Welcome to 1010XL’s Jaguars draft tracker! We’ll be updating this page with information on each of Jacksonville’s selections as they’re announced this weekend.
Round 1, Pick 2 (via CLE): Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado
Gus’ immediate grade: A-
Coming away with Travis Hunter deserves a perfect 100/100 grade — I’m only knocking it down because the Jaguars parted with extra draft capital for the right to draft Hunter at second overall. Trading two first-rounders and then some for a non-quarterback draft prospect is generally frowned upon, but as the Texans proved two years ago when they moved up for Will Anderson Jr., such a bet can certainly pay off. Hunter is unique in many ways — including the fact that he’s highly unlikely to be an utter bust. The Jaguars can have him play full-time at wide receiver if cornerback doesn’t work out, and vice versa. Hunter provides a great floor and a mouthwatering ceiling as a two-way superstar who can help maximize Trevor Lawrence and the Jaguars organization as a whole. We can nit pick at the trade value, but ultimately, Hunter will go down as one of the best players in franchise history.
Mia’s immediate grade: A-
Look: we’re not used to reacting to moves quite like this in Duval County. But GM James Gladstone promised to be bold.
The long and the short of it is that: the Jaguars loved Hunter. They recognized what the rest of the first round looked like after Hunter and Abdul Carter. And they recognized the critique so many have had of the Jacksonville Jaguars for years: a lot of “good,” green dot players, but not many blue-chip “elite” players. Hunter gives them another blue-chip player. Many took EVP Tony Boselli’s comments regarding the Jaguars being “at ground zero” as they’d be looking at acquiring more picks to fill more holes. Instead, “wiping the slate clean” has given the Jaguars an opportunity to truly reimagine their organization and take risks.
The compensation is perhaps the biggest reason this is in the A-range. The Jaguars maintain 10 picks in this year’s NFL Draft. They only have to part with one pick next year. Gladstone had three Top-50 Draft picks to work with in his entire tenure as Director of Scouting Strategy with the Los Angeles Rams. The Jaguars are banking on his scouting acumen on Day 3 to fill their other holes.
It’s a “minus” solely because there’s always that “what if.” But this is as bold a statement as Gladstone and Liam Coen could make in their first NFL Draft at the helm of the Jaguars.
Round 3, Pick 88 (via MIN): Caleb Ransaw, CB, Tulane
Gus’ immediate grade: B-
The Jaguars drafted a fiesty DB higher than expected in the third round of last year’s draft and it worked out pretty well. Jarrian Jones produced an encouraging rookie season — but with Jourdan Lewis, Travis Hunter and now Ransaw added to the cornerback room, is Jones the odd man out? Ransaw has experience across the secondary, maybe Jacksonville sees him as a safety. I like the player (he can really drive on the football) and appreciate the resources added to the secondary. Just don’t forget about the trenches!
Mia’s immediate grade: B
Quietly, the Jaguars have made it known they want to remodel their secondary. That started with signing Jourdan Lewis and Eric Murray in free agency. It continued with drafting Travis Hunter in the first round and Ransaw with their second pick.
Why Ransaw (who ESPN’s Jordan Reid predicted LAST WEEK could be a fit here on Duval Rundown) and not another safety here? Versatility is clearly something this regime values (see: Hunter, Travis… and Milum, Wyatt below). Ransaw and James Gladstone both believe he can play multiple positions in the back-end, as they explained during their availabilities Friday night. As Reid noted, the Los Angeles Rams historically have found value in small-school, older college players who are plug-and-play. The biggest reason for me though? Go back to DC Anthony Campanile’s introductory press conference. Tackling will be the biggest priority for the Jaguars defense under “Coach Camp.” Ransaw is as sure a tackler as there is in this class.
Round 3, Pick 89: (via HOU): Wyatt Milum, IOL, West Virginia
Gus’ immediate grade: A-
Milum fits the mold that many of us at 1010XL expected the Jaguars to pursue: an experienced mauler who can play multiple position across the offensive line. Dane Brugler wrote for The Athletic, “After playing right tackle in high school and as a college freshman (joined Zach Frazier as the only true freshmen to start on West Virginia’s offensive line in the last 40 years), he moved to left tackle the past three seasons and didn’t allow a sack.” Due to his sawed-off arms and high pad level, Milum is projected as an interior lineman at the next level. He can immediately compete with Ezra Cleveland for Jacksonville’s starting gig at left guard to help “set the dish” (a James Gladstone-ism) for quarterback Trevor Lawrence.
Mia’s immediate grade: A-
A player I frequently mocked to the Jaguars since January (including in the final Mia’s Mock Draft Monday’s column of the offseason), Milum checks multiple boxes for the Jaguars. Guard-tackle versatility. The “mean, nasty” streak that Jaguars fans have been clamoring for for years. Wrestling background. Nick Saban was out here tampering on ESPN’s NFL Draft broadcast, admitting the Crimson Tide openly tried to lure Milum, a West Virginia native, for years.
Yes, he *probably* won’t start right away. But if the four offensive line free agent signings “raised the floor,” Milum “raises the ceiling” long-term of what the Jaguars offensive line can be in the future.
Round 4, Pick 104 (via CLE): Bhayshul Tuten, RB, Virginia Tech
Gus’ immediate grade: B
Tuten is a fun fit for Liam Coen’s scheme due to his wheels — his 4.32-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine is in the 99th percentile for running backs prospects. Tuten has a small albeit compact build, with the necessary processing and physicality in pass protection to remain on the field on third downs. If he can improve his ball security and his vision between the tackles, Tuten could become a threatening change-of-pace back in the same vein as Matt Breida. I like the player and I like the fit, though part of me is bummed about what this could mean for Travis Etienne’s future in Jacksonville.
Mia’s immediate grade: B
Can lightning strike twice with Liam Coen and fourth-round running back picks? Tuten immediately adds a shot of electricity to the Jaguars offense. We had an inkling the Jaguars would add to the RB Room, independent of D’Ernest Johnson’s contract expiring; and as more than one person around the league noted to me, the Jaguars were able to add some “wiggle” and contact balance without spending the No. 5 overall pick on Ashton Jeanty. I thought it was fascinating when I asked him on Zoom what facet of his game he takes the most pride in… and Tuten said his physicality and pass protection. Maybe trying to give the “right” answer, yes, but make no mistake about it: speed and agility is his calling card. And like the Jaguars’ other four selections (so far) under James Gladstone, Tuten clearly has a competitive streak. Trust me, you’re gonna want to click the link.
Round 4, Pick 107: Jack Kiser, LB, Notre Dame
Gus’ immediate grade: C+
Kiser is a nice fit for the Jaguars on and off the field given his instincts and character. Prioritizing linebacker depth for new defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile makes sense, and Kiser (a.k.a. “Mr. Notre Dame”) brings the personal intangibles that James Gladstone covets. That said, backup linebackers/special teamers can typically be found later in the draft, and Jacksonville still hasn’t addressed its pass rush. Kiser is a decent pick but I would’ve prioritized defensive line here.
Mia’s immediate grade: C+
This is trending towards a B- as Day 3 of the NFL Draft goes on because the “run” on off-ball linebackers that the Jaguars seemingly started in Round 4 (and the fact that so many Edge rushers remain on the Board). Because yes: taking a linebacker this high feels like a Trent Baalke move. But this linebacker is not Baalke-built. Kiser admitted to us on Zoom after being selected: he simply “checks the box” when it comes to athletic thresholds (RAS begs to differ), but makes up for his physical deficiencies with supreme effort and football IQ. With that said, Kiser was selected at Pick 107 for more than just boosting morale. According to PFF, Oklahoma LB Danny Stusman, who went five picks after Kiser to the Saints and furthered the “linebacker run,” had 15 missed tackles in 2024. Kiser had 10 missed tackles… the last three years combined.
Coupled with the Ransaw selection, another trend besides speed and athleticism has emerged: you need to be a consistent, sure tackler to play for the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Round 6, Pick 194 (via SEA): Jalen McLeod, OLB, Auburn (App State)
Gus’ immediate grade: B
There’s the designated pass rusher we were looking for. McLeod (pronounced like McCloud) has inside/outside versatility as a part-time linebacker and part-time defensive end. He lacks adequate NFL size and length but makes up for it with strength, technique, and effort — similar to Milum on the other side of the line of scrimmage, this is the profile we were expecting the Jaguars to seek. “It’s easy to discount McLeod based purely upon his traits,” says NFL draft analyst Lance Zierlein, “but he simply makes too many plays to ignore.” Fun fact: McLeod played high school ball at Friendship Collegiate Academy, which produced former Jaguar Yannick Ngakoue and current Jaguar Christian Braswell.
Mia’s immediate grade: B-
As I noted above: I had multiple people note in jest that the Jaguars still got a tackle-breaker with elite contact balance in Bhayshul Tuten despite not selecting Ashton Jeanty at No. 5 overall. Well, they now have a “Buck linebacker” who can come off the edge or be used as an off-ball linebacker in Jalen McLeod — instead of spending more premium Draft capital on Jalon Walker (No. 15) or Josiah Stewart (No. 90). Pretty good value in the sixth-round.
DJ Durkin for all his controversy is one of the more tenured and respected defensive coordinators in college football. If he trusted the App State transfer enough to have him play the Buck role — a role that McLeod explained is usually reserved for the most “versatile and best” player — that says something.
McLeod is yet another Senior Bowl selection by the Jaguars. He’s also from DC and grew up playing with Anton Harrison and Christian Braswell… although from our limited interaction with him on Zoom: he’s clearly more extroverted and edgey (in a good way) compared to his childhood contemporaries. As we’ve discussed a time or two: the Jaguars need more of those personalities.
Round 6, Pick 200 (via CLE): Rayuan Lane III, S, Navy
Gus’ immediate grade: C+
While Lane was not on my radar during the pre-draft process, he seems like a natural fit in Jacksonville as an instinctive ball-hawking safety and energetic special teams contributor. This was a bit of a reach according to consensus big boards, but considering we’re well into Day 3 of the draft at this point, who cares? The Rams have done a great job of identifying late-round gems in recent years so I trust James Gladstone on this evaluation.
Mia’s immediate grade: B-
At this point of the NFL Draft, you’re looking for Special Teams value. And Rayuan Lane III is a self-proclaimed “Special Teams Warrior.” Not to mention, if The Athletic is doing a profile on you, you’re probably either draftable or a great story or both (highly recommend Jeff Zrebiec’s profile of Lane, btw. Lane’s diligence, routine, and study habits scream “intangibly rich.”) Dane Brugler had Lane projected as a sixth-round pick whose special teams value “can really separate him on draft boards and in training camp.”
Lane’s college tally on defense: 244 tackles, seven interceptions, 21 pass breakups and eight forced fumbles, and two defensive touchdowns.
Again, much like several other selections: Lane was a Senior Bowl and NFL Combine invitee. He played in all 49 possible games in four seasons in Annapolis. A trend that we have seen with the Los Angeles Rams carries cross-country to Rams East: James Gladstone appears to be targeting players with a ton of game-experience under their belt.
Round 7, Pick 221: Jonah Monheim, OL, USC
Gus’ immediate grade: B-
30 years ago, the Jaguars spent its first-ever draft pick on USC lineman Tony Boselli (now the team’s executive VP of Football Operations). Today, the Jaguars spent its eighth pick of the 2025 draft on USC lineman Jonah Monheim. I have no idea whether Boselli was vouching for Monheim or not, but here’s another interesting connection: renowned OL analyst Brandon Thorn compared Monheim to newly signed Jaguars center Robert Hainsey. Thorn wrote for Bleacher Report: “His sawed-off, lean build and middling power will make it a chore to maintain his base and balance when isolated against NFL defensive tackles, but he should carve out a role due to his movement skills and experience.”
Mia’s immediate grade: A-
Did Mel Kiper just yell on the TV here at the Miller Electric Center that Monheim is undersized? Sure. But Monheim won’t primarily be be playing right tackle (18 career starts at USC) or left tackle (12 career starts) in Jacksonville. He will be competing with Luke Fortner [and, if healthy, Cooper Hodges] to be a back-up center-guard, where he has 16 career starts combined. Also, Mel needs to go back to worrying about the Cleveland Browns QB situation.
Dane Brugler had Monheim as a sixth-round pick, so good value for the Jaguars here. Versatility, pelts on the wall, and Senior Bowl experience rule the day once again. You can read more about Monheim in “Mia’s Mock Draft Monday 1.0.”
Round 7, Pick 236 (via HOU): LeQuint Allen Jr, RB, Syracuse
Gus’ immediate grade: B+
Allen is one of four running backs in NCAA history to record 1,000 rushing yards, 500 receiving yards, 60 receptions, and 20 touchdowns. That stat displays his versatility — a common theme for Jacksonville’s 2025 draft class — and his high scoring total correlates to comments from the Jaguars’ top brass about prioritizing players who can put points on the board. Allen’s 32 career touchdowns ranks fifth in Syracuse history (Tuten’s 25 touchdowns ranks ninth in Virginia Tech history). Liam Coen now has a variety of options in the backfield.
Mia’s immediate grade: B-
Another running back? Hey now: Liam Coen was brought here to fix the Jaguars run game. Allen is a new-age Corey Grant: he can tote the rock, yes, but also offers receiving value (he and Cam Skattebo were the only two players in FBS to rush for 1,000+ yards and tally 500+ receiving yards) and special teams value. Allen lined up out wide or in the slot on 122 snaps in 2024. A fun wrinkle to Liam Coen’s offense. Not a threat to Travis Etienne Jr. or Tank Bigsby’s standing with the team (although his ability to pop between tackles could go a long way if he sticks), but Allen will battle Keilan Robinson for that fourth running back spot. Allen, a cousin of former Jaguars running back RyQuell Armstead, is still just 20 years old.
And, of course: this makes the Jaguars 2-for-2 on drafting running backs from the Great State of New Jersey. I am pleased.
Check out our 2025 draft guide HERE for more information on this year’s prospects!
