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Luke Easterling, NFL Draft expert from Athlon Sports, provides deep insights on the Jaguars' options with the fifth overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft and discusses key prospects who could transform the team.

• Jaguars should prioritize selecting a star player at pick #5 rather than trading down, since they already have ten total draft picks
• The elite tier of this draft class includes only three players: Travis Hunter, Abdul Carter, and Ashton Jeanty
• Ashton Jenty represents a special running back talent that could bring game-changing explosiveness the Jaguars currently lack
• Mason Graham is a top-10 talent but the interior defensive line class is deep enough to find similar value in rounds 2-3
• Tyler Warren offers George Kittle-like versatility and could be the tight end that transforms Jacksonville's offense
• Emeka Egbuka stands out as the most polished route runner in the draft who could perfectly complement Brian Thomas Jr.
• Tate Ratledge is unlikely to fall to the third round despite being a perfect fit for the Jaguars' offensive line needs
• Offensive line talent drops significantly after the first two rounds, making it crucial to address early if seeking an immediate starter

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Luke's 2025 NFL Mock Draft: Final 4-Round Projection for Draft Week

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James Johnson and Phil Smith bring you the best and most up to date Jacksonville Jaguars news. "Touchdown Jaguars!" is a tribute to the prospective ownership group "Touchdown Jacksonville!" In 1991, the NFL announced plans to add two expansion teams and "Touchdown Jacksonville!" announced its bid for a team, and Jacksonville was ultimately chosen as one of five finalists. In November 1993, the NFL owners voted 26–2 in favor of awarding the 30th franchise to Jacksonville. James and Phil have been fans of the franchise ever since and have had the honor (and sometimes dishonor) of covering the team professionally since 2017. The rest as they say, is history.

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A new era dawns for the Jacksonville Jaguars as we dive deep into the team's first draft under GM James Gladstone. After years of questionable draft strategies, there's a palpable excitement surrounding how the former Rams executive might approach building around Trevor Lawrence and transforming this roster.

Our comprehensive mock draft reveals fascinating possibilities, from trading back to accumulate picks while still landing Ohio State's Emeka Egbuka as the perfect complement to Brian Thomas Jr., to the potential windfall of Abdul Carter falling to pick #5. We examine how Gladstone's Rams background might influence draft philosophy, particularly the emphasis on winning cultures and prestigious programs.

The draft board falls surprisingly well for Jacksonville's needs across both mock scenarios. We identify crucial defensive backs who could stabilize a struggling secondary, interior defensive linemen who bring the violence needed against divisional running games, and offensive weapons that perfectly fit Liam Cohen's offensive vision. 

Join us as we break down picks round-by-round and imagine a draft that could finally deliver the supporting cast Trevor Lawrence deserves while building a defense that transforms Jacksonville into true AFC South contenders. Let us know your thoughts on our selections and who you hope the Jaguars target when the draft begins!

Touchdown Jaguars Linktree

James Johnson and Phil Smith bring you the best and most up to date Jacksonville Jaguars news. "Touchdown Jaguars!" is a tribute to the prospective ownership group "Touchdown Jacksonville!" In 1991, the NFL announced plans to add two expansion teams and "Touchdown Jacksonville!" announced its bid for a team, and Jacksonville was ultimately chosen as one of five finalists. In November 1993, the NFL owners voted 26–2 in favor of awarding the 30th franchise to Jacksonville. James and Phil have been fans of the franchise ever since and have had the honor (and sometimes dishonor) of covering the team professionally since 2017. The rest as they say, is history.

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The tide is turning in Jacksonville as James Johnson breaks down the Jaguars' strategic approach to free agency under new GM James Gladstone. After years of splashy signings and mixed results, the organization appears to be charting a new course—one built on draft capital, calculated additions, and long-term sustainability.

Diving deep into all ten free agent acquisitions, James analyzes how each player fits into the larger vision. Dyami Brown brings much-needed vertical speed to stretch defenses, while Patrick Mekari offers versatility across all five offensive line positions. Jourdan Lewis stands out as a technically sound cornerback, which makes him a much needed addition in the secondary.

What makes this free agency period truly fascinating isn't who the Jaguars signed, but what their approach reveals about Gladstone's blueprint. With the most draft picks of any NFL team over the next three years, Jacksonville is clearly positioning itself to build through young talent rather than expensive veterans. This marks a significant philosophical shift from previous regimes—a shift that could finally deliver sustainable success.

The Jaguars aren't far from contention in a winnable AFC South. With these calculated additions and the upcoming draft, Jacksonville may surprise everyone in 2025. Whether you're frustrated by the lack of headline-grabbing moves or encouraged by this methodical approach, one thing is clear: the James Gladstone era has officially begun.

Touchdown Jaguars Linktree

James Johnson and Phil Smith bring you the best and most up to date Jacksonville Jaguars news. "Touchdown Jaguars!" is a tribute to the prospective ownership group "Touchdown Jacksonville!" In 1991, the NFL announced plans to add two expansion teams and "Touchdown Jacksonville!" announced its bid for a team, and Jacksonville was ultimately chosen as one of five finalists. In November 1993, the NFL owners voted 26–2 in favor of awarding the 30th franchise to Jacksonville. James and Phil have been fans of the franchise ever since and have had the honor (and sometimes dishonor) of covering the team professionally since 2017. The rest as they say, is history.

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The future of the Jacksonville Jaguars is brighter than ever with the hiring of a new General Manager and the approach toward the upcoming draft. We explore the key players that could shape the team's future while analyzing the impact of recent organizational changes.

- Introduction of the new General Manager and his vision 
- Reflections on past management and the need for change 
- Top prospects to target in the upcoming draft 
- The importance of strengthening offensive and defensive lines 
- Discussion on how to support quarterback Trevor Lawrence 
- Insights into the evaluation of the combine and its impact on draft stock 
- Revisiting the team's overall assets and needs 
- Predictions on the implications of drafting specific players 
- Overview of the youthful direction of the current front office 

Listen in as we dive deep into player analysis and discuss how these picks could propel the Jaguars back to contention.

Touchdown Jaguars Linktree

James Johnson and Phil Smith bring you the best and most up to date Jacksonville Jaguars news. "Touchdown Jaguars!" is a tribute to the prospective ownership group "Touchdown Jacksonville!" In 1991, the NFL announced plans to add two expansion teams and "Touchdown Jacksonville!" announced its bid for a team, and Jacksonville was ultimately chosen as one of five finalists. In November 1993, the NFL owners voted 26–2 in favor of awarding the 30th franchise to Jacksonville. James and Phil have been fans of the franchise ever since and have had the honor (and sometimes dishonor) of covering the team professionally since 2017. The rest as they say, is history.

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This episode blends analysis of the Super Bowl outcome with a deep dive into the Jacksonville Jaguars' newly structured coaching staff. We reflect on how the Eagles’ impressive performance can serve as a blueprint for the Jaguars and share personal experiences that highlight emotional ties to our favorite teams. 

• Insights into the Eagles’ commanding Super Bowl victory 
• Initial reactions to the Jaguars’ newly established coaching staff 
• The emotional weight of franchise changes and player trades 
• Comparisons of pivotal moments in Jaguars fandom and personal sports experiences 
• Looking ahead to the impact these changes could have for the Jaguars’ future

Touchdown Jaguars Linktree

James Johnson and Phil Smith bring you the best and most up to date Jacksonville Jaguars news. "Touchdown Jaguars!" is a tribute to the prospective ownership group "Touchdown Jacksonville!" In 1991, the NFL announced plans to add two expansion teams and "Touchdown Jacksonville!" announced its bid for a team, and Jacksonville was ultimately chosen as one of five finalists. In November 1993, the NFL owners voted 26–2 in favor of awarding the 30th franchise to Jacksonville. James and Phil have been fans of the franchise ever since and have had the honor (and sometimes dishonor) of covering the team professionally since 2017. The rest as they say, is history.

Send us a text

A new chapter unfolds for the Jacksonville Jaguars as Liam Coen steps in as head coach, aiming to instill a winning culture and prioritize Trevor Lawrence's development. The episode explores Jay's key takeaways from Coen's introductory presser as the new coach discussed his thoughts on improving the team's culture and offensive line, their building blocks, and more.

Join Jay as he also tackled the team's personnel structure, which was also a talking point of the presser. Stay informed about the potential influence of Tony Boselli in shaping the Jaguars' future, possibly bringing a Chris Spielman-like impact to the team when he joins the front office.

Lastly, to close the show, Jay listed the offensive coordinator and defensive coordinator candidates the Jags have interviewed and briefly shared his thoughts on the potential pursuit of Ian Cunningham. Engage with us on Twitter and through our website, Touchdown Jaguars, as we prepare for a new Jags era. Embrace this period of renewal and growth for the Jaguars alongside us.

Touchdown Jaguars Linktree

James Johnson and Phil Smith bring you the best and most up to date Jacksonville Jaguars news. "Touchdown Jaguars!" is a tribute to the prospective ownership group "Touchdown Jacksonville!" In 1991, the NFL announced plans to add two expansion teams and "Touchdown Jacksonville!" announced its bid for a team, and Jacksonville was ultimately chosen as one of five finalists. In November 1993, the NFL owners voted 26–2 in favor of awarding the 30th franchise to Jacksonville. James and Phil have been fans of the franchise ever since and have had the honor (and sometimes dishonor) of covering the team professionally since 2017. The rest as they say, is history.

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The Jacksonville Jaguars have finally moved on from General Manager Trent Baalke, marking a significant turning point for the franchise. With new hope for the future, discussions center around hiring a new General Manager and Head Coach to build a winning culture.

• Baalke's tenure ends after years of disappointment 
• The need for alignment between the GM and head coach 
• Trevor Lawrence as the franchise cornerstone 
• Importance of a proactive approach in the NFL Draft 
• Potential coaching candidates and their qualifications 
• Fan engagement and transparency as keys to success

Touchdown Jaguars Linktree

James Johnson and Phil Smith bring you the best and most up to date Jacksonville Jaguars news. "Touchdown Jaguars!" is a tribute to the prospective ownership group "Touchdown Jacksonville!" In 1991, the NFL announced plans to add two expansion teams and "Touchdown Jacksonville!" announced its bid for a team, and Jacksonville was ultimately chosen as one of five finalists. In November 1993, the NFL owners voted 26–2 in favor of awarding the 30th franchise to Jacksonville. James and Phil have been fans of the franchise ever since and have had the honor (and sometimes dishonor) of covering the team professionally since 2017. The rest as they say, is history.

Send us a text

Is it time for the Jaguars to shake things up at the top? On this episode of the Touchdown Jaguars podcast, we return from our break to dissect the highs and lows of a tumultuous season for the Jacksonville Jaguars. Phil Smith and James Johnson are here to break down the final game against the Indianapolis Colts, spotlighting standout rookie receiver Brian Thomas Jr. and the defense's struggle against Jonathan Taylor. The cornerback concerns with Tyson Campbell and Monteric Brown are on the table, as well as the strategic alterations needed for future divisional matchups.

Reflecting on a 4-13 season marred by narrow defeats, we ponder the alternate reality of a winning record and discuss why the team opted against a total reset. Leadership decisions come under scrutiny, with Shad Khan's choice to part ways with head coach Doug Pederson while retaining GM Trent Baalke stirring controversy and fan frustration.

The coaching carousel is spinning, and the Jaguars are in the thick of it. We examine the challenges of the current coaching search, from the impact of management controversies to the allure of seasoned coaches like Pete Carroll and Mike Vrabel. We speculate on high-profile names like Mike Tomlin and how they could reshape the franchise's future. Join us as we unpack these complex dynamics, evaluate leadership potentials, and consider what's next for the Jaguars and their devoted fan base.

Touchdown Jaguars Linktree

James Johnson and Phil Smith bring you the best and most up to date Jacksonville Jaguars news. "Touchdown Jaguars!" is a tribute to the prospective ownership group "Touchdown Jacksonville!" In 1991, the NFL announced plans to add two expansion teams and "Touchdown Jacksonville!" announced its bid for a team, and Jacksonville was ultimately chosen as one of five finalists. In November 1993, the NFL owners voted 26–2 in favor of awarding the 30th franchise to Jacksonville. James and Phil have been fans of the franchise ever since and have had the honor (and sometimes dishonor) of covering the team professionally since 2017. The rest as they say, is history.

Send us a text

What if a victory could cost you the future? That’s the paradox we’re unpacking as we hail the Jacksonville Jaguars' long-awaited win over the Tennessee Titans, ending a daunting five-game losing streak. Experience the bittersweet thrill of triumph, even in a low-scoring game, while grappling with its ripple effects on our draft positioning. We spotlight exceptional performances, and unravel the unexpected news of Bill Belichick migrating to college football, a twist that shifts the spotlight away from Jacksonville.

Our deep dive into Walker Little's career progression reveals a narrative of perseverance amid setbacks, highlighting the significance of his newly extended contract. We explore the dynamics of his development, underscoring the challenges of limited playtime and drawing comparisons with Cam Robinson to demonstrate how injuries have shaped his path. Celebrating Little's potential, we discuss the strategic advantage of securing his role as left tackle, thus freeing up future draft picks for other priorities.

Defensive prowess takes center stage as we analyze standout performances from newcomers like Maason Smith and seasoned talents such as Josh Hines-Allen. Even amidst the struggles from Mac Jones, the Jaguars' defense remains a force worth watching. With Brian Thomas Jr. nearing a standout rookie benchmark and comparisons to Fred Taylor's legendary debut season, we examine the bright future these rising stars promise. As we anticipate the future, the complexities of victory versus draft impact linger, reminding us of the fine line between immediate glory and long-term success. Tune in for a dose of optimism, strategic insight, and a touch of nostalgia as we journey through the Jaguars' evolving narrative.

Touchdown Jaguars Linktree

James Johnson and Phil Smith bring you the best and most up to date Jacksonville Jaguars news. "Touchdown Jaguars!" is a tribute to the prospective ownership group "Touchdown Jacksonville!" In 1991, the NFL announced plans to add two expansion teams and "Touchdown Jacksonville!" announced its bid for a team, and Jacksonville was ultimately chosen as one of five finalists. In November 1993, the NFL owners voted 26–2 in favor of awarding the 30th franchise to Jacksonville. James and Phil have been fans of the franchise ever since and have had the honor (and sometimes dishonor) of covering the team professionally since 2017. The rest as they say, is history.

Send us a text

What happens when the intense dynamics of the NFL collide with the demands of player safety? We tackle the complexities surrounding the Jacksonville Jaguars' recent hard-fought game against the Houston Texans, a match that ended in a tense 23-20 loss. Despite a slow start, the clash heated up dramatically, culminating in a controversial hit that has everyone talking. Is C.J. Stroud's performance this season truly falling short, or is there more beneath the surface? And what does this mean for the Jaguars as division rivals like the Colts begin to show signs of resurgence?

As the Jaguars lick their wounds, we shift focus to the Texans' playoff prospects in an AFC South filled with teams on the mend. Despite facing skepticism, the Texans might find a path to the playoffs through a division with rivals in various stages of rebuilding. But how will they fare against powerhouses like the Chiefs and Bills, or even a struggling Ravens team? We explore the ramifications of Azeez Al-Shaair's
suspension for his hit on Trevor Lawrence, examining the NFL's response and what it signals for the future of player safety and league rules.

From the sidelines to the locker room, we unpack the heated reactions and defense strategies from both teams in the aftermath of a contentious play. With insights from former players and coaches, we question the evolving nature of quarterback protection and the balance between safety and the sport's inherent aggression. How do figures like Chris Canty and Rex Ryan interpret these incidents, and what do their perspectives say about the current state of the game? Join us as we advocate for Trevor Lawrence's long-term health and discuss what the Jaguars can do to adapt to the changing landscape of the NFL.

Touchdown Jaguars Linktree

James Johnson and Phil Smith bring you the best and most up to date Jacksonville Jaguars news. "Touchdown Jaguars!" is a tribute to the prospective ownership group "Touchdown Jacksonville!" In 1991, the NFL announced plans to add two expansion teams and "Touchdown Jacksonville!" announced its bid for a team, and Jacksonville was ultimately chosen as one of five finalists. In November 1993, the NFL owners voted 26–2 in favor of awarding the 30th franchise to Jacksonville. James and Phil have been fans of the franchise ever since and have had the honor (and sometimes dishonor) of covering the team professionally since 2017. The rest as they say, is history.