JACKSONVILLE – Let's get to it …
Michael from Mean Streets of Arlington
I know I don't get paid the big money to be a general manager, but if they pick Ashton Jeanty I have no more faith in the leadership. Nothing against Ashton, but there's no value at No. 5 for him on a team with as many needs as we have.
A word as we begin this first O-Zone of draft week: There seems to be a collective misunderstanding of the best way to draft – and of the ideals NFL teams at least try to follow – and that seems to be being applied by a lot of Jaguars fans as they look ahead to this week's 2025 NFL Draft. This absolutely applies to the way many fans/observers are seeing the Jaguars possibly selecting Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty at No. 5 overall. Perhaps because so many analysts appear on television/radio/interweb screaming and pounding tables about TEAM NEEDS and POSITIONAL VALUE, many fans get lost in those arguments/discussions and forget that the draft ideally is about selecting the best possible players. While you can't completely ignore need and what positions are important, you also can't knowingly pass on potential greatness to select what you consider a significantly lesser player elsewhere. I don't know who the Jaguars plan to select at No. 5 overall Thursday. I do know if they select a player such as Jeanty over an offensive or defensive lineman – or any player – there, it's because they believe the player they select has the ability to be a game-changing, All-Pro level player. I don't expect that explanation to push through the whirlwind of pounded tables, but that's the reality.
Blaine from Prescott, AZ
Dear Mr. O. My wife and I read your Q&A every day (1825 days and counting ;-). Realizing we are in limbo until the actual draft, I have a frustration with so much discussion of the Jaguars taking a running back with the fifth overall pick. It is absurd. Improving the running game matters, but is not paramount with this high of a pick. I have heard the new coaching staff is working with quarterback Trevor Lawrence on his footwork. While that is all well and good, what he really needs is another second to throw the ball! If the Jaguars stay at No. 5, take the best offensive tackle on your board. While I liked Walker Little as the swing tackle, he could not beat out Cam Robinson or Jawaan Taylor. The defensive tackle class is deep this year. If you must have a defensive tackle, take one at Pick No. 36. If I am drafting at 36, I am taking offensive guard Donovan Jackson from Ohio State. O-Line, first two picks, that gets Lawrence his additional one second to throw. With two threes and two fours, get the defensive tackle, safety, wide receiver, running Back. Do you have thoughts on my thoughts?
My main thought is that I fear your frustration is based on what was discussed in the first question. I think the Jaguars would have no issue at all selecting an offensive lineman at No. 5 overall. If they don't take one at No. 5 overall, it won't be because they don't believe the position is important. If they don't take one at No. 5 overall, I expect they will select at least one late in the draft. Whoever they select at No. 5 overall, it will be because they believe he is the best player available there and they want to select the best possible player there when selecting that early. As for what they will do in Rounds 2 through 4(ish) of this draft, I expect a lot of emphasis on offensive line, cornerback, wide receiver and maybe tight end through those rounds. If the board breaks right – and it absolutely will depend on the board – I think those positions could be addressed there.
Benjamin from Jacksonville, FL BWO Upstate SC
I've seen a lot of player comparisons for Ashton Jeanty, but none of them make sense to me because there have been very few successful running backs in the NFL his size. Would a comparison to former Jaguars running back Maurice Jones-Drew not make the most sense?
It makes sense.
Bruce from Saint Simons Island
O, Well this is the week! Draft a special, game-changing player if at all possible. I think you would agree?
It makes sense.
Greg from Section 122, SOTF, Jacksonville
So if the Jags draft running back at No. 5, doesn't that make ETN expendable? What do you think they could get for him draft wise? Could they maybe move back into the second round by trading him and a lower pick? I know this is all a guessing game but still. Draft Travis Hunter ... please let him fall to us.
I would guesstimate that running back Travis Etienne Jr. would bring a mid-to-late-round selection(ish). This is not a reflection of his ability as much as of the general trade market for even high-end running backs. I expect the Jaguars would select Colorado cornerback/wide receiver Travis Hunter if he were available at No. 5 overall.
Jay from So-Cal
So, with the No. 5 pick ... where is the great O-Zone funkmaster bullet Bob swiggin' S'Barro lovin' dude going to be? Do you get to be in the mix with the coaches, GM, president and owner to be by the phone call that goes out? Getting a nuzzle from Boselli as they celebrate the acquisition of a perennial Jag? Let's hear you say "Duuuuuvaallll!" Just don't do it like Coen did at first.
I won't be saying "Duuuvaaaal" Thursday night because I will be working. I will be at the Miller Electric Center – but I won't be with General Manager James Gladstone or Head Coach Liam Coen or Executive Vice President of Football Operations Tony Boselli. I will be working, which means writing and talking. As always.
Scott from Aruba
What would a "successful" first two days of the draft look like to you?
A bunch of good players.
Paul from Duuuuuval
Why are the Jags projected to pick Mason Graham? The Jags have DaVon Hamilton and Arik Armstead (huge cap numbers) with last year's rookies Maason Smith and Jordan Jefferson. I believe that the defensive staff last year used players in the wrong position/situations. I would expect that the Jags are going in a different direction if they expect the rookie to contribute this season.
If the Jaguars go in a direction other than Graham at No. 5 overall Thursday, it will be because they think there is another player better than Graham. Period.
Michael from Orange Park, FL
On a serious note, for those of us who haven't been paying attention, and because I haven't seen a list printed anywhere, who did the Jaguars sign in free agency? Or were they on vacation during this time? And if they did sign anyone, how will that impact their draft strategy? Inquiring minds want to know.
Good – nay, great – question. The Jaguars' decision-makers were definitely NOT on vacation last month. Because of this, they signed the following 10 unrestricted free agents: Washington Commanders wide receiver Dyami Brown, Dallas Cowboys offensive lineman Chuma Edoga, Tampa Bay Buccaneers center Robert Hainsey, Philadelphia Eagles offensive lineman Fred Johnson, Cowboys cornerback Jourdan Lewis, Los Angeles Rams tight end Hunter Long, Baltimore Ravens guard Patrick Mekari, Minnesota Vikings quarterback Nick Mullens, Vikings tight end Johnny Mundt and Houston Texans safety Eric Murray. The signings effect the draft because they should allow the Jaguars not to reach for players to fill needs, particularly early in the draft, and this should allow the Jaguars to select the best value at that draft position. Good question, Michael. Well done.
Scooter from St. Augustine, FL
Jaguars defensive end Travon Walker as a 21-year old rookie was listed at 6-feet-5, 272 pounds. Now 24, I have to believe he has grown a bit bigger. Does the team update these stats?
Not usually. Most NFL teams don't update heights and weights of their players significantly – if at all – from a player's rookie/draft measurements.
Charles from Riverside
Hello, John. It seems like the pundits have a very high opinion on this year's draft in regard to talent at most positions (not necessarily quarterback)? Does this year really bode well for some really great players (realizing there is always risk)? And does a great talent year help those teams rebuilding as opposed to the top teams in their division as their rosters are usually pretty set?
Most pundits think there are five(ish) great players in this draft with a lot of very good – not great – players at a lot of positions. Most pundits therefore don't see this is as "great" draft as much as they see it as a good-to-very-good one. A great talent year helps any team that drafts well because most NFL teams rotate the roster pretty regularly outside a few core positions.
