The 2025 NFL Draft has seen a great deal of excitement and anticipation, with prospects from across the country looking to make their mark in the professional football world. One selection that stands out at the 194th pick, taken by the Jacksonville Jaguars, is that of Auburn linebacker Jalen McLeod. At first glance, McLeod might not have the recognition of a household name like some of the high-profile first-rounders, but this pick could very well be one that shapes the future of the Jaguars’ defense for years to come. Let’s take a deeper look at who McLeod is as a player, his journey through Auburn, and how he could fit into Jacksonville’s defensive scheme.
Jalen McLeod is a linebacker who hails from North Carolina, where he was a standout at Mallard Creek High School. His high school career was marked by his ability to make plays all over the field, whether it was rushing the passer, stopping the run, or covering in space. McLeod’s athleticism and football IQ immediately caught the attention of college scouts, and he earned a scholarship to Auburn University, one of the premier football programs in the Southeastern Conference (SEC).
McLeod’s journey at Auburn wasn’t without its challenges, but his development as a player, both physically and mentally, was significant over his four-year career. Coming in as a freshman, he showed promise but wasn’t immediately thrust into a starting role. However, by his sophomore season, McLeod had carved out a niche for himself as a reliable defender who could contribute in various ways. His versatility allowed him to be used in multiple linebacker positions, both on the inside and the outside.
Throughout his time at Auburn, McLeod had to adjust to the ever-changing demands of the SEC. He learned how to defend against some of the best running backs and quarterbacks in the country while dealing with elite offensive lines. Despite Auburn not always being a national contender, McLeod remained a steady force on the defensive side of the ball. His ability to stay healthy and play with consistency set him apart from some of the more heralded prospects.
During his college career, McLeod accumulated impressive stats, especially considering the demanding nature of the SEC schedule. Over his four years at Auburn, McLeod totaled 220 tackles, 14 sacks, and 6 interceptions, numbers that reflect his well-rounded skill set. His ability to make plays in multiple facets of the game—whether rushing the passer, covering receivers in space, or shutting down running plays—highlighted his value as a linebacker prospect.
What made McLeod particularly intriguing to scouts and NFL evaluators was his blend of size, speed, and football intelligence. Standing at 6’2” and weighing around 230 pounds, McLeod had the physical tools necessary to compete at the professional level. However, it was his football IQ that often stood out. He demonstrated an ability to read offenses, recognize plays before they developed, and put himself in positions to make an impact. Whether it was shedding blockers or anticipating the quarterback’s next move, McLeod had the instincts that coaches crave in a linebacker.
His junior and senior seasons were especially notable, as McLeod matured into a leader for Auburn’s defense. In his senior year, he captained the defense, earning the trust of his coaches and teammates. His leadership was often reflected in how his unit performed in key games against powerhouse teams like Alabama, Georgia, and LSU. Though Auburn struggled at times as a team, McLeod’s performance remained steady, providing a strong foundation for the defense.
Like any player, McLeod has a combination of strengths and weaknesses that NFL scouts had to evaluate. Let’s break down his key attributes:
- Versatility: McLeod’s ability to play multiple linebacker positions, both inside and outside, made him a valuable asset in Auburn’s defense. In the NFL, this flexibility will allow him to contribute in different defensive schemes, whether it’s a 3-4 or a 4-3 defense. His experience covering running backs and tight ends in the passing game adds to his utility.
- Athleticism: His combination of size, speed, and agility sets him apart from many linebackers. McLeod is quick to close gaps and has the explosiveness needed to rush the quarterback or pursue ball carriers down the field. His lateral movement is impressive, and he has the closing speed to chase down ball carriers in the open field.
- Football IQ: One of McLeod’s most impressive traits is his ability to read offenses and anticipate plays. He has a knack for recognizing offensive schemes, which allows him to position himself in the right spots to make plays. This instinctive playstyle is a valuable asset for any linebacker in the NFL.
- Tackling: McLeod is a sure tackler who doesn’t miss many opportunities to stop the ball carrier. Whether in open field or in the trenches, he has a strong ability to wrap up and bring down opponents effectively. His physicality in tackling is a major asset for a linebacker at the next level.
- Coverage Skills: While McLeod is solid in coverage, especially against tight ends and running backs, he still has some room for improvement when asked to cover wide receivers. In the NFL, where offenses often spread the field, McLeod will need to refine his coverage technique and ability to stay with faster, more dynamic pass-catchers.
- Consistency: While McLeod shows flashes of brilliance, there are times when he can be inconsistent, particularly when it comes to shedding blocks or taking the best angles on running backs. In the NFL, he’ll need to become more consistent in these areas, as the speed of the game will only increase at the professional level.
- Pass Rushing: While McLeod has shown the ability to rush the passer effectively in college, he needs to further develop his pass-rushing moves and refine his technique to be a true threat in the NFL. This will be an area to watch as he transitions to the next level.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are a team in transition, building a competitive squad under head coach Doug Pederson. The Jaguars’ defense has some promising pieces, but there are still gaps to fill, particularly at linebacker, where they have struggled at times to find consistent playmakers.
McLeod’s selection at the 194th pick in the 2025 NFL Draft addresses an area of need for the Jaguars. He can provide depth immediately as a rotational linebacker while also offering the potential to grow into a starting role over time. His versatility will be a valuable asset in defensive coordinator Mike Caldwell’s scheme, which is predicated on a mix of speed, aggressiveness, and intelligence.
With his ability to play multiple positions, McLeod can contribute as an inside linebacker in a 3-4 defense or as an outside linebacker in a 4-3 system. His skill set aligns with the Jaguars’ need for linebackers who can contribute in both the run game and pass coverage. If McLeod can improve his coverage skills and adapt to the speed of the NFL, he could quickly earn a prominent role on defense.
Moreover, McLeod’s leadership abilities and football IQ could help him in the locker room, where he could become a mentor for younger players. The Jaguars have made a concerted effort to build a strong defensive culture, and McLeod fits into that vision with his work ethic and commitment to the game.
The Jacksonville Jaguars’ selection of Jalen McLeod with the 194th pick in the 2025 NFL Draft could prove to be a significant one in the long term. While McLeod may not have the star power of some other prospects, his combination of size, athleticism, and football IQ makes him a potential gem in the middle rounds. His versatility, tackling ability, and leadership on the field give the Jaguars a solid linebacker who can contribute right away while continuing to develop into a key piece of their defense. If he can refine his coverage skills and pass-rushing technique, McLeod has the potential to become a standout linebacker in the NFL. The Jaguars may have just found a steal in the later rounds of the draft.