2025 Jaguars NFL draft grades: Grades for every Jacksonville selection
Jack McKessyNote: This story has been updated following the Jaguars' trade with the Browns on Thursday evening.
The No. 2 overall pick is just one of the 10 selections the Jacksonville Jaguars own in the 2025 NFL Draft. Will the team's new regime be able to turn things around this season?
Jacksonville was one of three organizations to hire both a new head coach and new general manager this offseason. James Gladstone took over as the team's general manager – taking over after Trent Baalke's five seasons in charge – and Liam Coen is the new head coach of the Jaguars after the team fired Doug Pederson.
Gladstone and Coen will be looking to turn around the fortunes of a team that finished 4-13 in 2024. Finding upgrades to the team's roster in this year's draft is a must.
USA TODAY Sports and the USA TODAY Network will grade the Jaguars' draft picks as they happen using a variety of factors, including team needs, player fit and draft value.
Jaguars NFL draft grades
This section will be updated as picks are made.
Round 1, Pick 2: WR/CB Travis Hunter
Analysis: Well, how's that for a shake-up? After no trades involving a first-round pick materialized in the months leading up to the draft, Day 1 got a major infusion of drama in the form of the Jaguars moving from No. 5 to No. 2 for Hunter. How Jacksonville plans to use the electric Heisman Trophy winner will be fascinating, as the two-way threat could either be the answer at boundary cornerback opposite Tyson Campbell or team with Brian Thomas Jr. to form one of the league's most dynamic receiving duos. Hunter, of course, will want to pull double duty at both spots. The cost is at least approaching prohibitive for a non-quarterback, with Jacksonville giving up both a second-round selection this year and first-rounder next year. But in landing a player whom many – including us – ranked as the top overall player in this class, new general manager James Gladstone and coach Liam Coen have taken a major step toward fulfilling their goal of getting more explosive. Now, with their pick haul depleted, the pressure is on Gladstone to unearth the mid-to-late-round gems who helped keep the Los Angeles Rams – with whom the 34-year-old spent nearly the last decade – in top form.
Jacksonville makes the first big splash of the night by moving up from No. 5 overall to No. 2 and select the consensus top player of the class. Hunter is a two-way star with All-Pro potential at cornerback and can be a solid No. 2 wideout on offense for the Jaguars. They gave up a steep price to move up three spots, though, and that's why the Jaguars do not get an A. The team announced Hunter as both a wide receiver and defensive back, a potential statement of intent for his future in Jacksonville.
Of the 10 previous top-five picks in Jaguars history, this is undoubtedly the boldest move because of the draft capital Jacksonville gave up (2025 No. 5, No. 36 overall, No. 126 overall; 2026 first-round pick) to acquire the NFL's most famous two-way player since Deion Sanders, Hunter's college coach at Colorado.
In the first draft conducted by newly hired GM James Gladstone, he dropped a bombshell that few draftniks saw coming until draft day. Hunter, the Heisman Trophy and Walter Camp award recipient, delivers the biggest wow factor of any previous Jaguars first-round draft pick.
If head coach Liam Coen holds to his priority of the Jaguars getting help for quarterback Trevor Lawrence, then Hunter will likely be used more as a receiver than a cornerback, though there's no reason for the Jaguars to publicly commit to how he will be used for several months.
Despite the significant draft capital the Jaguars gave up, it's hard to quibble with selecting the most talented player in the entire NFL Draft. For now, this is a home-run pick.
Round 3, Pick 87: Caleb Ransaw, CB, Tulane
Jacksonville addresses huge position of need again on Day 2 with Ransaw. The 6-foot cornerback from Tulane was one of the more elite athletes at the combine this year and that shows up on tape. That natural athleticism, size and tackling will make him an option either outside or at the slot at the NFL level. Given his raw technique, this does feel like a slight reach.
Asking Travis Hunter to save the league's last-ranked pass defense is too much, even for the Heisman Trophy winner. Ransaw might not fully settle the spot opposite Tyson Campbell, but he can be a sticky and versatile piece on the back end for Jacksonville.
Round 3, Pick 88: Wyatt Milum, IOL, West Virginia
If the start of the Jaguars' class was all about excitement, then the next step might be about stability. Though Milum doesn't have ideal length or athleticism, he can get the job done for Trevor Lawrence and the Jacksonville run game with his savvy and strength.
Milum played tackle in college but projects best on the interior at the NFL level. His power, aggression and athleticism makes him a long-term fit at guard. He was expected to be a Round 2 pick so this is a great value selection.
Round 3, Pick 104: Bhayshul Tuten, RB, Virginia Tech
Tuten is one of the most athletic, dynamic running backs in a loaded class. He's an explosive athlete who should make for a great compliment to Tank Bigsby. Coach Liam Coen should have fun finding ways to get Tuten the ball in space.
Round 3, Pick 107: Jack Kiser, LB, Notre Dame
Kiser is an experienced, productive linebacker from Notre Dame who should at least compete for special teams reps immediately. His lack of high-end athletic traits may be exposed more at the NFL level than in college. He does address a need on the defense.
Round 6, Pick 194: Jalen McLeod, LB, Auburn
Jacksonville doubles up on linebackers on Day 3 after taking Jack Kiser in Round 5. McLeod is a bit big to be a true off-ball linebacker, standing 6-foot-2 and 241 pounds. His instincts and aggression are great in run defense and in pass rush scenarios. He could be a depth piece on the outside for the Jaguars and a special teams standout.
Round 6, Pick 200: Rayuan Lane III, S, Navy
Lane is a bit on the shorter side for an NFL safety at 5-foot-10 but offers impressive instincts, football IQ and athleticism. The Jaguars need more help in the secondary and he offers traits that can be developed over time and used on special teams in the short-term.
Round 6, Pick 221: Jonah Monheim, C, USC
Jacksonville signed free agent Robert Hainsey to start at center but he may not be the long-term solution at the position. Monheim was a standout center for the Trojans thanks to his foot speed and athleticism. His lack of length (30 1/8 inch arms at 6-foot-4) will keep him at center in the NFL.
Jaguars 2025 NFL draft picks
- Round 1 - No. 2 overall: WR/CB Travis Hunter
- Round 3 – No. 87 overall: Caleb Ransaw, CB, Tulane
- Round 3 – No. 88 overall (from Minnesota): Wyatt Milum, IOL, West Virginia
- Round 4 – No. 104 overall: Bhayshul Tuten, RB, Virginia Tech
- Round 4 – No. 107 overall: Jack Kiser, LB, Notre Dame
- Round 6 – No. 194 overall (from Seattle): Jalen McLeod, LB, Auburn
- Round 6 – No. 200 overall: Rayuan Lane III, S, Navy
- Round 7 – No. 221 overall: Jonah Monheim, C, USC