Four EDGE Defenders The Jaguars Could Target in The 2025 Draft

By Rhys Knott

Liam Coen might have bitten off more than he can chew when he accepted the head coaching job in Jacksonville.

The Jaguars roster currently has 55 players and $38.2 million in cap space. That might seem simple, but they have 10 unrestricted free agents (including C.J. Beathard and Mac Jones), and it will cost them $16 million to sign their draft class. 

There are numerous ways to circumnavigate cap issues, or at least kick that can down the road until next season, but 23 of the 55 are over 26.

Embed from Getty Imageswindow.gie=window.gie||function(c){(gie.q=gie.q||[]).push(c)};gie(function(){gie.widgets.load({id:'tkP6aYjyTPp_fvaqR2EgnQ',sig:'TdqPPBVdFMMvORuBmtbVZYdQGrqoyVBD-QTk0c6qCb8=',w:'594px',h:'396px',items:'2196271569',caption: true ,tld:'com',is360: false })});

There aren’t many candidates for a contract extension. And, based on the 2024 season, there are not many attractive trade targets either.  

But that’s only the first problem. Losing at the line of scrimmage was a major issue in 2024, too. Only four teams recorded fewer sacks than the Jaguars in 2024! Only Travon Walker recorded more than eight sacks. He was also one of the only two defensive linemen to play in every game!  

The defensive front needs help. The new GM, James Gladstone, should look for linebackers and EDGE defenders in the upcoming draft. 

The 2025 draft doesn’t have much depth in the linebacker pool, but there will be plenty of talented EDGE defenders to pick from. GM Gladstone is going to have to sign a lot of rookies either during or after the draft because they only have $38 million.

James Pearce Jr., Tennessee

Pearce Jr. is a phenomenal athlete who just happens to line up at the EDGE position.

The 21-year-old stands at 6 feet 5 inches tall and weighs 243 pounds, that’s nine pounds lighter than T.J. Watt. But Pearce Jr. clocked a 4.49 40-yard dash time compared to Watt’s 4.69! Pearce Jr. is a human missile, and he’s usually locked onto the QB. 

The North Carolina native is more than just a speed rusher, though. He once sacked Max Williams by blocking Texas A&M’s right tackle straight into him! Pearce Jr. also returned an interception 52 yards for a touchdown during his sophomore year.  

Some draft experts have expressed concerns over Pearce Jr.’s “character issues” (he was arrested for disobeying police orders when he was stopped for doing 63 mph in a 35 mph zone). However, Jalen Carter was drafted ninth overall despite being involved in a lawsuit surrounding a fatal road accident. 

J.T. Tuimoloau, Ohio State

Imagine if Jahlani Tavai was young and could run fast, that’s who Tuimoloau looks like. The Buckeye is 6-foot-5 and 269 pounds, but he plays like a linebacker! Tuimoloau is an absolute baller. He defended 10 passes in his four years in Colombus, forced three fumbles and returned one of his two interceptions for a touchdown.

The 2020 Polynesian High School Football Player of the Year racked up 39.5 tackles for a loss and 19.5 sacks in his four years at college too. He’s the full package and he won’t turn 22 until May.  

Tuimoloau was recruited by Oregon, not just by their football team, but also by their basketball team! Not many defensive players double as talented basketball players, but former NFL linebacker Connor Barwin played both at Cincinnati. Barwin is now the Eagles Head of Football Development and Strategy, so don’t be surprised if Tuimoloau is a ready-made Brandon Graham replacement. 

Some experts have questioned his athleticism, and while he isn’t the smoothest of movers, he’s smart enough to get to the ball. He won’t chase down many wide receivers, but if you’re lining your EDGE defenders up against receivers you’ve got bigger problems.

Tuimoloau is projected to be a second-round pick, but he has enough talent to be a first-rounder.

Jared Ivey, Ole Miss

Ivey is an absolute monster, in the best possible way. He is 6 feet 6 inches tall, weighs 285 pounds and moves a lot faster than anyone that size should. The 23-year-old could turn a few heads at the combine. 

Ivey projects as a third-round pick because he isn’t as athletic as the likes of Pearce Jr. (then who is?). He tends to stand straight up out of his stance when the ball is snapped. Some analysts have shared concerns over his conditioning, but NFL teams have S&C coaches for a reason.  

The 2023 Peach Bowl Defensive MVP made 35 tackles for a loss and 17.5 sacks during his five-year college career. In his final two years in Mississippi, the Georgia native defended four passes, forced two fumbles and recovered three, taking one of them to the house.

Ivey has the size to line up at defensive tackle, too. If he impresses at the combine, he could be a first-day pick. 

Elijah Roberts, SMU

Roberts projects as a fifth or sixth-round pick, but he could easily go on the second day. The 23-year-old Floridian spent three seasons at the University of Miami before transferring to SMU in 2022. 

SMU lists the 6-foot-4 Roberts at 295 pounds! If he is that heavy, Roberts is a tremendous athlete; he has very quick feet that allow him to squeeze through tight gaps in the offensive line. His ability to change direction quickly makes it difficult for tackles to set their feet and block him properly. 

A former 4-star recruit coming out of high school, Roberts started 27 games during his two years at SMU. He recorded 17.5 sacks and 24 tackles for a loss, defended four passes and forced four fumbles as a Mustang. 

RHYS KNOTT

NFL/FANTASY FOOTBALL ANALYST

Rhys has been watching the NFL for 30 something years and still hasn’t managed to pick a team to support. When he’s not fixatED on pass rushers you can find him blithering on about most sports on Twitter @wrhys_writes

5/5