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In the sixth round of the 2025 NFL draft, the Jacksonville Jaguars selected Auburn linebacker and defensive end Jalen McLeod.
Let's break down the pick, and if you missed our other recaps, you can find them below.
After spending three seasons at Appalachian State, McLeod played his final two seasons in the SEC at Auburn and even with leveling up in competition, as GM James Gladstone pointed out, McLeod's production didn't dip.
McLeod brings a versatile and unique skill set to the Jaguars' front seven. While most of his snaps came along the defensive front, he also has some experience playing the linebacker position as well.
Over the last two seasons, McLeod has recorded 69 total pressures and 13 sacks, according to PFF. Among all edge defenders in 2024, McLeod would rank 30th in pass rush win rate, showcasing his ability to win his matchups consistently. When in coverage, he held pass-catchers to just 6.6 yards per reception.
At 236 pounds, McLeod also brings a different pass-rush style to the defensive end position. If he can carve out a role on defense, it may come during obvious passing situations, where McLeod can go and get the quarterback, and Anthony Campanile is then able to move Travon Walker inside for an added pass-rushing presence.
We could also end up seeing a lot of McLeod on special teams as well.
NFL.com
Lance Zierlein: "Hungry, productive prospect who might need to prove he can fit into a role as an edge defender despite his lack of size and length. McLeod plays with the might of a player in a much bigger weight class. He’s technically sound at the point with fast hands and a quick discard of the block. He has aligned off-ball and diagnoses fairly quickly, but it will be hard to get around his athletic limitations in coverage, pursuit and as a tackler. It’s easy to discount McLeod based purely upon his traits, but he simply makes too many plays to ignore. He could make a team as a smaller 3-4 outside ‘backer."
James Gladstone: "His competitiveness, his play demeanor, his urgency is phenomenal, and you take him, another who was deployed across the defensive front at Auburn, stood up off the ball," Gladstone said via Jaguars on SI. "When he went to the Senior Bowl, all he did was stand up off the ball when one of the best elements of who he is being moved from one spot to the next and providing a spark, being able to gain an edge, a change of pace, rushing off the edge. That was one thing that he signed up to do at the Senior Bowl and wasn't batting an eye at the fact that, hey, I don't get to showcase what so many would call my super power, but I'm going to do this anyway because I love this sport, and I love getting out on the grass."
More from Gladstone: "Another thing here is when you think about it, right, one of the things I really value -- I know Liam [Coen] does the same -- but when a guy goes from a small school to a big school and you see production continue to pop, that is a meaningful element, and that's something you can think back to guys that I've been a part of drafting in the past."
This article originally appeared on Jaguars Wire: 2025 NFL draft: Breaking down Jaguars pick of Jalen McLeod
Continue reading...
Let's break down the pick, and if you missed our other recaps, you can find them below.
Jalen McLeod's profile
- Height: 6-015
- Weight: 241
- Age: 22
- College profile
Breaking down the Jacksonville Jaguars' pick
After spending three seasons at Appalachian State, McLeod played his final two seasons in the SEC at Auburn and even with leveling up in competition, as GM James Gladstone pointed out, McLeod's production didn't dip.
McLeod brings a versatile and unique skill set to the Jaguars' front seven. While most of his snaps came along the defensive front, he also has some experience playing the linebacker position as well.
Over the last two seasons, McLeod has recorded 69 total pressures and 13 sacks, according to PFF. Among all edge defenders in 2024, McLeod would rank 30th in pass rush win rate, showcasing his ability to win his matchups consistently. When in coverage, he held pass-catchers to just 6.6 yards per reception.
At 236 pounds, McLeod also brings a different pass-rush style to the defensive end position. If he can carve out a role on defense, it may come during obvious passing situations, where McLeod can go and get the quarterback, and Anthony Campanile is then able to move Travon Walker inside for an added pass-rushing presence.
We could also end up seeing a lot of McLeod on special teams as well.
Jalen McLeod's scouting report
NFL.com
Lance Zierlein: "Hungry, productive prospect who might need to prove he can fit into a role as an edge defender despite his lack of size and length. McLeod plays with the might of a player in a much bigger weight class. He’s technically sound at the point with fast hands and a quick discard of the block. He has aligned off-ball and diagnoses fairly quickly, but it will be hard to get around his athletic limitations in coverage, pursuit and as a tackler. It’s easy to discount McLeod based purely upon his traits, but he simply makes too many plays to ignore. He could make a team as a smaller 3-4 outside ‘backer."
They said it
James Gladstone: "His competitiveness, his play demeanor, his urgency is phenomenal, and you take him, another who was deployed across the defensive front at Auburn, stood up off the ball," Gladstone said via Jaguars on SI. "When he went to the Senior Bowl, all he did was stand up off the ball when one of the best elements of who he is being moved from one spot to the next and providing a spark, being able to gain an edge, a change of pace, rushing off the edge. That was one thing that he signed up to do at the Senior Bowl and wasn't batting an eye at the fact that, hey, I don't get to showcase what so many would call my super power, but I'm going to do this anyway because I love this sport, and I love getting out on the grass."
More from Gladstone: "Another thing here is when you think about it, right, one of the things I really value -- I know Liam [Coen] does the same -- but when a guy goes from a small school to a big school and you see production continue to pop, that is a meaningful element, and that's something you can think back to guys that I've been a part of drafting in the past."
Jalen McLeod's RAS card
Highlights
This article originally appeared on Jaguars Wire: 2025 NFL draft: Breaking down Jaguars pick of Jalen McLeod
Continue reading...
