The Jaguars made headlines in the first round trading up for Heisman winning athlete Travis Hunter. They have committed to making him a primary receiver first to learn the offense, and a situational corner. This is the biggest draft day trade in franchise history, and the new regime is making a statement of how fearless they are. But the Jaguars walked away with eight more selections as well! Let’s dive into and grade their haul, as well as trades that impact the 2026 draft.
Round 1, Pick 2: Travis Hunter, WR/CB, Colorado
The Jaguars have added much needed star power trading up from 5th overall to 2nd overall and selecting Travis Hunter. James Gladstone is quoted on a conversation displayed on Jaguars social media stating to Senior Vice President of Football analytics Jake Temme “we’re going to draft a hall of famer with our first pick”. Hunter is a transcendent player and the Jaguars are making a statement.
Hunter will elevate the Jaguars receiving core and secondary, while making this offense must-see TV. Providing them with a must see offense, while establishing stability to a cornerback room that was searching for it. It’s expected he will start at WR and play situational snaps at CB. Getting the best player in a draft class and a reigning Heisman will bring more eyes to the Jaguars. This is an A+ selection for the Jaguars.
Round 3, Pick 88: Caleb Ransaw, DB, Tulane
Ransaw was a surprise selection here, but a good one! He is an effective tackler with a low missed tackle rate. A versatile defensive player who has experience outside and in the nickel. All while filling a major need at Safety which he displayed at the Senior Bowl may be his best position. He is more of a projection at Safety but has the eyes, secure tackling, and instincts to play the position at a quality starter rate. With what was available at the time, this is a B- for the Jaguars.
Round 3, Pick 89: Wyatt Milum, OG, West Virginia
The Jaguars new regime made an emphasis that they would revamp the offensive line. Wyatt Milum is another addition to that room who has starting quality experience at LT with 0 sacks allowed and one QB hit over the past three seasons. But, due to his functional athleticism limitations and arm length, Gladstone has stated he will get a chance to compete for a starting guard spot.
Versatility will continue to be a word you hear from me and Gladstone alike, but Milum brings the mentality of a Tony Boselli to the room. Not to mention the regime stacked 2026 3rd rounders trading down to this selection, and it is an excellent value. Milum will be a plus starter in 2025 or 2026 depending on how quickly he grasps the offense. This is another A+ for the Jaguars.
Round 4, Pick 104: Bhayshul Tuten, RB, Virginia Tech
Gladstone is a man who keeps his promises, and he promised Tuten would be apart of the plan for the offensive attack Coen would create in this ecosystem. And he delivered on Tuten to Coen and company. Tuten is the fastest player in this draft class, is a touchdown machine (46 over the past 3 seasons), can pass catch, and excels in space and on screens. He is the ideal value back for Coen’s offense but must clean up the fumbles in order to be a big time contributor (9 over the past two seasons). This is a B- for the Jaguars based on the board and other RB’s available.
Round 4, Pick 107: Jack Kiser, LB, Notre Dame
Next, is my least favorite selection of the Jaguars draft. Kiser is a 25 year old linebacker prospect who is solid to net negative in space but the best tackling linebacker in this class. He is expected to be a core special teams player, but with what was available at Edge, Defensive tackle, Wide receiver and Offensive line, I’m not a huge fan of the selection.
Kiser’s career totals include 275 tackles, 16 tackles for loss, 6.0 sacks, four interceptions (two pick-sixes), 11 passes defensed, six forced fumbles and a blocked kick. The Notre Dame product won Special Teams player of the year honors, so he should immediately improve Farwell’s unit. He could prove me wrong but consensus and every other metric including my personal top 200 big board labeled this a reach. This is a C for the Jaguars.
Round 6, Pick 194: Jalen McLeod, OLB, Auburn
After signing Emmanuel Ogbah today, the Jaguars have officially addressed Edge 3 & 4. McLeod being edge 4, with impressive numbers over consecutive seasons. Standing at 6’1, he is a change of pace backup who brings speed and bend around the edge. McCleod’s 18.8% Pass-Rush Win % ranked 12th among Power-5 edge rushers with 200+ snaps. He has a similar size profile to Jalon Walker and Josiah Stewart, but registered at least 5.5 sacks in each of the past three seasons and set career highs in tackles (57), tackles for loss (13.5) and sacks (8.0) in 2024. This is a B grade for the Jaguars .
Round 6, Pick 200: Rayuan Lane III, S, Navy
Lane provides the Jaguars with another special teams addition, while adding to the safety depth. The Navy prospect is known for creating turnovers, ranking first among eligible safety prospects in career takeaways created. Lane will come in and immediately compete to be an elite NFL gunner. And, he actually has experience at the safety position to challenge the group and Ransaw for a starting spot. This is a B grade for the Jaguars.
Round 7, Pick 221: Jonah Monheim, OL, USC
Next, we have the Offensive lineman out of USC, Jonah Monheim. Monheim is the perfect Tyler Shatley replacement, having double digit starts at left tackle, right tackle, and center. Also, having four starts at guard. Monheim provides depth similar to recent free agent acquisition Patrick Mekari. Monheim brings grit and athleticism to the backend of the offensive line. This is a B+ for the Jaguars.
Round 7, Pick 236: LeQuint Allen, RB, Syracuse
The Jaguars round out the draft and their RB room by adding Syracuse runner LeQuint Allen. Allen is one of the best pass protection running backs in this class, and an elite pass catcher at his position. He is a very complete back, but lacks the athleticism that makes a Tuten pop to NFL GM’s. I would not be surprised if he makes the roster as the 4th, 3rd, or dare I say 2nd running back on the depth chart depending on if he wows coaches. Allen had a 5th round grade for me, so this is an A for the Jaguars.
Overall, this class lands at an average of a B+ and lands a ton of potential current and future starters. Now, it’s up to these players to take advantage of the opportunity and for coaches to develop them with a plan. If you have a different grade for each selection, be sure to reach out to me on social media and let’s discuss!
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