Jaguars predicted to land star talent not named Travis Hunter in 2025 NFL Draft

The Jacksonville Jaguars (2-9) enter their bye week in sole possession of first place in the reverse NFL standings. It’s a bad look for a franchise that has already picked No. 1 overall in two of the past four NFL drafts.

Jacksonville’s current situation has most draft pundits linking the team to two-way Colorado star Travis Hunter. A rare talent who can play both defensive back and wide receiver could be an instant difference-marker for a Jaguars roster desperate for playmakers.

Alex Ballentine of Bleacher Report offered a refreshing take this week, looking ahead to Round 2 for a potential star prospect not named Hunter.

In his Week 12 AFC scouting reports, Ballentine predicted the Jaguars will target defensive tackle Walter Nolen of Ole Miss to kick-off Day 2 of the draft. Here was his take on the potential move:

“A lot of attention in this space has focused on who the Jaguars will take with their first pick. It makes sense. It should be an opportunity to add a potentially elite talent to a roster that needs some hope. However, they will also have a pick toward the second round where they could add another impact player. Walter Nolen could be a consideration in that spot. The 6'4", 290-pounder could be an eventual replacement for Arik Armstead. B/R's Matt Holder compared him to Ed Oliver in his scouting report while praising him for his heavy hands and physicality at the point of attack.”

Jacksonville needs to get better at multiple positions, and interior defensive line topped Bleacher Report’s list entering Week 12.

The Jaguars’ pass rushing grade ranks 22nd among NFL teams, per PFF, and they’ve already dumped a ton of draft capital and cash on EDGE rushers Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker. That points to the defensive line being a priority, and the Jaguars have seen some of the best in the business in recent weeks in Philadelphia’s Jalen Carter and Detroit’s Alim McNeil. 

Depending on how things shake out at or near the top of the draft, the Jaguars could be targeting a number of positions, notably offensive tackle, cornerback and tight end. With both Gabe Davis and Christian Kirk rehabbing season-ending injuries, wide receiver should be on their wish list as well.

They’ll be looking for immediate, impact players with what should be a pair of top 35 picks, and a game-wrecking anchor for the defensive line would make a ton of sense in Round 2.

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