Jacksonville Jaguars 2014 NFL Draft: Kiper Gives the Jaguars a QB in 2nd Round

Dec 13, 2013; Charleston, IL, USA; Eastern Illinois Panthers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) during the game against the Towson Tigers at O

It’s mid-April and we are still 3 weeks away from the 2014 NFL Draft, which means we still have plenty of time to read mock drafts. Today we take a look at our favorite talking head over at ESPN, Mel Kiper Jr., and his latest mock draft. It’s his 4th rendition this offseason (available for insiders) and he decided to go two full rounds.

The latest trend in mock drafts is to have the quarterbacks slip a bit, and boy did he take that to heart.

With the third overall pick, he has the Jacksonville Jaguars taking what he considers the best available player in wide receiver Sammy Watkins.

"The temptation to take a quarterback here may exist, but I look at the trajectory of this organization, both in performance and in personnel development, and I believe the Jaguars will look to take the best player available here, and in Watkins, they also add a dynamic talent at a position of need. Given the uncertain future of Justin Blackmon, the top two wide receivers on the roster are Cecil Shorts and Ace Sanders. Neither has the upside of Watkins, who will make the QB — whoever that ends up being — better.– Mel Kiper on Jaguars pick of Sammy Watkins"

In this situation, the Jaguars would be choosing between Watkins, Khalil Mack, and all of the quarterbacks. While I personally am still pushing for Teddy Bridgewater at number 3, I wouldn’t be upset about ending up with Watkins. He’s the consensus top receiver in a draft loaded with talent at that position.

With their second round pick at 39th overall, Kiper has the Jaguars selecting a quarterback – Jimmy Garoppolo out of Eastern Illinois.

"The Jags don’t reach for a QB at No. 3 and then get a potential starter at this point. Garoppolo isn’t an immediate starter for a team that wants to take the step the Jags do, but he can get there and be the answer.– Kiper on Garoppolo to the Jaguars"

First off, his comment about reaching for a QB at 3 is made ironic very quickly since I think the second round is way too early to take a project like Jimmy Garoppolo. He has a host of issues that may not be fixable, not including the transition he’ll need to make from his level of competition in college. Second, the order he has the quarterbacks going is sheer insanity in my opinion.

Kiper has Bridgewater falling to the second round, after Derek Carr is chosen in the first round. I can’t honestly believe NFL teams are that stupid. But what do I know.

-Daniel Lago

Yell at me on Twitter @dlago89