The Jacksonville Jaguars spent the offseason making upgrades to virtually all position groups. There's no doubt that the roster is in much better shape ahead of training camp, but the surplus of talent and depth could end up affecting several players, including a handful of rookies.
Granted, Travis Hunter, the second overall selection, is expected to contribute right off the bat even if he doesn't play two ways full-time. Offensive guard Waytt Milum, defensive back Caleb Ransaw, and running back Bhayshul Tuten could also start at some point in 2025. Heck, even fourth-round pick Jack Kiser may get a few snaps. On the other hand, these four rookies may have to wait until next year to contribute.
Jaguars center Jonah Monheim (Round 7)
Mitch Morse hung up the cleats just before free agency, but the team's brass filled the void left by his retirement when they signed Robert Hainsey. A third-round pick by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Hainsey will be the Day 1 starter. Luke Fortner will most likely be the primary backup at the position. That would, in turn, leave Jonah Monheim as No. 3 on the depth chart.
Dubbed a sleeper to watch ahead of the draft, Monheim will give Jacksonville ample flexibility. Back at USC, he lined up at both tackle spots and right guard. However, his best fit is probably at center. Unfortunately, the Moonpark, California native may not see the field unless Fortner gets the boot before the start of the season or next year, when he hits the open market.
Jaguars linebacker Jalen McLeod (Round 6)
Jalen McLeod played different linebacker spots at Auburn and was often used as a pass rusher. He's currently listed as a linebacker but could also play a few snaps at defensive end for the Jags. The issue is that Jacksonville is stacked at both positions, so the former Auburn Tiger will probably have a hard time moving up the depth chart.
Of course, McLeod could carve a niche as a pass-rush specialist or a special-teams contributor. Either way, he will need to make a strong impression in training camp. Otherwise, the practice squad will be his most likely destination.
Jaguars safety Rayuan Lane III (Round 6)
Like Jalen McLeond, Rayuan Lane III joins a position group that's loaded. Eric Murray is slated to start at one safety spot. Darnell Savage, Antonio Johnson, Andrew Wingard, and fellow rookie Caleb Ransaw will compete for the other. Daniel Thomas is also in the mix and could make the roster because of his play on special teams.
Lane probably won't get any playing time on defense in 2025. His best bet to crack the team will be on special teams, an area where he excelled at the Navy's football program.
Jaguars running back LeQuint Allen (round 7)
According to Hays Carlyon of 1010XL, you wouldn't be able to tell that LeQuint Allen is a Day 3 pick during minicamp because of how good he's looked. Having said that, he's currently behind Travis Etienne, Bhayshul Tuten, and Tank Bigsby on the depth chart.
Working in Allen's favor is that he's a pretty good pass protector and a heck of a receiver out of the backfield. On the other hand, he may not see the field at all if Etienne stays on the roster next season.
That means that Allen's odds of getting snaps next season will increase if the Jaguars trade Etienne. If not, he'll need to wait until 2026 to show what he can do.
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