With the No. 107 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Jacksonville Jaguars selected Notre Dame linebacker Jack Kiser.
Process
Kiser is the epitome of the ‘intangibly rich’ profile Jacksonville seeks. He’s the Irish’s all-time leader in games played and is commonly known as “Mr. Notre Dame” for his football character and locker room leadership.
The Jaguars were looking for linebacker depth in this draft due to its importance in defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile’s scheme; Kiser will develop behind Foye Oluokun, Devin Lloyd, Ventrell Miller, and Chad Muma while providing value on special teams.
The player fit makes a ton of sense. That said, Kiser’s profile as a backup backer can often be found later in the draft. The slight reach here would be excusable if the defensive line had already been addressed, but Jacksonville has yet to improve its pass rush in this year’s draft.
Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images
Background
Name: Jack Kiser
Class: Sixth-year senior
Age: 24 (turns 25 in September)
Hometown: Royal Center, IN
High school: Pioneer
Recruiting: 4-star
Consensus ranking: 141 (LB9)
Accolades: 2024 – Notre Dame Man of the Year
Instagram: @jbkiser4
X: @JBKiser4
Stats
Defense & Fumbles Table
Tackles Def Interceptions Fumbles Season Team Conf Class Pos G Solo Ast Comb TFL Sk Int Yds Avg IntTD PD FR Yds FRTD FF Awards
2019* Notre Dame Ind 4 0 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2020* Notre Dame ACC SO LB 10 16 4 20 3 0.0 1 2 2.0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2021* Notre Dame Ind JR LB 13 26 19 45 1 0.0 2 109 54.5 2 5 0 0 0 2
2022* Notre Dame Ind JR LB 13 28 30 58 6 2.5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1
2023* Notre Dame Ind SR LB 13 41 21 62 2 1.5 1 25 25.0 0 1 0 0 0 1
2024* Notre Dame Ind SR LB 16 55 35 90 5 2.0 0 0 0 1 2 0 0 2
Career 69 166 109 275 17 6.0 4 136 34.0 2 7 2 0 0 6
Stock
via NFL Mock Draft Database
Reports
From Lance Zierlein of NFL.com:
Sixth-year senior with good football intelligence and immediate four-phase special teams value. Kiser will be a 25-year-old rookie in September, with average physical attributes, but he’s productive and consistent. He understands his limitations and works around them with instincts and positioning, but a lack of speed and length will create smaller margins for error as a pro. He struggles to take on and get off blocks, so he’ll have to take a few more chances moving forward. Kiser’s ability to play on third down and special teams boosts his chances of becoming a backup inside linebacker.
From Dane Brugler of The Athletic:
Kiser is a well-rounded player with read-react quickness to drive, drop and find the football, although he will have issues shedding once NFL blockers get their hands on him. Though he might not be a top-tier athlete, he doesn’t look like a liability in space and finds his balance to consistently finish tackles.
From Derek Stanzione of Sports Info Solutions:
Kiser comes into the league with a high level of experience, plus instincts, and the ability to immediately impact a team as a core special teamer, but his inconsistencies as an every down run defender will likely keep him as a backup Will linebacker at the next level.
From Matt Holder of Bleacher Report:
Overall, Kiser has potential as a two-down linebacker in the NFL. He was also the Fighting Irish’s 2023 Special Teams Player of the Year, which will help him add value to an NFL roster. However, his age and lack of athleticism could limit his growth and hurt his draft stock.
From Kyle Crabbs of The 33rd Team:
Notre Dame Fighting Irish linebacker Jack Kiser is an undersized but instinctive prospect. He boasts good play processing ability and a wide field of vision as a space player. He needs high-level instincts to help him mask sufficient athleticism and his stature limitations, but Kiser boasts a powerful tool in his play.
Highlights
Quote
“My physical traits don’t really stand out compared to everybody—I check the box—but it’s those intangible traits that I think really set me apart. It’s my mental game, it’s how I take care of myself, it’s my preparation and that allows me to surpass people in different ways.”
Find more quotes from every Jaguars draft pick HERE.
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