The Jacksonville Jaguars personal the No. 5 total decide within the 2025 NFL Draft after a disappointing 4-13 season that led to the ouster of head coach Doug Pederson and basic supervisor Trent Baalke.
The franchise is poised to hit the reset button, guided by new head coach Liam Coen and new basic supervisor James Gladstone, underneath the continued possession of Shad Khan. Hope springs everlasting this time of yr as front-office executives giddily evaluation scouting stories and dole out draft grades. Jacksonville is in an awesome spot to land a star in Spherical 1.
Jaguars Draft Heisman Trophy Winner Travis Hunter
What greater prize may a workforce get than the reigning Heisman Trophy winner in Spherical 1? Travis Hunter was a dual-threat star at Colorado final season the place he performed 1,548 mixed snaps (714 offense, 748 protection, 21 particular groups), elevating his profession complete to 2,625 snaps over two years (22 video games).
In 2024, Hunter skyrocketed his draft inventory by making 96 catches for 1,258 yards and 15 touchdowns (plus one speeding rating) as a large receiver. However, the 6-foot-1, 185-pounder actually made his mark as a lock-down cornerback: 36 tackles, 11 cross break-ups, 4 interceptions whereas incomes a powerful 90.3 protection grade from Professional Soccer Focus. He additionally pressured eight incompletions.
NFL Media’s Bucky Brooks put Hunter in a Jaguars’ uniform in his newest mock draft, calling Hunter an ideal match for brand new defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile’s scheme.
Brooks wrote: “Including a dynamic defensive playmaker may assist solidify the Jaguars’ protection and enhance their takeaway prowess in a “see ball, get ball” scheme underneath new DC Anthony Campanile.”
Jacksonville Trying to Resolve Takeaway Drawback
The Jaguars ranked dead-last in takeaways in 2024. They recorded solely 9 takeaways (six interceptions, three fumbles) and their -15 turnover differential was third-worst within the NFL. One thing needed to change.
Campanile takes the reins at defensive coordinator after serving as linebackers coach for the Inexperienced Bay Packers final season. His Packers’ models ranked No. 3 in turnover differential in 2024 at +12 whereas ending third-best in complete takeaways with 31 (17 interceptions, 14 fumbles). Anticipate the Jaguars to be aggressive.
“Ass whooping is a common language”
– New Jaguars DC Anthony Campanile pic.twitter.com/WZTSQ2SFdv
— Darien (ChillTakes) (@chilltakes_) January 31, 2025
“We’re going to be a run-and-hit protection. One factor you’re going to see is guys taking part in with a ardour to not keep blocked,” Campanile instructed the Jaguars’ web site. “We’re going to play our asses off. It’s a tricky metropolis. There are robust individuals right here. We’re going to have a tricky protection.”
Campanile went on to say his scheme in Jacksonville will mix components of a 3-4 and 4-3 protection. The primary-time NFL coordinator shall be calling the defensive performs, one thing he final did in 2018 at Boston Faculty.
Professional Soccer Sports activities Community Pegs Travis Hunter to Cleveland
Professional Soccer Sports activities Community despatched Hunter to the Cleveland Browns of their newest 2025 NFL mock draft. They consider the Heisman Trophy winner would slide in as a beginning cornerback whereas subbing in at receiver in sure packages. Hunter might be the subsequent face of the Browns’ franchise.
“Travis Hunter is competing with Abdul Carter to be the highest total prospect within the 2025 NFL Draft class, and in a draft that lacks blue-chip expertise, it might be smart for the Cleveland Browns to draft their subsequent face of the franchise on protection.
“The Heisman Trophy winner initiatives as a cornerback who may play receiver in sub-packages. His ball abilities and instincts are among the finest now we have seen in latest reminiscence, and Hunter’s total athleticism ought to see him drafted within the first 5 alternatives.”