During the end-of-season press conference, general manager James Gladstone shared his initial thoughts on the Jacksonville Jaguars’ 2025 rookie draft class.

Throughout the course of the season, 11 different rookies played either an offensive or defensive snap for the Jaguars, something that Gladstone views as a success.

Advertisement

During the summer, Liam Coen said that Jacksonville wouldn’t shy away from playing rookies in order to get them experience.

“As we think back to sort of our priorities heading into the draft and really where we wanted to place our points of emphasis, it’s certainly a clear sign when you wrap up a season and have double-digit rookies take either an offense or defensive snap throughout the course of a season that you can feel good about the experience heading into Year 2,” Gladstone said on Wednesday.

Unfortunately, however, injuries were also a factor this season for the Jaguars’ rookie class.

Travis Hunter missed the second half of the season with a knee injury. Caleb Ransaw and Jalen McLeod were both sidelined for the entire season, while Wyatt Milum was injured during training camp and through the first portion of the year.

Advertisement

“Obviously injuries are something that take place over the course of a natural season, right?” Gladstone said. “And for it to happen to a few of our rookies over the course of this first year is on a level disappointing. Would have loved to see more.

“Obviously, for Travis having gotten to a place mid-season where you felt like he was starting to peak and really make a real dent and the plan was to continue to enhance that. Tought not to be able to see that come to line down the backstretch.”

Gladstone also mentions some key contributions that the Jaguars were able to get from Day 3 selections. Jack Kiser and Rayuan Lane were core special teams contributors.

Bhayshul Tuten and LeQuint Allen shouldered the backup running back role behind Travis Etienne and helped out on the return and coverage units. Jonah Monheim stepped in at center on a few occasions when needed.

Advertisement

The Jaguars’ ability to get steady contributions from Day 3 picks and UDFAs is a good sign for the future, Gladstone said, and the strong processes that Jacksonville has in place.

“At this point, there’s plenty of room for optimism,” Gladstone said of the draft class.

This article originally appeared on Jaguars Wire: James Gladstone evaluates play of Jaguars’ 2025 rookie draft class