The Jaguars have been active early in this draft weekend, making trades on both Day 1 and Day 2. They still have 6 more picks to make today, but with 4 of those coming late in the 6th round, let’s focus on the first two selections. The Jaguars are up early on Saturday with the 2nd and 5th picks in the 4th round. Plenty of talented prospects are still available, so let’s dive into which defensive players could be the best fit for the team.
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What Directions Can The Jaguars Go?
In order to figure out the best fits with our 2 selections, we have to also take into account the needs of the team. In this article we are going to focus on adding more to the defensive side of the ball. To see the overall state of the defense before the draft, you can check out this article:
Defensive Pre-Draft Breakdown: https://footballanalysis1.com/2025/04/24/jaguars-pre-draft-roster-breakdown-part-2-defense-and-special-teams/
One could argue that there is no glaring need in the starting lineup. After adding Travis Hunter at cornerback and Caleb Ransaw at safety, the defensive backfield looks much improved from the state it was in pre-draft. With the defensive backfield in better shape lets focus on some positions we can add to:
-Interior Defensive Line
-Edge Depth/Rotational Rusher
Some positions are in better spots then others, but lets take a look at some prospects at these positions:
Interior Defensive Line
The defensive line room has a lot of bodies as it stands now but not enough reliability. Davon Hamilton and Arik Armstead are coming off down years. Jefferson and Lacy haven’t proven much yet, and Maason Smith came on at the end of the season but his ascension is still currently a projection. A lot of question marks, is there an answer avaible in round 4?
CJ West
West starts a trend in these prospects in terms of playing with phenomenal leverage. He is an ELITE run stopper, wreaking havoc even while double teamed. West plays an incredibly physical and high effort brand of football – Intangibly rich. He has work to do as a pass rusher both in developing moves and counters but with a rock solid run stuffing floor, if he’s able to develop as a pass rusher he will be a major steal.
Joshua Farmer
Farmer possesses great heavy hands and pairs that with an explosive first step. He has a solid bag of pass rush moves but needs to develop more counters when his plan gets stymied. Plays with fantastic leverage and is a plus athlete with immense potential both as a pass rusher and run stuffer.
Jordan Phillips
Phillips is a freak of nature boasting some of the most astronomical weight room numbers you could find. He uses his freakish strength and natural leverage to clog up gaps. When rushing the passer he needs to develop more of a rush plan but his strength and surprising athleticism and wiggle leaves room for massive potential.
Other Names To Watch For
-JJ Pegues
-Ty Robinson
-Deone Walker
-Aeneas Peebles
EDGE Rushers
The Jaguars obviously don’t have a need at a starting EDGE spot with the superstar duo of Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker. But, outside of those 2 guys there is 0 depth. The rest of the EDGE rushers on the roster combine for 0 career sacks. EDGE depth and rotational pieces are needed in a big way and there are plenty of great options available. Lets take a look at some:
Bradyn Swinson
This is an electric pass rusher who was easily a top 10 edge rusher in the class for me. Swinson has a fairly developed arsenal of pass rush moves and some very impressive counters. He is an athlete you cant help but say “WOW” when you watch. Speed, power, agility, change of direction- Its all on display when you turn on the Swinson tape. A 2nd round talent avaible in round 4 this would be a slam dunk pick.
Kyle Kennard
Explosive is the first word that comes to mind when you watch Kennard. As soon as the ball is snapped he is COMING! Has a great first step and has a solid arsenal of pass rush moves and counters. He can get caught out of position in the run game and would fit best as a rotational designated pass rusher. Still, one of the best pass rushers in the class would be another slam dunk here in the 4th round.
Jared Ivey
Ivey is the most well-rounded of the names discussed so far. He is a massive presence and offensive tackles feel him every snap. Ivey displays impressive run defending technique. He has a deep arsenal of pass rush moves, and offensive linemen who plan on hand fighting with him better think of a different plan. Ivey does lack the first step explosiveness of the previous prospects but he is a well rounded player who can deliver immediate results on any down.
Antwaun Powell-Ryland
Ryland is a smaller player but he makes up for it with devasting speed to power moves and an overall incredibly refined pass rush arsenal. In terms of pure pass rushing ability – taking into account pass rush moves and counters- Ryland is top 5 in the class. His pass rush bag is DEEP. But he can get beat up in the ground game at times and he is best served at the next level as a designated pass rusher. A player like this with a mastery of getting to the QB – 26 sacks over the last 2 years- would be an incredible addition.
Other Names To Watch
-Jack Sawyer
-Kaimon Rucker
-David Walker
-Que Robinson
-Ahmed Hassanein
Outro
There is of course other players who can get added at corner, safety and linebacker. But I believe from the talent on the board and everything James Gladstone has said, that these will be the 2 priorities on the defensive side of the ball. Nabbing any of these players could be game changing to the depth and potential rotation of this defense.
We have another very exciting day on tap and I cant wait to see what Gladstone and co have in store!
Thank you for reading and be sure to follow my coverage of all things Jaguars and NFL on X @JagsRealist.
Enjoy your Day 3 everybody!
