Are the Jaguars in the running for the first overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft?

Since 2008, the Jacksonville Jaguars have had the unfortunate pleasure of choosing a player in the top 10 of every single draft. Despite this current long stretch of below average play, the Jaguars have managed to avoid the dubious honor of the first overall selection. They tried their darndest (the Jaguars tied the Chiefs for the worst record in 2012, but they selected second overall in 2013), but the Jaguars have never technically been the “worst” team in the NFL.

Given their recent track record, it makes sense that people would include the Jaguars in the conversation for the top pick in next year’s draft. Until the team proves it on the field, the perception isn’t going to change that the Jaguars are a bottom-of-the-pack NFL team.

Jon Dove over at With the First Pick is profiling the candidates for the first overall pick in the 2016 draft and he has a very positive outlook for the Jaguars:

"While quarterback play is extremely important to a team’s overall performance, the Jaguars have talent at other spots on the roster to stay out of the running for the top pick. This is a team that should see improved play from its offensive line and defense.They added some real talent via free agency with Julius Thomas, Jared Odrick, Davon House, Jermey Parnell all expected to make a major impact. Jacksonville also had another solid draft with AJ Cann, James Sample and TJ Yeldon having a chance to earn starting roles.The Jaguars may not make the playoffs this year but they’re on the right track."

Dove isn’t super high on Blake Bortles, but he thinks the overall influx of talent will propel the Jaguars to a respectable enough record to avoid the top pick. On paper, the Jaguars do appear to have too many solid players to lose the necessary amount of games for the top draft selection, but the progress of Bortles is still going to determine the floor and ceiling of the 2015 season. Thankfully, that floor probably isn’t anywhere near the first overall pick in the 2016 draft.

Next: Junior Galette an option?

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