The Jacksonville Jaguars bid adieu to 2024 with just 4 wins and 13 losses. Not only that! Liam Coen’s team even finished with the second-lowest defensive rank. According to the reports, they wrapped the season 31st in Defensive EPA per Play (0.131) and opponents’ scoring rate (45.6%). This stat clearly indicates what Trevor Lawrence’s Jags should think about the next plan in this year’s NFL Draft – the draft where they have much flexibility with 10 picks in total.
The Combine’s done and dusted, and now it’s full speed ahead for the Jaguars. With the NFL Draft just around the corner—April 24, to be exact—Jacksonville has a much clearer picture of the kind of talent that will be on the board. But it wasn’t just about scouting. The trip to Indy also doubled as a team-building opportunity, especially with new faces like GM James Gladstone stepping in. Coaches and the front office spent their time laying the groundwork—talking draft strategy, mapping out free agency, and figuring out exactly what this roster needs next. Head coach Liam Coen is now focused on getting everyone on the same page and making the right moves this time around for their QB, Trevor Lawrence. And it seems they are on their plan, choosing some defensive weapons, at least as per the paper.
Round 1: (No. 5) – Mason Graham, DT, Michigan
Right now, the Jaguars are solid on the outside. But inside? That’s a different story. The heart of their defensive line needs help. Real help, to be precise. And that’s where Mason Graham comes in. His specialty is that he’s a beast against the run. Has that rare burst to get into the backfield. And most importantly? He plays with an edge, exactly what this Liam Coen’s defense is missing.
Since free agency wrapped, his name’s been everywhere. Fans, insiders, they’re all circling it. Honestly, it’s not hard to see why. Interior D-line is Jacksonville’s biggest need. Graham is the top dog in a loaded draft class, and if the franchise wants to toughen up the middle, he’s the one for sure.
Round 2: (No. 36) – Xavier Watts, S, Notre Dame
Jacksonville’s safety group is shaping up. Darnell Savage continues as their box defender, and the team added Eric Murray to compensate for Andre Cisco‘s departure. But head coach Liam Coen is still watching the market. And guess what? Xavier Watts from Notre Dame could be their next target.
Jan 9, 2025; Miami, FL, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish linebacker Jack Kiser (24) defensive lineman Howard Cross III (56) safety Xavier Watts (0) and quarterback Riley Leonard (13) and cornerback Christian Gray (29) celebrate deafening the Penn State Nittany Lions in the Orange Bowl at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Watts is a former wide receiver turned safety who has been a standout since 2023. With 13 interceptions in two years, he’s earned a reputation as a playmaker. Furthermore, he won the Bronko Nagurski Trophy in 2023 and was named an All-American. His ability to read plays and attack the ball is what sets him apart.
Not only does he excel in coverage, but he’s also a tough tackler. Watts has the speed and power to close in on the ball carrier and make solid tackles. His presence on the field is undeniable, and Trevor Lawrence’s Jacksonville could use a player like him.
Round 3: (No. 70) – Jonah Savaiinaea, OT, Arizona
Jonah Savaiinaea is one of the versatile players in this year’s draft prospects. Some see him as a tackle, while others prefer him at guard. With his length and quick feet, many analysts give tackle a shot, but if that doesn’t work, guard is still a great option for him.
No doubt, he’s got a strong build and never looks off balance. Whether blocking in the run or pass game, he stays in control, though he can get a little too high at times. Savaiinaea’s smart, with great hand placement and surprising speed. He mostly played right tackle, but guard might be where he’s best suited in the NFL. It’s a position he’s played at Arizona, too.
Round 3: (No. 88) – Jaylin Noel, WR, Iowa State
Besides defensive interests, Trevor Lawrence could also get help from the wide receiver, Jaylin Noel. His game is all about making big plays on vertical and in-breaking routes. Iowa State used him on posts, slants, and crossing routes, especially with RPOs. When he gets a clean start, even the fastest defenders have a tough time keeping up. He tears through zone coverage, and if a deep safety messes up, Noel takes full advantage.
In four seasons, he has recorded 18 touchdowns while covering 2,851 yards. What sets him apart is his ability to mess with defenders. Head fakes, shoulder fakes, and changing his pace throw defenders off track. His footwork at the top of routes is smooth, making him even harder to read.
Round 4: (No. 105) – Jaydon Blue, HB, Texas
Jaydon Blue might not be the smoothest runner you’ve ever seen, but he’s got juice. Explosive in a short space, he is fast once he’s gone. Link a blink. What makes him stand out is his hands. In 2024, he caught 42 passes. But he’s not just a safety valve. He’s a real weapon out of the backfield. His strengths? The athlete runs clean routes, especially the wheel and Texas routes. In addition, he tracks the ball like he’s been doing it his whole life. Then turns into a runner the second it hits his hands.
At the Combine, he clocked a 4.38 – the second-fastest among running backs. That’s something pure elite that Trevor Lawrence’s Jaguars would love to have. In the open field, he’s scary, making sharp cuts with his quick feet. He finished second in Texas in total yards with over 1,000 yards from scrimmage.
Round 4: (No. 124) – Billy Bowman, S, Oklahoma
Billy Bowman might not be the biggest player on the field at 5’10”, but don’t let that fool you. He’s everywhere. He can play nickel. He can drop deep. He can slide into the middle and wreck a throw. That kind of range is huge for any defense. In Oklahoma, under Brent Venables, he did it all. That experience shows. Without any doubt, he’s got a feel for the game. He sees routes forming and tracks the ball like it’s second nature.
Over the last three seasons, he has logged 11 interceptions. And his hands are like a pure wide receiver. He’s smooth in transition, thanks to that low center of gravity. Not the flashiest. Not the fastest. But his instincts? Ah, it’s next-level. He reads, reacts, and closes space with sharp angles, and so, he is always ready to make a play.
Round 5: (No. 141) – Jake Briningstool, TE, Clemson
Jake Briningstool‘s got the frame, the hands, and the upside. He’s still filling out, sure – but the talent? It’s all there. At Clemson, he became a go-to guy. Not just a tight end but a real weapon for Trevor Lawrence. At 6’6″, he’s hard to miss. He moves well, catches tough balls, and isn’t afraid to mix it up in the run game.
If we look at the blocking skills, he holds his own. But let’s be real – his bread and butter is catching passes. He knows how to find soft spots in the zone, control his body mid-air, and haul in throws with defenders draped all over him.
Round 6: (No. 180) – Robert Longerbeam, CB, Rutgers
Robert Longerbeam moves like he was built for the boundary. His footwork is sharp and controlled, and he stays low, light, and in sync with the receiver. When he drops into coverage, it’s smooth. We just need to trust in his technique. Of course, he doesn’t bite early, either. He waits and then strikes. Patience is something you can’t teach.
And when things get physical? He leans in, making sure the opponents feel him every step of the way. Longerbeam’s specialty is reading traffic, communication, and keeping the back end locked in. So, when it’s time to close, he explodes with his great angles and firm hands.
Round 6: (No. 192) – Brashard Smith, RB, SMU
Brashard Smith‘s journey has been anything but ordinary. He kicked off his career as a wide receiver at Miami, then made the switch to SMU. The year 2024 marked his first full season as a running back. At 5’10” and just under 200 pounds, he’s not the biggest man on the field. But again, that doesn’t define who he is. His skill set is solid. He’s not the fastest to hit the hole, but he’s patient. He waits for blocks to develop, though there’s room for growth there. As he gets more reps, that’s something he’ll fine-tune.
What’s impressive is he’s tough inside. He’s slippery between the tackles as the defenders struggle to wrap him up. But here’s the thing that stands out – he’s a natural pass catcher. Not just a running back who can catch but a player who catches like a receiver. That’s rare, and it’s something that makes him a dangerous weapon in the passing game.
Round 7: (No. 221) – Ethan Downs, DE, Oklahoma
Ethan Downs is a beast on the field – tough, relentless, and a true workhorse. He’s the type of front-seven player the teams have been after for years. Quick off the snap, he’s like a bull rusher, charging downfield before blockers can even react. He’s got that raw power and upper-body strength that throws blockers around like ragdolls.
Interestingly, his bull rush is top-tier when he gets leverage early, and his hands are sharp, ripping through blockers with ease. Downs can play inside or out, adjusting to whatever the defense needs. He’s fast, too, running a sub-4.70-second 40-yard dash, which shows when he shrinks gaps and closes on plays. His effort and intensity are unmatched, something that the Jags want.
Trevor Lawrence is coming back healthy this season, and he’s locked in on taking that next step. If the Jaguars land a few of those key prospects to strengthen their depth, don’t be surprised if they turn some heads in 2025.
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