, Utah State
The Jaguars struck gold in last year’s draft with Brian Thomas Jr. in the first round. However, the team still had inconsistencies at the receiver position outside of Thomas Jr. last season. Trevor Lawrence had a disappointing season in 2024, and with Liam Coen now serving as the team’s new, innovative offensive head coach, both could benefit from another playmaker being added to the offense.
Jalen Royals could be that dynamic playmaker. Royals is a quick and explosive athlete. A former track and field athlete in high school and an elusive runner with the football, Royals is dangerous with the ball in his hands after the catch. He can create separation on all levels of the field and provide Lawrence and Coen with another player who has big-play ability in the offense.
Round 3, Pick 88: OG Tate Ratledge, Georgia
The interior of the Jaguars offensive line wasn’t great in 2024, and with Brandon Scherff set to be a free agent this offseason, improvement is needed. Liam Coen had a successful run game in Tampa Bay last season, and to replicate that success in Jacksonville, the team will need to focus on improving the interior of the offensive line.
Ratledge is a powerful right guard with three years of starting experience at Georgia. Ratledge plays hard on every play and is an exceptional blocker in the run game. He consistently wins at the point of attack and was a key contributor to Georgia’s success in the run game in recent years. Ratledge has the ability to be an instant quality starter at guard as a rookie for the Jaguars.
Main Photo: [Eric Seals] – USA Today Sports
