One ESPN analyst would like to see the Jaguars take a “big Day 2 swing” on the wide receiver position in this year’s NFL draft.
With the Jacksonville Jaguars needing to address the wide receiver position in some capacity during the NFL draft, ESPN analyst Ben Solak would like to see the team “take a big Day 2 swing” at the position.
Solak detailed how all 32 NFL teams can “crush” their picks in the 2025 NFL draft. Part of that equation for the Jaguars is aggressively adding to the receiver position on Day 2, which Solak believes could even include trading up.
“With an extra third-round pick, I’d love to see the Jaguars take a big Day 2 swing on a receiver — maybe even with a trade-up,” wrote Solak. “Dyami Brown is on a one-year deal, and behind him, neither Parker Washington nor Gabe Davis stirs the drink for me.
“ith Brian Thomas Jr. in hand, finding a dynamic running mate to take advantage of his gravity will likely be a priority for the new coaching staff and front office — just ask Liam Coen what calling plays for Chris Godwin and Mike Evans in Tampa Bay was like, or how easy it was for GM James Gladstone to build around Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua in Los Angeles.”
As Solak highlights, the need at receiver is both short and long-term. In 2025, depth is needed after the Jaguars moved on from Christian Kirk, Tim Jones, Devin Duvernay, and Josh Reynolds.
In addition to that, while Liam Coen wants to spread the ball around on offense, having a true No. 2 option opposite of Thomas is important when it comes to taking some of the playmaking burden off his shoulders. While there are candidates to fill that role on the roster already, there are also unknowns, and when a team has question marks, they should give themselves as many options as possible.
Then, looking ahead to 2026, Brown is a free agent, Washington will be in the final year of his deal at that time, and Davis could be a cut candidate.
One of the benefits of having 10 draft picks, like the Jaguars do, is that it gives them the flexibility to move around the draft board as needed.
At pick No. 5, value-wise, taking a receiver at that point–not named Travis Hunter–isn’t the prudent move. But at pick 36 or sooner, if they want to move up, there should be more viable options when it comes to adding to this room.
When it comes to adding to the receiver position, the early to middle portion of Day 2 seems to be the sweet spot.
Some potential Day 2 options, with help from PFF’s big board, could include Emeka Egbuka, Luther Burden, Jayden Higgins, and Elic Ayomanor.
