The Jacksonville Jaguars have a budding star in Brian Thomas Jr. but knew that he alone couldn't carry their wide receiver corps. That's why it wasn't particularly shocking to see them trade up to select Travis Hunter, the best prospect regardless of the position in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Hunter will play two ways for Jacksonville, like he did at Colorado. However, he may not do it on a full-time basis and might need to wait until 2026 to make an impact. The good news is that the Jags have other players in the mix ready to step up. These three, in particular, are in a position to make noise and have a chance to achieve superstar status.
Maason Smith, Jaguars defensive tackle
The Jaguars raised eyebrows in 2024 when they used a second-round selection on defensive tackle Masson Smith. Not because he wasn't talented at LSU, but rather because he had missed time due to injuries. The fact that he was a healthy scratch for several games early in his rookie season didn't quell concerns. But then, something happened, and the Louisiana native showcased just how much of a game-wrecker he was, logging 11 total pressures and two sacks in his last six games.
Following his strong finish to 2024, Smith is expected to put his talent on full display next season. He should have no trouble pulling it off. Aside from having one year of experience under his belt, he'll benefit from playing next to Arik Armstead, who's back at defensive tackle after mostly lining up on the edge last season.
Bhayshul Tuten, Jaguars running back
One of the biggest questions surrounding the Jaguars ahead of training camp is how their running back depth chart will look in 2025. With Bhayshul Tuten, Travis Etienne, and Tank Bigsby in the fold, the position could turn out to be a strength.
Whereas Etienne and Bigsby are proven commodities, Tuten comes with intriguing upside, posting the best 40-yard dash at the scouting combine among running backs and also setting position bests for the vertical jump and the 10-yard split. It's hard to tell, at least from an outside perspective, where the former Virginia Tech stands in the pecking order ahead of training camp. However, nobody will blink if he works his way up the depth chart and starts at one point in 2025.
Granted, Tuten has the longest shot among the players on this list to become a star because of how stacked the Jags are at running back, but he can certainly pull it off. That's how much of a playmaker he is.
Tavon Walker, Jaguars defensive end
Three years after the 2022 draft, the Jaguars are still being questioned for taking Travon Walker over Aidan Hutchinson. While the decision looks a bit better in light of his progress the past two seasons, doubts about how much of a game-changer the former Georgia Bulldog can be still linger. The good news is that he's in a position to once and for all silence his critics.
Walker is coming off consecutive 10-sack seasons and should have no trouble logging a third. He was one of the Jags' few bright spots on defense that struggled last year. With an upgraded interior defensive line, he should have more favorable matchups on the edge.
It's also worth noting that Walker and bookend pass rusher Josh Hines-Allen were asked to bulk up last year, which hindered their conditioning and overall performance. They're back at their natural weight, which will help them be even more productive than they were in 2024.
Just recently, Walker got an honorable mention as one of the best pass rushers in the NFL. Don't be surprised if he joins the conversation about the top 10 by the end of the year.
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