The following is an excerpt from Warren Sharp's 2025 Football Preview book. In addition to Warren's deep, detailed write-up on all 32 NFL teams, each chapter features page after page of full-color charts, stats, and heatmaps as well as draft class analysis from Ryan McCrystal. Click here for a full FREE chapter from the 2025 Football Preview.
With 2025 NFL training camps on the horizon, we’re starting to understand how 2025 NFL draft classes will impact each roster this season.
Let's look at the Jacksonville Jaguars, breaking down the most likely instant-impact rookies from each class, while also providing some insight into why certain early picks may not see the field.
Who are the Jacksonville Jaguars rookies?
- Travis Hunter (CB/WR, Colorado)
- Caleb Ransaw (CB, Tulane)
- Wyatt Milum (OG, West Virginia)
- Bhayshul Tuten (RB, Virginia Tech)
- Jack Kiser (LB, Notre Dame)
- Jalen McLeod (LB, Auburn)
- Rayuan Lane III (S, Navy)
- Jonah Monheim (C, USC)
- LeQuin Allen (RB, Syracuse)
Jacksonville Jaguars Draft Class Grade:
The Jacksonville Jaguars received a C- draft grade from Sharp Football.
Which Jaguars Rookies Will Make An Impact?
The Jaguars are betting on Travis Hunter (first round) maintaining his ability to play on both sides of the ball.
On the offensive side, Hunter will likely start opposite Brian Thomas Jr. on the outside, though he’ll get some competition from Dyami Brown in training camp.
Jacksonville may also ask Hunter to play from the slot, which will be a new role for him 一 he ran just 5.4% of his routes from the slot last season at Colorado.
As a receiver, Hunter was primarily used on underneath routes in college, as 53% of his targets came within seven yards of the line of scrimmage in 2024. He had just eight targets on go, post, and corner routes.
That’s probably not the ideal role for Hunter, however, as he is not a dynamic weapon after the catch, and Jacksonville may use him to stretch the field more often.
Based on route adjusted data, Hunter gained 17% fewer yards after catch than expected during his career at Colorado.
When targeted on explosive routes (routes which produce an average of 20 yards per reception), Hunter’s route adjusted catch rate was 14% above expected during his career with the Buffs. Those numbers come from just 25 targets over two years, so it’s a small sample size, but an indication he might thrive in an expanded role.
As a cornerback, Hunter is a special prospect and could start immediately if the Jaguars choose to use him in that role.
Based on route adjusted data, Hunter generated a ball-hawk rate 226% above expected last year.
Out of 774 qualified Power Conference defensive backs over the last four years, Hunter is the only player to eclipse the 200% threshold, and only 16 others have even reached the 100% mark.
Hunter will be joined in the secondary by Caleb Ransaw (third round), though it’s unclear where Ransaw will play.
Ransaw was Tulane’s nickel corner last year, but the Jaguars just signed Jourdan Lewis to a three-year contract to handle that role.
As a result, the team has said the 196-pound Ransaw will be converting to safety, a position he never played in college.
Although Ransaw has no experience in the deep secondary, his 4.33 40-yard dash time is an indication he has the range for the role. And his impressive 8.3% missed tackle shows he is capable of defending the run.
Darnell Savage is under contract for two more years, but he was a weak link in the Jaguars’ secondary last year. If Ransaw progresses quickly, he’ll be given a shot to take over that role.
Wyatt Milum (third round) played left tackle at West Virginia, but, due to below-average length and mediocre athletic traits, he’s probably a better fit at guard in Jacksonville.
In the short term, Milum will provide depth on the interior offensive line, but Ezra Cleveland is a free agent after the year, and that spot could be Milum’s in 2026.
Bhayshul Tuten (fourth round) has a special blend of strength and speed and will likely push Travis Etienne and Tank Bigsby for playing time immediately.
Tuten has similar home-run ability to Etienne, but is a significantly more physical runner and might push Etienne for the starting job as a result.
After accounting for the direction of the run and defenders in the box, Tuten gained 30% more yards after contact than expected, ranked 13th among Power Four running backs.
Tuten will be joined in the backfield by LeQuint Allen (seventh round), who is a weapon in the passing game and will have a chance to earn a roster spot if Jacksonville carries four running backs.
Jack Kiser (fourth round) will try to earn roster spots on a crowded depth chart at linebacker.
Despite underwhelming athletic traits, Kiser gets the job done. He had a strong 7% missed tackle rate last year and will likely contribute on special teams.
Jalen McLeod (sixth round) was primarily an off-ball linebacker at Auburn but also blitzed on 61% of his snaps against the pass.
The depth chart is crowded at both linebacker and edge, but McLeod’s versatility increases his chances of finding a role.
Rayuan Lane III (sixth round) played all over the Navy secondary but is likely to make his mark on special teams in Jacksonville.
Lane’s special teams experience and his impressive 7% missed tackle rate should allow him to make an immediate impact in that role.
Jonah Monheim (seventh round) was viewed as a center-only prospect due to his 30-inch arms and average overall size. He’ll battle Luke Fortner for the backup center job, though Fortner’s ability to play multiple positions might give him an edge.
Jacksonville added a lot of depth to the roster with this draft class, but it looks like a class of mostly long-term backups 一 and the Jaguars needed more of a roster overhaul.
Given the steep price the team paid for Hunter, there’s a lot of pressure on the first-round pick to fully live up to expectations as a two-way player; otherwise, this draft could prove to be another setback for the organization.
This analysis continues in the 2025 Football Preview
Order Warren Sharp's 2025 Football Preview to get draft class analysis for all 32 NFL teams.
Warren Sharp’s 550+ page full-color PDF, the 2025 Football Preview, is unlike anything you have previously read. Stunning visualizations, including new heat maps, are built with the reader in mind. Innovative, next-level thought process abounds in every team chapter and article.
Save $5 with Early Bird Pricing
Get Warren's Book for $29.99 $34.99
Warren Sharp's book shares insights into the players, coaches, teams, and philosophies with one goal: to prepare you for the 2025 NFL season with the smartest information delivered in the fastest, most direct way possible for optimal reviewing and retention.
- Team Chapters previews are in-depth, data driven & full of actionable info
- Fantasy Football player profiles, predictions, and ranks
- Vegas Odds forecast team wins, division rankings, lines for all 2025 games
- Coaching strategic advice for teams, play calling analysis & team tendencies
- Front Office Analysis positional spending, roster construction & cap analysis
- Reasons to bet over/under win totals & analysis of futures betting market
- Rookie draft class deep dive into impact for every team
- Rankings for every positional unit on every team with analysis