Addressing Draft Rumors in the Jacksonville Jaguars Insider Podcast

The Jacksonville Jaguars are at an exciting crossroads in their franchise history, with the team making significant strides under head coach Doug Pederson and quarterback Trevor Lawrence. As the NFL Draft approaches, a surge of speculation, rumors, and reports flood the media landscape. These rumors are not just idle chatter; they can have a tangible impact on how the team prepares for the future. In this episode of the Jacksonville Jaguars Insider Podcast, we take a closer look at the draft rumors swirling around the Jaguars and what they might mean for the franchise’s future.

Setting the Stage: Where the Jaguars Stand

Before diving into the specific draft rumors, it’s important to establish where the Jacksonville Jaguars currently stand as a team. After finishing the 2022 season with a surprising AFC South Division title and a playoff appearance, the Jaguars have positioned themselves as a team on the rise. Under the leadership of Doug Pederson, Trevor Lawrence took a significant step forward, showcasing the potential to be one of the NFL’s top quarterbacks.

However, despite their promising trajectory, the Jaguars are far from a finished product. There are several areas on the roster that need upgrading if the team is to take the next step into true Super Bowl contention. The NFL Draft is a key moment to address these gaps and continue building for the future.

Draft Needs and Rumors: A Critical Look

The Jaguars currently hold the 24th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, a solid spot to add a player who can contribute immediately. Despite a successful 2023 campaign, the Jaguars still face several key roster needs, including:

1. Defensive Line Help: The Jaguars’ defense, especially the pass rush, remains an area of concern. While the team has some solid talent on the defensive line, the lack of a consistent, elite pass rusher has hindered their ability to get after opposing quarterbacks. The NFL Draft could present an opportunity to bolster this position.
2. Wide Receiver Depth: While the Jaguars have a talented receiving corps led by Christian Kirk and Zay Jones, adding another weapon to complement Trevor Lawrence and provide more explosiveness in the passing game could be crucial. With the departure of Marvin Jones, there is speculation that the Jaguars may look to add a wide receiver early in the draft.
3. Offensive Line Depth: The offensive line in Jacksonville has been solid but not elite. Strengthening the depth and potentially upgrading certain positions could give Trevor Lawrence even better protection and open up more opportunities in the run game.
4. Secondary Upgrades: Although the Jaguars have several key players in the secondary, there are still concerns about depth and overall playmaking ability. Adding another cornerback or safety could help solidify this unit, especially with the competition in the AFC South heating up.

Now, let’s dive into some of the key rumors surrounding the Jaguars’ approach to the draft.

Rumor #1: The Jaguars Are Targeting a Pass Rusher in the First Round

One of the most prominent rumors circulating around the Jaguars is that the team is targeting a pass rusher in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Despite the addition of some solid pass rushers in recent drafts, Jacksonville’s inability to consistently pressure opposing quarterbacks has been a lingering issue.

Several names have emerged as potential fits for the Jaguars’ pass-rushing needs, with most analysts projecting that the team will take a hard look at players who can provide an immediate impact. The rumor mill has linked the Jaguars to a few standout prospects, including:

• Myles Murphy (Clemson): Murphy is widely regarded as one of the top pass rushers in the draft class. With his explosive first step and high motor, he could be a game-changer for the Jaguars. The team has shown interest in athletic, versatile pass rushers, and Murphy fits that mold perfectly.
• Tyree Wilson (Texas Tech): Wilson’s combination of size and explosiveness has drawn attention from NFL scouts. His raw talent and ability to disrupt the quarterback would fill an immediate need for the Jaguars, especially as they try to build a defense that can compete with the high-powered offenses in the AFC.

The rumors are strong that the Jaguars will not let a potential elite pass rusher slip past them at the 24th pick, and some mock drafts have placed both Murphy and Wilson as likely selections. However, the key question remains: Will one of these players still be available at No. 24, or will the Jaguars be forced to trade up?

Rumor #2: The Jaguars Are Considering a Wide Receiver

Another rumor that has gained traction in the lead-up to the draft is the possibility that the Jaguars will use their first-round pick to select a wide receiver. While Trevor Lawrence already has some talented weapons in the passing game, a lot of analysts believe the team could still benefit from adding another dynamic playmaker at the position.

Several prospects have been linked to the Jaguars, with names like:

• Jaxon Smith-Njigba (Ohio State): Smith-Njigba is considered by many to be the best wide receiver in this year’s draft class. He is a smooth route runner with exceptional hands, and his ability to make plays after the catch would be a huge asset to Lawrence. If the Jaguars were to take Smith-Njigba, he could step into an immediate starting role, alongside Kirk and Jones, and provide a versatile weapon for the Jaguars’ offense.
• Quentin Johnston (TCU): Johnston has the size, speed, and physicality to make an immediate impact in the NFL. The 6’4″ receiver is known for his deep-threat potential, and pairing him with Trevor Lawrence could create a dangerous vertical passing attack for the Jaguars.
• Zay Flowers (Boston College): While Flowers is on the smaller side, his explosiveness and playmaking ability have made him a popular choice in mock drafts. His ability to stretch the field and create mismatches could elevate the Jaguars’ offense to the next level.

Given the recent success of the Jaguars’ passing attack, it’s tempting to think that they may want to add another weapon for Trevor Lawrence. However, the reality is that wide receivers are often selected high in the first round, and with Jacksonville picking at No. 24, it’s unclear whether they’ll be in position to select a top-tier receiver.

Rumor #3: Trade Up for a Top Prospect?

As is common in every NFL Draft cycle, rumors about teams moving up or down the draft board begin to surface. The Jaguars are no exception, and one of the more intriguing whispers has been the possibility of the team trading up in the draft to select a player they consider to be an immediate difference-maker.

If the Jaguars are targeting a top pass rusher or wide receiver and believe they need to move up to secure that player, it’s possible that they could explore trade options. A potential trade-up could involve giving up future draft capital to move higher into the first round.

While this rumor has not been confirmed by any reliable sources, it makes sense that the Jaguars would be open to exploring this possibility. If a player like Myles Murphy or Jaxon Smith-Njigba is still available in the 15-20 range, it could be worth the cost to move up and secure that player, especially if they believe it would be a game-changing addition to the roster.

However, Jaguars’ general manager Trent Baalke is known for his patience in the draft, and it remains to be seen if he would be willing to sacrifice future assets to move up for a player.

Rumor #4: The Jaguars Are Eyeing an Offensive Lineman

Finally, one of the more underreported rumors surrounding the Jaguars’ draft plans is the possibility that they may select an offensive lineman. While the team’s offensive line has been serviceable in recent years, it’s clear that adding depth and potential future starters is a priority. This is especially true given that the AFC South is home to some formidable pass rushers, and protecting Trevor Lawrence remains one of the team’s top priorities.

Names like O’Cyrus Torrence (Florida) and Darnell Wright (Tennessee) have been mentioned as potential first-round picks who could help shore up the offensive line. While this rumor hasn’t gained as much traction as some of the others, there’s a case to be made that investing in the offensive line could be just as important as bolstering other positions.

The Jaguars’ Draft Strategy

As we approach the 2025 NFL Draft, the Jacksonville Jaguars are in a unique position to continue building on their promising foundation. With rumors swirling about a potential trade-up, a pass rusher, a wide receiver, or even an offensive lineman being the focus of their first-round pick, the team has plenty of options to consider.

Ultimately, the Jaguars’ draft strategy will come down to finding the right player who can make an immediate impact while complementing the team’s existing core. Whether they stay at No. 24 or move up, one thing is for certain: the Jaguars’ front office will be looking to add a player who can help take this team to the next level.

Stay tuned to the Jacksonville Jaguars Insider Podcast for continued updates and in-depth analysis as the 2025 NFL Draft draws closer.