The Jaguars could be an interesting option for a trade up into the first round to double dip on prospects with fifth year options. They currently have the 36th overall selection and moving into the top 32 is feasible with 10 picks in tow heading into this upcoming Thursday. Today we’ll dive into five prospects who could slide into the 20’s or even early 30’s and why they could be a trade up target for the Jaguars.
Matthew Golden, WR
First, Golden is a 6’0 wideout with 4.29 speed and an elite route tree who can go vertical on any defender (9 TD’s, 989 YDs). If he’s even, he’s leaving. Golden has a wide range of possibilities in the first round, with the believed ceiling of 12th overall. The Texas product could hear his name as late as 23rd overall to the Green Bay Packers, but could Jacksonville make a major move after 5th overall? Golden is a natural hands catcher, hit his highs during this past college football playoff run, and exhibits after the catch production due to his special teams experience. What would it take to get to 22? 36, 107, and a 2026 3rd would get the job done based on the draft calculator.
Jahdae Barron, DB
Back to back Longhorns? Yes please. Barron, my personal Cornerback 2, has extensive experience at Safety, Nickel, and Outside Cornerback and could be plug and play at all three positions. That is rare, but he proved himself his Junior season on the boundary. Barron ran a 4.39 40 and measured at 5’11, 194 lbs. Barron’s combination of intelligence, versatility, and playmaking ability (5 INT’s, 11 PBU’s in ‘24) makes him an attractive option for NFL teams. He is best suited for a zone-heavy scheme (which the Jaguars will implore more of) where he can utilize his football IQ and ball skills. He’s projected to go between 11 and 21, if the Jaguars want him at 21 they’ll have to move 36, 107, 221 and a 2026 3rd according to the Draft capital calculator.
Kenneth Grant, DT
Next, we have a trench player worth moving up for. In this instance it would be safe to assume either the Jaguars went skill at 5, or wanted to pair Graham with Grant. Something James Gladstone isn’t shy to do, based on the 2024 NFL Draft. Grant is a powerful Nose Tackle prospect out of Michigan, and a 2023 National Champion. The Michigan prospect known for his imposing size, strength, and disruptive presence on the defensive line. Standing 6’3″ and weighing 339 pounds, he combines elite athleticism with power.
While not primarily a pass rusher, Grant has demonstrated the ability to generate pressure, accumulating 6.5 sacks over the past two seasons. Combining that interior push with run integrity and anchoring double teams, he could be exactly what the Jaguars need. Grant is projected anywhere from 7 to 36, but if four other defensive tackles go in the first and Grant falls into the late twenties, go get him. Moving up from 36 to 26 would require 36, 88, and 221.
Luther Burden, WR
Lastly, we have Luther Burden, University of Missouri product. Burden is a 5-tool athlete and a great complement to BTJ as a high end #2 with a blend of physical tools, vicious running style, and toughness. Burden is a hand-and-glove fit for Coen’s offensive scheme. He is known for his yard after catch efficiency, separation success, and versatility. He is a willing blocker for 5’11, excels in screen usage (Coen’s specialty), and has that intangibly rich personality Gladstone is looking for in draft selections. Burden has been projected everywhere from 11 to 36. If a run on receivers takes place early, Jacksonville could move up to 21 and follow the same blueprint of a Barron trade.
Honorable mentions that could be trade up candidates include: Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State; Grey Zabel, OL, North Dakota State; and Derrick Harmon, DT, Oregon.
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