3 Draft Prospects Jaguars Fans Should Watch for CFB Week 1

Next April will mark nine years since an NFL team selected a safety in the first round of the draft. That streak should come to an end next spring with Ohio State safety Caleb Downs, one of the best players in college football for the last two years. Downs is an all-around phenomenal talent who makes an entire defense better with his presence.

Downs gives you value in every area of the field he plays, whether it's in the box, as a nickel defender, single-high, cornerback, or dime linebacker. His versatility, excellent run defense, and outstanding coverage ability make him one of the most feared players in college football, and a player the Jaguars could be lucky to have a year from now.

DT Peter Woods, Clemson (vs. No. 9 LSU)

The "generational" gets thrown around too much, and I'm guilty of doing so. However, there is no player in this draft with more potential to become a generational defensive tackle in this class than Clemson's Peter Woods, a 6-foot-5, 311-pound monster who can destroy opposing blockers and create havoc in the backfield on almost every play.

Woods we be back to playing his natural defensive tackle spot after playing some on the edge last season. He's a player with room to grow, but one who is already a starter-level talent if the NFL Draft were tomorrow. The Jaguars need a game-changer in the middle of their defense, and Woods would be the player to give them that.

OT Caleb Lomu, Utah (at UCLA)

With Walker Little and Anton Harrison walking a fine line this season, offensive tackle will be a big need for the Jaguars next offseason if the two edge blockers cannot maintain consistency in 2025. This leads to them looking at a deep offensive tackle class that can provide value at both left and right tackle, a huge win for teams with needs at either spot.

Lomu should be discussed among the top offensive tackle prospects in the draft this season. He's a quick, athletic, and disciplined blocker who can maintain composure and quality play in pass protection. Some may see another Harrison, but Lomu provides value as a run blocker as well.

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