2014 NFL Mock Draft – Jaguars Take Another Quarterback

Dec 7, 2013; Dallas, TX, USA; UCF Knights quarterback Blake Bortles (5) celebrates his touchdown with offensive linesman Chris Martin (70) against the Southern Methodist Mustangs during the second half of an NCAA football game at Gerald J. Ford Stadium. UCF Knights won 17-13. Mandatory Credit: Jim Cowsert-USA TODAY Sports

The Jacksonville Jaguars have almost assuredly played themselves out of the first overall pick by winning four of their last five games. Head Coach Gus Bradley has this team playing smart, sound football while the Jaguars continue to get no respect from Vegas (the Jaguars are underdogs to the Bills at home).

The Jaguars draft position has slowly risen over the last 5 weeks and Sayre Bedinger has them picking eighth overall in his latest mock draft over at NFL Mocks. Here’s what he has the Jaguars doing with their pick:

"8. Jacksonville Jaguars: Brett Hundley, QB, UCLAThe Jaguars invested in their offensive line with their first round pick in 2013, but it’s clear that they need a quarterback in a bad way. Brett Hundley isn’t the most refined prospect, but he’s got immense potential and could be a steal here at #8 overall. Jacksonville has been winning games of late, so their draft slot continues to move down the board, which could wind up hurting them in the long run."

While I agree that the Jaguars should take a quarterback, I don’t think it should be Brett Hundley. Sayre has Teddy Bridgewater, Derek Carr, and Johnny Manziel all gone when the Jaguars pick at eighth. If I’m David Caldwell, I’m thrilled and I run to the podium to pick quarterback Blake Bortles out of UCF.

Bortles has leapfrogged everyone in my quarterback rankings  and is now second, just behind Teddy Bridgewater. Bortles has a thick build, can move in the pocket, and is outstanding throwing to the intermediate part of the field. Bortles also fits great in Jedd Fisch’s hybrid offense that occasionally runs the read-option.

Unfortunately, I don’t think Bortles will be available eighth overall come draft time, so hopefully the Jaguars can find themselves a little closer to the top of draft in May.

– Daniel Lago

Yell at me on Twitter @dlago89