Mia’s Mock Draft Monday 1.0 – 2025

Are you ready to TACO-bout the NFL Draft each and every Monday?

(okay, now that that’s out of the way)

“Mia’s Mock Draft Monday’s” is BACK for 2025 and brought to you this year by One Night Taco Stand. Each week, I’ll run through a new set of projections for the Jacksonville Jaguars’ upcoming NFL Draft. Armed with a new top brass and 10 picks in this year’s draft, hope and promise are in abundance in Duval County… and after four Drafts led by the purveyor of arm length: I know I personally am very excited to see what being “intangibly rich” is all about. 

We’re “putting it in the fairway” with Mia’s Mock Draft 1.0. No trades. Just the picks that make the most sense for the Jaguars at this current juncture. 

Round 1, Pick 5

Mason Graham, DT, Michigan 

As I have said ad nauseam for the last two months: Graham is the ultimate “solid double off the wall.” Maybe he only makes 4-5 Pro Bowls in his 10-year career. But if I could guarantee you those 4-5 Pro Bowls over a decade-long stay in Jacksonville, Florida? You’d take it in a heartbeat – in large part because the Jaguars have not drafted a pass-rushing defensive tackle who could play up-and-down the line since the early 2000s. 

The Spark Notes version, in case you missed it, on Graham: Two-time All-American. National Champion and Rose Bowl MVP. Two-time First Team All Big Ten. Freshman All American. 9 sacks in three years to go along with 18 TFL. Played along both the defensive and offensive line in high school. Also was a standout wrestler. Lunch pail guy. Just check-out the NFL Combine fit. 

Much like fellow projected Top-10 pick Will Campbell, Graham has largely been viewed as the best player at his position in this year’s Draft class since his freshman year. And yet, as the pre-draft process has gone on, questions about his arm length, height, and weight have given many pundits pause. Graham weighed in at the NFL Combine at 296 lbs, despite playing somewhere between 310 lb and 315 lb at Michigan. Allow me to show you Graham’s profile against two of the Los Angeles Rams’ most recent Draft picks at the position:

Mason Graham

6’3 ½’’

296 lbs

32’’ arms

Braden Fiske (FSU, Pick No. 39 in 2024 NFL Draft)

6’3’ ⅝’’

292 lbs

31’’ arms

Kobie Turner (Wake Forest, Pick No. 89 in 2023 NFL Draft)

6’2 ½’’

293 lbs 

31 ⅜’’ arms

Fiske had 8.5 Sacks and 10 TFL in his rookie campaign. Turner has tallied 17 sacks and 18 TFL in his two seasons in Los Angeles. Both were drafted, in part, by first-year Jaguars GM James Gladstone, who seemingly took the lead in the Rams aggressively moving up to take Fiske. It is probably not a surprise to many reading this to hear that Fiske (who again: has identical measurements to Mason Graham) did not meet former Jaguars GM Trent Baalke’s “thresholds” for drafting, per source. 

Those days are over. 

Take the solid, double off the wall. 

Round 2, Pick 36

Jack Bech, WR, TCU

Full disclosure: NFL Network’s lead Draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah has the Jaguars taking Bech at Pick 70 in he and Gregg Rosenthal’s latest “40s and Free Agents” episode. But in evaluating a wide receiver class that is much leaner than years past, I personally don’t think Bech will be there at No. 70. Like DJ, I believe he is a perfect match for Liam Coen’s offense and “Rams East.” So, maybe No. 36 is a bit rich… but much like Graham, Bech is a solid football player with an alpha mentality. The Jaguars need more of that. 

Bech can play inside or outside; he’s strong after the catch and through contact; a nuanced route runner; the lowest drop-rate of any WR in thai year’s Class (1 drop on 91 targets); not to mention a competitive spirit that shows most, perhaps, in his blocking prowess. He checks a ton of boxes. He only had one collegiate season over 1,000 receiving yards (his senior year at TCU) after playing his first two seasons at LSU and only appearing in 8 games his junior year. 

The critique of the Jaguars’ offensive roster construction under Doug Pederson and Trent Baalke was that, largely, each player fit a very specific role in the operation. Especially in 2023, if you lost Zay Jones for extended time, the verticality of the offense was all but lost; if you lost Christian Kirk for the last 5 weeks of the season, the middle-of-the-field was forgotten about entirely; and so on and so forth. The Los Angeles Rams’ WR Room has been headlined by two players in Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua who can play all three wide receiver positions and take pride in ru -blocking and physicality at the line of scrimmage. Meanwhile, for the last three years, whenever Tim Jones (now off to Minnesota) took snaps on offense, you knew the Jaguars would be running the ball because Jones had been deemed “a blocking WR.” In Coen’s Shanahan-McVay rooted scheme, every wide receiver has to do everything – because it helps make the offense unpredictable. 

Bech has been compared to Kupp from the start of the Draft process. And after slaying the process: he’s also earned comps to Nakua. As Greg Cosell noted on “The Ross Tucker Podcast,” initially, Bech was not viewed as a “volume” receiver aka having the potential to ascend to a leading role. And yet his game and trajectory appear to be that of Nacua… who, with Kupp now in Seattle, is WR1 in LA. 

Again, don’t overthink it, Jaguars. Put the ball in the fairway. 

Round 3, Pick 70

Kyle Kennard, EDGE, South Carolina 

2023 saw the Jaguars’ EDGE depth behind Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker comprised of a half-season from Dawuane Smoot (coming off an Achilles tear) and K’Lavon Chaisson in the final year of his [failed] rookie contract. 2024 saw big-money free agent Arik Armstead cosplay as an EDGE after playing the majority of his 10 year career at defensive tackle, with the other primary depth piece a 7th-round rookie in Myles Cole. 

Once again I say: those days are over. 

Kennard was part of a South Carolina defensive front that this author affectionately referred to as “the Monstars” in 2024 for the waves of freak athletes Shane Beamer was able to roll through in waves. After tallying 12.5 sacks in 42 games at Georgia Tech, Kennard exploded for 11.5 sacks in Columbia last fall to go along with 16 TFL. He added three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. For his efforts, Kennard was awarded the Bronco Nagurski Trophy as the best defensive player in college football. 

At 6’4’’, 254 lbs with 34’’ arms, Kennard would be smaller than both Hines-Allen and Walker, but still has room to grow. Kennard is slippery around the corner, and while he primarily wins with his length and 4.7 speed, I saw enough pass rush moves from Kennard in 2024 to know he would be a nuanced upgrade over what the Jaguars have been trotting out behind 41 and 44. He’d primarily align at a wide-nine technique and truly give the Jaguars the fastball off the edge they have been lacking since Yannick Ngakoue was traded to the Minnesota Vikings in 2020. 

Round 3, Pick 88

Tate Ratledge, OL, Georgia 

As Underdog Fantasy’s Hayden Winks pointed out this weekend: Tate Ratledge was a multi-year starter for perennial powerhouse Georgia and has the 8th best Raw Athletic Score out of 1,720 guards since 1987 (updated since Winks’ tweet)… and seemingly no one is talking about him. Well, almost no one. Friend of 1010XL Pete Prisco of CBS Sports has been banging the drum for “The Mullet Man” for months, noting he believes he’ll push for All-Pro consideration during his 10-year career. 

For all in Duval who have clamored for “nasty” along the offensive line, you need look no further than a few hours north in Athens, Georgia. NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein used the phrase “dirt-dog mentality” in his write-up for Ratledge, if that euphemism is more your speed.

6’6’’ and 308 lbs, some pundits will question Ratledge’s 32 ¼’’ arm length and say he reaches. However, he makes up for any physical deficiencies with high IQ movement and good footwork. He’s also got 10 ⅜’’ mitts for hands. Ask your local Georgia fan-friend and they will vouch for me when I say: the Dawgs’ Offensive Line looked very different in 2024 when Ratledge missed four games recovering from tight-rope surgery on his ankle (he came back one month after surgery – why would you even ask?). 

Yes, the Jaguars signed Robert Hainsey and Patrick Mekari in free agency. I still believe they’ll draft multiple offensive linemen. Ezra Cleveland is in the second year of a three-year deal (we also have no idea what the new administration thinks of Cleveland). Maybe Ratledge sits for a year. Maybe injury strikes like it so often does and drafting the “dirt-dog mentality” pays dividends immediately. One thing for sure: he’ll be ready when his number is called, and that is something the Jaguars need. 

Round 4, Pick 107

Sebastian Castro, S, Iowa 

I was just as delighted as you are to see Castro still available at Pick 107. I don’t believe this will be the case on Draft Day. But if it is…

Check my bias at the door: yes, I did cover the University of Iowa 2015-2018. I’ve watched a lot of offense, or lack thereof, that has set the sport back centuries. I also have watched Phil Parker mold not one, not two but five B1G Defensive Backs of the Year since 2015. While Castro didn’t win the award (an Alabama-Ohio State transfer Caleb Downs had something to say), he was the heart and soul of Parker’s defense the last three seasons, aligning all over the field. At 5’11’’, 203 lbs, Castro will never win any “First Off the Bus” awards either. But he is a physical tackler, seemingly always in the right position, stout against the run, and stuffs the stat sheet. In three seasons as a starter, Castro had 14 passes defended, four interceptions, two sacks, 14 TFL and five forced fumbles.

While the frame is not imposing, Castro is an above-average athlete with 4.5 speed. He’ll turn 25 in October, which may scare some teams away (go back to the example of Braden Fiske and Kobie Turner to confirm the Jaguars are not one of those teams). If all else fails, Castro would be an ace-in-the-hole for Heath Farwell on Special Teams. 

He is not the true center fielder I believe the Jaguars still need to find at some point between now and Opening Day, but Castro is, for lack of a better term, a damn good football player. Once again, the theme prevails of solid, high floor picks in this week’s Mock Draft. 

Round 4, Pick 126

Jack Kiser, LB, Notre Dame 

While I still await tangible examples in Duval County of what “intangibly rich” players look like, if I had to guess, the all-time leader in games played at Notre Dame and captain of the national runner-up’s probably qualifies. Jack Kiser will also be a 25-year old rookie whose floor would also be ace Special Teamer and who also is seemingly “always in the right place at the right time.”. His athletic profile is higher than Castro’s (even if the 40-yard dash speed is slower), and it’s his solid center-of-gravity that stands out most to me. Kiser plays with relentless effort and is seemingly never on the ground – just check out this rep against Miami! 

The Jaguars’ linebacker room is, probably, towards the bottom of the “needs” list this Draft season. But with Devin Lloyd and Chad Muma seemingly entering contract years and Caleb Johnson no longer on the roster, Kiser would fit as that fifth LB who could ascend to Muma’s role in 2026 – or more. 

Again, just a solid football player who would elevate the “ecosystem” on and off the field (am I doing this right?). 

Round 5, Pick 142

Benjamin Yurosek, TE, Georgia

Fascinating case study of a transfer leaving the (RIP) Pac-12 for greener pastures and the 2-time National Champion Georgia Bulldogs… and somehow falling off many analysts’ Draft radar. Self-admitted (the tape shows it as well), the 6’4’’, 242 lb Yurosek went to Georgia to improve his blocking and did just that. Just because Yurosek was held to just 15 catches in his lone season in Athens in a loaded TE Room doesn’t mean he’s not the same guy who caught 40+ passes in back-to-back seasons at Stanford. You don’t forget how to make acrobatic catches like this… or how to take a handoff 45+ yards like this. I don’t want to say it, but I’ll say it: he’s Day 3 Tyler Warren, and we don’t know what his ceiling will be. He can be used in a variety of creative ways. Despite signing two blocking TEs in free agency (both McVay-O’Connell system guys), I remain confident the Jaguars will draft another tight end in a rich class. 

I think not being invited to the NFL Combine will also be quite the chip on Yurosek’s shoulder heading into the League. 

Round 6, Pick 182

Jonah Monheim, C, USC 

(insert joke about “of COURSE they’re going to let Tony Boselli draft at least one guy with USC ties”)

Again, just because the Jaguars signed Hainesey and Mekari does not preclude them from drafting offensive linemen. Especially someone with Monheim’s versatility: he played every position but left guard in five seasons with the Trojans, including 18 starts at RT, 3 starts at RG and 12 starts at LT before starting every game in 2024 at Center. 

Monheim stands 6’4’’, 302 lbs. With 30 ⅛’’ arms, even the most anti-Trent Baalke of a GM would have to admit he’s an interior offensive lineman at the next level, but the versatility point still stands. Monheim has sound hands and his impressive football acumen was part of why Lincoln Riley & Co. moved him to center his final season of college. Multi-year captain, too. Monheim’s quick first step and fluidity in space was on display at the Senior Bowl, where he also registered some nice wins against projected Day 1 and Day 2 picks. 

Round 6, Pick 194

Chimere Dike, WR, Florida 

I promise this is not just “Drinking the Orange-and-Blue Kool-Aid” Post-Final Four berth: a league source told me Dike will not be available beyond the fourth-round. He’s starred and stunned throughout the pre-draft process with his speed, strong character marks, and return ability. 

I had already written out this Mock Draft when this info was passed along, but just file that one away….

The reasons scouts have been so impressed with the Wisconsin transfer these last few months:

• Third-fastest 40-yard dash among WR’s (4.34)
• 10’8’’ broad jump
• 38’5’’ vertical jump
• (perhaps more impressive) Initially a Hula Bowl-only invitee, Dike earned a call-up to the Senior Bowl. After dominating that as well, he earned an NFL Combine invite. Testament to “hard work pays off.”

Dike averaged 13.4 yards per punt return at Florida. He didn’t return kicks at UF, but he did in Madison. He’d also factor in on special teams in coverage. As a WR, his yards-per-reception steadily grew each season of college, peaking with 18.6 YPC during his lone season with the Gators in which he hauled in 42 passes. 

While the Jaguars signed Dyami Brown in free agency to compliment Brian Thomas Jr. and further the vertical potential of their offense, if they want a Day 3 field-stretcher opposite Brown (especially if BTJ is to “play more in the slot,” as Liam Coen has alluded to), Dike just might be a fit.  

Round 7, Pick 221

RJ Mickens, S, Clemson 

Is this the rangy center fielder I – and the Jaguars – have been looking for? The son of longtime New York Jet Ray Mickens, the former Clemson Tiger played all over the secondary for Dabo Swinney: 600+ snaps in the box, 300 snaps in the slot, and 850+ snaps at free safety. Scouts had questions about his top-end speed, but he answered that soundly at the NFL Combine, clocking in at 4.49 in the 40-yard dash. 

Long and rangy with 32 ¼’’ arms to match his 6’0’’ 199 lb frame, when you hear former head coach (and 1010XL’s own) Dave Campo “I love a good, long corner” – Mickens fits that description. In 60 career games, Mickens had 12 passes defended, 7 interceptions, and 14 TFL. He plays with great instincts and technique, swiveling his hips on a dime. 

Another player who the Mock Draft Simulators are lower on than NFL personnel… so like Dike, maybe Mickens is a name we see going a bit higher on Day 3 than currently outlined.