Jacksonville Jaguars 2025 NFL Draft: Who Should They Select with the No. 5 Pick?
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The Jacksonville Jaguars hold the No. 5 pick in the April NFL Draft. With Trevor Lawrence firmly in place as the franchise quarterback, the Jaguars are well-positioned for the long term at the NFL’s most crucial position.
During the first week of free agency, the team signed 9 players while still maintaining nearly $40 million in available cap space, according to Spotrac. The Jaguars also have 10 draft picks, giving them significant flexibility to either trade up for a top prospect or accumulate additional assets for future seasons.
Team Needs
The Jaguars' biggest draft need is on the defensive side of the ball. Additionally, they lost tight end Evan Engram in free agency, creating another gap on offense. While the draft has depth at both positions, the defensive talent pool is particularly strong.
New Leadership
First-year head coach Liam Coen takes the reins in Jacksonville after initially committing to stay on as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' offensive coordinator before ultimately joining the Jaguars.
Currently, 8 of the Jaguars' 10 highest-paid players are either defensive players or play on the offensive line, further emphasizing the team's need at skill positions heading into the draft.
With the NFL Draft fast approaching, veteran oddsmaker Adam Thompson of Bookies.com has compiled hypothetical NFL odds on who the Jaguars might select with their first pick.
Potential Jaguars First-Round Draft Picks
Player | Position | School | Odds | Probability (%) |
---|---|---|---|---|
Mason Graham | DL | Michigan | +150 | 40.0 |
Will Johnson | CB | Michigan | +350 | 22.2 |
Tetairoa McMillan | WR | Arizona | +500 | 16.7 |
Will Campbell | T | LSU | +750 | 11.8 |
Travis Hunter | WR/CB | Colorado | +800 | 11.1 |
Tyler Booker | G/C | Alabama | +1000 | 9.1 |
The Field | — | — | +1400 | 6.7 |
This hypothetical NFL betting market is for entertainment purposes only and does not reflect any market that may be available on betting sites and betting apps.
Potential Jaguars First Pick: Player Breakdown
Mason Graham, DL, Michigan (+150)
Michigan's Mason Graham was the highest-rated defensive tackle at the combine, according to NFL Next Gen Stats. He is widely regarded as the second-best defensive player in this draft behind Penn State's Abdul Carter.
Graham is a solid pick at No. 5, as he is expected to make an immediate impact in the NFL. If the Jaguars prioritize strengthening their defensive front, Graham is a logical choice.
Will Johnson, CB, Michigan (+350)
Like Graham, Will Johnson played a critical role in Michigan's 2023 National Championship defense. His interception on the first play of the second half in the title game against Michael Penix Jr. (now with the Falcons) was a game-changing moment for the Wolverines.
Johnson is considered a "Boom-or-Bust" prospect by NFL Next Gen Stats, but he is also the top-ranked cornerback in this draft class. Both Johnson and Graham are likely to be available at No. 5, making this a tough decision for the Jaguars, who need depth in the secondary but have an even greater need on the defensive front.
RELATED: 2025 Tampa Bay Buccaneers NFL Draft Odds: Will They Add Jihaad Campbell With Pick 19?
Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona (+500)
Arizona's Tetairoa McMillan is the top full-time wide receiver in the draft class, making him an intriguing option for Jacksonville. He had a strong combine performance, ranking as the No. 2 overall WR prospect behind Travis Hunter.
Projected to be a "Good Starter Within Two Years," McMillan would offer Trevor Lawrence a big-bodied target at 6-foot-4. With Evan Engram’s departure, McMillan could be a versatile asset, excelling in the slot and middle routes due to his size.
Will Campbell, T, LSU (+750)
Before the rise of analytics-driven scouting, Will Campbell would have been the top offensive lineman in the draft. The 6-foot-6, 319-pound tackle anchored LSU’s offensive line, protecting Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels and handling elite SEC pass rushers for three seasons.
However, Campbell’s arm length measured 32 5/8 inches, falling just short of the 33-inch benchmark for left tackles. While he graded as the No. 2 offensive tackle at the combine, Jacksonville may prioritize other positions given their current offensive line depth.
Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado (+800)
Hunter's draft position depends heavily on availability. A dynamic two-way player under Deion Sanders at Colorado, Hunter is projected to be a stronger cornerback than a wide receiver at the NFL level.
His versatility makes him an elite prospect, and NFL Next Gen Stats graded him as a “Year 1 Starter” and “Elite Talent” at the combine. The Jaguars could use Hunter as a flexible piece on both offense and defense.
However, Hunter’s availability at No. 5 is uncertain. His draft position hinges on:
- The Browns (No. 2) and Giants (No. 3) addressing their quarterback needs in free agency.
- The Patriots (No. 4) potentially selecting Texas LT Kelvin Banks or Campbell over Hunter.
Tyler Booker, G/C, Alabama (+1000)
Alabama’s Tyler Booker had mixed reviews coming out of the combine. While he dominated in athleticism, his performance metrics were less impressive. NFL Next Gen Stats ranked him 7th overall at his position.
Physically, Booker is a beast:
- 6-foot-5, 321 pounds
- 34 ½-inch arm span
- 11-inch hands
However, he may need to shed 20 pounds to maximize his effectiveness in the NFL. His experience at Alabama makes him a "safe pick", but Jacksonville has better options at No. 5.
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About the Author
Bill Speros is an award-winning journalist and editor whose career includes stops at USA Today Sports Network / Golfweek, Cox Media, ESPN, Orlando Sentinel and Denver Post.