The Jaguars have possessed the No. 1 overall selection in the 2025 NFL draft for a couple of weeks now.
Six games stand between Jacksonville and finishing the season atop the order, and it faces competition for the pick. But with the Jaguars sitting at 2-9 on the year, fans have already begun to look forward to the offseason, arguably rightfully so.
But if Jacksonville holds onto the slot through the end of the campaign, would they keep it?
ESPN NFL analyst Field Yates is not convinced so.
In an early assessment of the upcoming draft with fellow ESPN reporters, Yates explained that he views the Jaguars as the team that could “dictate” how the selection ceremony plays out.
Yates believes the Jaguars would consider trading out of the top of the order, given they will not be looking for a quarterback.
The Jaguars are barreling toward a top-five pick and entered Week 12 in position to pick No. 1 for the third time since 2021. With Trevor Lawrence a year away from the beginning of his five-year extension, Jacksonville will not be in the quarterback market, making it an obvious trade-down candidate, contingent on price and the desire of other teams to trade up. The Jaguars will be a fascinating team to watch.
Much could change for the Jaguars between now and April’s NFL draft. But one thing is for certain: Lawrence will remain Jacksonville’s quarterback after signing a $275 million deal with the club this past offseason.
Therefore, Jacksonville should expect calls from passer-needy teams for the No. 1 pick in the coming months, if the Jaguars keep their grip on it through Week 18.