With the Jacksonville Jaguars offseason quickly approaching, let’s take a look back at the performance of general manager James Gladstone’s first rookie draft class.
After an initial assessment The rookies have worked hard on offense, now it’s time to play defense.
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Throughout the 2025 season, the Jaguars have received quite a few contributions from rookies, whether those players were draft picks or undrafted players.
“When we think back to our priorities in the draft and where we really want to focus our efforts, when you end a season and you have double-digit rookies on offense or defense throughout the season, it’s definitely a clear sign that you can feel good about your experience going into year two,” Gladstone said Wednesday.
CB Travis Hunter
Unfortunately, Hunter’s season ended prematurely due to a knee injury. On offense, before the injury, Hunter’s role seemed poised to expand and take off. A defensive end at the time, Hunter only played in 14 games against the Los Angeles Rams and his role was somewhat uncertain.
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This season, Hunter has completed 14 of 15 tackle attempts. In coverage, he had nine catches on 15 targets for 10.7 yards per catch. Hunter had two passes broken up and was penalized twice.
From the sounds of it, Hunter will get more time at cornerback starting at least in 2026.
S Caleb Ranso
The Jaguars placed Lanso on season-ending injured reserve before the season started with a foot injury.
LB Jack Kizer
Kizer only played 43 defensive snaps, but he was a core contributor on special teams. He played 191 games on special teams, contributing in four of six different phases. Kizer finished the game with four tackles for the Jaguars and ranked 10th on most special teams.
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In Week 16, Kizer was placed on injured reserve with a hamstring injury.
LB Jalen McLeod
McLeod spent the entire 2025 season on injured reserve due to a lower-body injury sustained in training camp. McLeod did return to practice for three weeks at the end of the season, but he was never activated to the 53-man roster.
Nan Layuan Lane
Ryan is another key player on special teams. He led the Jaguars in special teams tackles and tackles with 12. Ryan contributed in five different phases and really stood out on the punt coverage team.
On defense, Ryan played 117 snaps all season, serving as the team’s third safety as the Jaguars struggled with injuries, according to PFF.
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Danny Strigo
An undrafted rookie who made the 53-man roster thanks to his performance on special teams. There, Striego played 92 games throughout the season. However, as the year progressed, he took on a more prominent role on defense, rounding out the defensive end rotation on the back end. Striego recorded seven pressures and a sack.
Beijing Green, Germany
Green’s story is similar. He started out as a special teams player and took 198 snaps on the year, but as the season went on, Green got more opportunities on defense. Green recorded seven pressures and two sacks.
This article originally appeared on Jaguars Wire: Jacksonville Jaguars 2025 Rookie Draft Class Defensive Review
