The Jaguars hold the first-overall pick for the second-straight draft, and there’s little chance the pick is dealt elsewhere. According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport (on Twitter), the Jaguars’ phone has “not really been ringing” regarding pick No. 1. There really hasn’t been any trade interest in the selection, and the Jaguars are expected to keep the pick.
In a standard year, suitors would be lining up to trade for the top-overall pick in pursuit of the top quarterback prospect, and in this hypothetical, the Jaguars would surely listen after taking Trevor Lawrence with the top pick last season. However, as Rapoport notes, the lack of trade interest isn’t a reflection of the draft class…rather, it’s a reflection of the quarterback quality. While there could be three or four signal-callers selected in the first round of the draft, none of them would be considered for one of the top-overall selections.
Michigan defensive lineman Aidan Hutchinson and NC State tackle Ikem Ekwonu met with the Jaguars this week. Both players are candidates to go first overall, with Georgia defensive lineman Travon Walker joining them.
Jacksonville using its franchise tag on left tackle Cam Robinson seemingly decreases the likelihood of a tackle pick. The team has used four first-round choices on defensive linemen since 2015 (Dante Fowler, Taven Bryan, Josh Allen, K’Lavon Chaisson), but the AFC South squad’s free agency spending spree did not include any edge rusher additions.
Gotta protect Lawrence better if they want him to develop
I really don’t think that was the issue. everyone’s line cam improve but Jax line wasn’t necessarily awful. the guy definitely had a pocket.
lack of playmakers and terrible coaching top the list.
.. then again, pass rush wasn’t necessarily an issue either and I think they should take Hutchinson.
Best last place team ever. all thanks to Urban.
I think if the Jags draft a DE, they deserve to go 0-17. It’s football 101, build the OL, protect your franchise QB, then get the DE. There are plenty of Edge Rushers in round two they could develop. Neal will be your RT/LT for 7-10 years. I think they take the OL but I’m in the minority. I refuse to believe an organization will pass on a game changing OL. Trevor Lawrence should speak up and demand an OL!
it’s like i said you can’t go wrong protecting Trev, but the oline wasn’t as horrendous as some of the other teams out there who failed to create a pocket.
Aidan Hutchinson looks like a TJ Watt type impact off the edge
I’ll be surprised if it’s anyone other than Hutch.
They’re going to take a Tackle. Both Icky and Neal have played Guard. They can play Guard for a year. Cam hasn’t even signed his tender.
Ending their addiction to Florida based prospects will benefit the Jags in the long run. Winning is a better marketing tool than home grown talent.
Teams in general to stop their addiction to drafting UoF players in the first round (and the Jags are a big offender of this). It’s too early to say on Pitts and Toney, but when was the last good player to come from UoF? Feels like every year there is a Florida player who is surging up draft boards because of their athleticism and size, but they’re always labeled as “raw” and for the most part, they don’t live up to their draft billing.
Based on the comments I’ve been reading, I think we can come to the consensus that Jacksonville is making a sound decision either way, regardless of whether they take a tackle or a pass-rusher.
Which means they’ll take a safety
Hey, that would still be a better value than any of their free agent signings.
Isn’t this the team that spent close to $20M/yr. to sign Christian Kirk at WR? Meanwhile, the Patriots acquire DeVante Parker and his $6M salary, plus a 5th round pick from Miami this year for a 2023 3rd Round Pick going to Miami, where they will get a 3rd round comp pick for losing JC Jackson. Checkers vs. Chess.
Jags are playing Chutes & Ladders. Chess is too complicated for them & checkers doesn’t give them enough opportunity to slide all the way down to the beginning. Draft a DE and go 0-17, Trevor Lawrence might end up on the DL if he doesn’t get help.