Draft Rumors Swirl Around Picks for the Jacksonville Jaguars

As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, draft rumors surrounding the Jacksonville Jaguars have intensified, with analysts and insiders speculating about how the team will use its picks—including a first-round selection (No. 22 overall) and six total picks—to address key roster gaps. Draft Rumors Swirl Around Picks for the Jacksonville Jaguars focuses on the most credible speculation: potential first-round targets at cornerback and offensive line, trade scenarios that could move the Jaguars up or down the draft board, and late-round sleepers that fit the team’s scheme. For Jaguars Nation, these rumors aren’t just idle talk—they offer a glimpse into how general manager Trent Baalke and his staff plan to build on last season’s AFC South title and push for a Super Bowl run.

Draft Rumors Swirl Around Picks for the Jacksonville Jaguars begins with the most persistent rumor: the Jaguars are targeting a cornerback with their first-round pick to add depth behind starters Tyson Campbell and Darious Williams. Multiple NFL insiders, including ESPN’s Adam Schefter and NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, have reported that the Jaguars have “done extensive work” on two top cornerback prospects: Ohio State’s Denzel Burke and Florida State’s Renardo Green. Burke, a 6’1” press corner with 4 interceptions in 2024, is valued for his physicality and ability to shut down outside receivers—skills that would help the Jaguars counter AFC rivals like the Kansas City Chiefs (with Tyreek Hill) and Buffalo Bills (with Stefon Diggs). Green, meanwhile, is a versatile slot corner who can also contribute on special teams, a trait the Jaguars prioritize given their thin secondary depth. “The Jaguars have made it clear they want to shore up their secondary,” Rapoport said on a recent episode of NFL Total Access. “Burke and Green are both on their radar, and it’ll likely come down to which one is available at No. 22.”

Draft Rumors Swirl Around Picks for the Jacksonville Jaguars includes another prominent rumor: the Jaguars are considering trading up in the first round to select an offensive tackle, particularly if Alabama’s JC Latham or Oregon’s Troy Fautanu falls to the middle of the round. The Jaguars’ offensive line, while solid, has questions at right tackle—current starter Jawaan Taylor is a free agent, and backup Walker Little has struggled with consistency. Latham, a 6’6”, 335-pound tackle with experience in both pass and run blocking, is viewed as a potential long-term replacement for Taylor. Fautanu, meanwhile, is a more athletic option who can play both tackle and guard, offering the Jaguars versatility. Insiders report that the Jaguars have had “preliminary talks” with teams picking between No. 15 and No. 20 (including the Pittsburgh Steelers and Houston Texans) about a trade-up scenario—likely involving swapping their first-round pick (No. 22) and a third-round pick (No. 85) for a higher selection. “The Jaguars aren’t desperate to trade up, but they’re prepared to if the right tackle is available,” said one league source with knowledge of the team’s draft plans. “Protecting Trevor Lawrence is their top priority, and they’ll pay to ensure that.”

Draft Rumors Swirl Around Picks for the Jacksonville Jaguars shifts to late-round rumors, with insiders highlighting potential sleepers the Jaguars are targeting in Rounds 4-7. One name that keeps popping up is Iowa State tight end Ben Sinnott, a 6’4”, 245-pound pass-catcher with reliable hands (83tch rate in 2024) and experience as a blocker—traits that would complement starter Evan Engram. The Jaguars, who lost backup tight end Luke Farrell to free agency, are in need of depth at the position, and Sinnott is viewed as a “scheme fit” for their offense. Another late-round rumor centers on Liberty defensive end Durrell Johnson, a 6’4”, 265-pound edge rusher with 10 sacks in 2024. The Jaguars are looking to add depth behind Josh Allen and Yannick Ngakoue, and Johnson’s ability to play both defensive end and defensive tackle in sub-packages makes him an attractive option. For the Jacksonville Jaguars, late-round picks have been critical in recent years—2023 fifth-rounder Cole Van Lanen became a key backup on the offensive line, and 2024 fourth-rounder Xavier Gipson emerged as a standout return specialist. “The Jaguars have a strong track record of finding late-round gems,” said draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah. “Sinnott and Johnson fit their mold: high-character players with specific skills that fill a need.”

Draft Rumors Swirl Around Picks for the Jacksonville Jaguars also includes speculation about the Jaguars’ interest in a running back in the middle rounds, particularly if they lose backup Tank Bigsby to free agency. Florida’s Montrell Johnson Jr., a 5’11”, 210-pound back with 1,200 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns in 2024, is rumored to be a target in Round 3 or 4. Johnson, who excels in zone-blocking schemes (the Jaguars’ primary run style), would provide depth behind Travis Etienne Jr. and add a change-of-pace option. Insiders report that the Jaguars met with Johnson at the NFL Combine and hosted him for a top-30 visit, signaling serious interest. “The Jaguars like to have two reliable running backs, and if Bigsby leaves, Johnson is a natural fit,” said one draft insider. “He’s not flashy, but he’s consistent—exactly what you want in a backup.” For the Jacksonville Jaguars, adding a running back in the middle rounds would also allow them to preserve cap space, as Johnson would likely sign a four-year contract worth less than $5 million—far less than what a veteran backup would cost in free agency.

Draft Rumors Swirl Around Picks for the Jacksonville Jaguars concludes with rumors about the Jaguars’ potential to trade back in the first round to accumulate more picks. If the top cornerbacks and offensive tackles are off the board by No. 22, insiders report that the Jaguars are open to trading down with a team looking to select a quarterback (like the New Orleans Saints or Atlanta Falcons) or a wide receiver. A trade-back scenario could net the Jaguars an extra second-round pick (to add depth at positions like tight end or defensive tackle) and allow them to still select a quality player at their target positions. “The Jaguars have a ‘best player available’ approach, but they’re also pragmatic,” said Schefter. “If they can get more picks without giving up too much value, they’ll do it. Building depth is key for a team that wants to make a deep playoff run.” For the Jacksonville Jaguars, these draft rumors—whether about first-round targets, trades, or late-round sleepers—all tie back to one goal: building a roster that can compete for a Super Bowl now and in the future. As the draft nears, Jaguars Nation will be watching closely to see which rumors become reality—and which picks will help the team take the next step toward a Lombardi Trophy.