Following a somewhat unexpected 4-13 falloff, the Jacksonville Jaguars now select fifth in the 2025 NFL Draft that will take place in April in Green Bay, Wisc. — or do they? Newly hired head coach Liam Coen may have plans of his own regarding the Jaguars’ top-five pick.
Is Liam Coen Primed To Make a Splash Ahead of 1st Draft as Jaguars HC?
“Duuvaaaal” might not be ready for what the undeniably quirky Coen is thinking for Jacksonville at the No. 5 spot. When Coen joined the NFL Network broadcast at this year’s NFL Scouting Combine, he hinted at potentially making a move.
“I think we’ve got to be creative,” Coen said. “Obviously, if we have to pick at five, we’re gonna pick at five. If there are some options to be able to do some things, then we’ll explore those options.”
“Need to be creative with the 5th overall pick” says HC Liam Coen on the NFL Network live broadcast of the combine. Says the #Jaguars are picking at 5, but will “explore opportunities” if picking somewhere else presents itself.
— Mike (@pathtothejags) February 27, 2025
From this portion of Coen’s interview, it appears he and the Jags management may not want the No. 5 overall pick.
Who Could Hypothetically Be Available at the No. 5 Spot?
Using PFSN’s Free NFL Mock Draft Simulator, the Jaguars are projected to potentially have names like Travis Hunter, Mason Graham, and Will Campbell as the most prestigious options on the board.
The dual-threat Hunter will have an instant impact on any team that elects to take him, though, the reigning Heisman Trophy winner very well may not be available when Jacksonville takes their turn (anticipating no moves made).
Graham (the projected Jaguars pick by PFSN’s Sterling Xie) will be a disruptor to any offense who attempts to handle him. Xie detailed what makes the Michigan product so special in his most recent 2025 NFL mock draft.
“Graham has the skill set to be a perennial Pro Bowler and anchor of a defense,” Xie said. “A powerful interior defender with quickness off the snap and solid disruptive moves. While his power in the trenches is evident to anyone who watches Graham, the difference maker for him is his football IQ. New head coach Liam Coen seems to be content with their offensive weapons enough to push those needs to later in the draft.”
SEE MORE: NFL Draft Order
The 6’6″ offensive tackle Campbell appears to be another likely candidate if the Jags are to keep their draft position. Campbell’s presence would immediately bolster this Jaguars offense. After a disappointing season for Travis Etienne Jr., an improved offensive line could help the four-year pro’s confidence. The same goes for the youngster Tank Bigsby.
A trade may also benefit Jacksonville depending on the return. With other teams having needs at certain spots that see No. 5 as more valuable than the Jaguars, moving the pick may pan out as the best play.