JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- The 2025 NFL draft was held Thursday-Saturday in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Jacksonville Jaguars traded up to No. 2 in the first round to take two-way player Travis Hunter. Let's take a look at each of their selections:
Analysis of every pick | Updated depth chart
Round 1, No. 2: Travis Hunter, WR/DB, Colorado
My take: First-time GM James Gladstone admitted his first pick would set the tone for his tenure, and it's hard to get more bold than trading up three spots -- and giving up next year's first-round pick as part of the deal -- and drafting the player who many believe was the best in the draft. And Gladstone upped things even more when he said Hunter has the ability to alter a football team -- and the sport.
Key stat: Hunter averaged 113.9 snaps per game last season and he had nine games in his Colorado career in which he played 120 or more snaps. No other player has had a game in which they've played 120 or more snaps over the past five years. The Jaguars plan to start Hunter on offense and give him a package on defense that would expand as he grows more comfortable. Hunter spoke with offensive coordinator Grant Udinski and defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile for a few moments on the phone after the Jaguars picked him.
Will he start as a rookie? Almost certainly on offense, but what still has to be worked out is how much time he'll spend on defense. Head coach Liam Coen said the team has had discussions with the training staff, among others, to make sure he can handle the workload. But there is a plan in place, though Coen said it's important the Jaguars remain fluid with it and be willing to adjust.
Round 3, No. 88: Caleb Ransaw, CB, Tulane
My take: The Jaguars had the worst pass defense in the NFL in 2024 (4,375 yards allowed, the worst mark in franchise history) and also were last in yards per attempt allowed (7.9) and 20-plus plays allowed (71). While the pass rush played a role in that, the secondary play was a major issue. Hunter will help and the Jaguars signed a pair of veterans in slot corner Jourdan Lewis and safety Eric Murray, but they're short-term solutions. Ransaw can be part of the unit rebuild and the Jaguars see him as a core special teamer. He'll start out at safety but the Jaguars are willing to move him around if needed.
What we're hearing about Ransaw: GM James Gladstone really liked how physical the 6-foot, 196-pound Ransaw plays and praised his ability as a tackler. Ransaw had 114 tackles in four years, including 51 at Troy. "What stands out is his tackle ratio," Gladstone said. "The root word of the position safety is safe. And he's somebody that can make sure that when there is someone who gets loose, he can get him down."
Round 3, No. 89: Wyatt Milum, G, West Virginia
My take: Addressing the offensive line was a priority this offseason, and it started in free agency with four signings (right guard Patrick Mekari and center Robert Hainsey will be starters). The 6-foot-6, 317-pound Milum played tackle all four years at West Virginia but will play guard for the Jaguars. He'll be immediate competition for left guard Ezra Cleveland.
Milum is a little taller than what you'd traditionally see out of a guard but the Jaguars have no reservations about the transition of him moving inside after watching him work at guard at the Senior Bowl. While he will start at guard, Gladstone said the Jaguars like the fact that he has the versatility to play tackle if needed.
What they're saying about Milum: Even if he doesn't win a starting job at left guard the Jaguars view Milum as a key addition because of his versatility to help offset injuries at multiple spots.
"You can never have enough security across the offensive line," GM James Gladstone said. "The depth there is important. I've been a part of scenarios where attrition has occurred and it typically does throughout an NFL season in particular across the offensive line. And it can be debilitating for an offense. That's something that I don't want to put us at risk for knowing just how important that is. And so continuing to build the depth across that group is something we're prioritizing."
Round 4, No. 104 (via CLE): Bhayshul Tuten, RB, VIrginia Tech
My take: Tuten was productive as a back and kick returner at Virginia Tech the past two seasons, producing 2,963 all-purpose yards over the past two seasons. He had two kickoff returns for touchdowns in 2023, and that's likely where he'll have the best chance to make an impact with the Jaguars. That puts Keilan Robinson, the team's fifth-round pick last season who was taken mainly because of his kick return abilities, in jeopardy. Tuten was the fastest running back at the combine (4.32 in the 40-yard dash). Travis Etienne Jr. is playing on the fifth-year option, so Tuten could be in line for a bigger role in 2026.
Round 4, No. 107: Jack Kiser, LB, Notre Dame
My take: Kiser, who had a career-high 90 tackles last season and leaves Notre Dame as the school's all-time leader in games played, is regarded as an outstanding special teams player and that's likely where he'll get a chance to make an impact early in his rookie season. Linebacker Chad Muma has been in a similar role over the past three seasons, and Kiser could be Muma's eventual replacement.
Round 6, No. 194: Jalen McLeod, LB, Auburn
My take: McLeod played multiple linebacker spots at Auburn but projects as more of an edge defender in the NFL. He finished with 22.5 sacks in his five-year career (three at Appalachian State and two at Auburn), including eight last season. The Jaguars haven't had a solid third edge rusher since Arden Key left following the 2022 season, which has resulted in a significant dropoff whenever Josh Hines-Allen and/or Travon Walker have been off the field. McLeod will get a chance to fill that role.
Round 6, No. 200: Rayuan Lane III, S, Navy
My take: Lane described himself as a special teams warrior during an interview with Glenn Clark radio and that's the role he'll have with the Jaguars if he's able to make the roster. He was a gunner in punt coverage at Navy, where he played in 49 games in his career. He also was a solid safety, making 244 tackles, breaking up 21 passes and intercepting seven passes. His eight forced fumbles are the most by any defensive back in the country in the past four seasons.
Round 7, No. 221: Jonah Monheim, OL, USC
My take: Monheim started 12 games at center last season but has also started games at right tackle (18), left tackle (12), and right guard (four). So he continues the trend of the Jaguars taking linemen with positional versatility. The Jaguars brought in Robert Hainsey in free agency. Backup Luke Fortner is in the final year of his contract. Fortner started every game in 2022-2023 but struggled in 2023 and got benched for free agent Mitch Morse last season. Morse retired and Hainsey will be the starter so there's an opportunity for Monheim to win the backup job.
Round 7, No. 190: LeQuint Allen, RB, Syracuse
My take: Allen is set Syracuse single-season records for receptions (64) and receiving yards (521) by a running back in 2024. Those 64 catches also led all FBS running backs. He's also a good blocker in both the pass and run game: Per ESPN Research he had only one blown block in 414 total blocking plays during his college career. Pass protection from the backs has been an issue for the Jaguars the past several seasons.