However, assuming the Jaguars don’t trade back (which is a possibility), there are really only a few prospects that would be worth drafting at #7.

Whether you believe Luke Kuechly to be the man or Quinton Coples really will be worth it, these are who I believe Gene Smith would spent pick #7 on.

1. Melvin Ingram, DE - Ingram is the best pass rusher in the draft.  He doesn’t have prototypical size like Quinton Coples, but he uses his body well and can be very innovative in how he gets to the passer.  He can be used as a 3-4 rush linebacker and claims he can play as a 4-3 end as well.  Based on what I’ve seen, I’m inclined to believe him.  Ingram also has a high motor which is something Gene Smith loves and will probably be a major factor in selecting whomever the Jags choose at pick #7.
2. Stephon Gilmore, CB – A lot of analysts would think this pick is a reach at #7.  It is, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t the right move.  The Jaguars secondary could really use some depth and Gilmore could be the future for the Jaguars at cornerback.  If he is the highest player on GM Gene’s board, he will be taken.  Smith has no qualms about grabbing the man he wants when he can have him.  Don’t be shocked if Gilmore gets nabbed as early as top ten here.
3. Michael Floyd, WR - Floyd has some great skills.  He’s big, he’s fast, and he controls his body super well.  To top it off, he plays a major position of need for the Jaguars.  While he has rocketed up many draft boards lately, I’m not certain if he really does have top 10 talent despite his top talent at his position.  While GM Gene will take a hard look at Floyd, I don’t think he’ll be the highest rated player on Smith’s board, especially if Ingram and Gilmore are still around.
4. Justin Blackmon, WR - Blackmon is the belle of the ball for offensive players in this draft.  Luck and RGIII are already wrapped up so it’s really a competition between Richardson and Blackmon as to who will make the most offensive impact for the team that drafts them.  I think Blackmon is that man.  He has said all the right things, his play in college speaks for himself, and he knows how to make a quarterback look good.  The only problem with this pick? He won’t be available at number seven unless the Rams suddenly decide they’re happy with their receiving corps or the Dolphins jump up to get Tannehill.
5. Quinton Coples, DE - I’m throwing Coples on as a “last resort” type at number seven.  While  a lot of information can be garnered in the build up to the draft, it isn’t shocking to see teams stick with earlier draft boards that ignore hype or massive criticism.  I’m calling it now: Coples will be a very good defensive end in the NFL.  So why won’t the Jags take him?  He has shown he doesn’t always try on every play.  He’s also shown that his attitude isn’t the best.  And Gene Smith does not want a locker room cancer.  However, if the Jags don’t take him and he turns out to be the Julius Peppers that the Jags have always wanted, the entire football world will question whomever the Jags took instead.

 Of course, knowing Gene Smith, he’ll trade all of his picks for a player everyone thought was going in the fifth round and grab him at #21 in the first and be happy with a high motor, decent player.

Ok, a little sarcastic, but we all know that Gene Smith will do whatever he wants, criticism be damned.

Who do you think is the most possible player for the Jags to pick at #7?

In Gene We Trust,

- Luke N. Sims

1st Round (No. 7 Overall): Melvin Ingram, OLB/DE, South Carolina: I like Melvin Ingram, it’s just how he would fit into the Jag’s scheme that makes me nervous. I mean what is he? Is he a 4-3 end or a 3-4 OLB? Whatever the case may be, he is the BEST pass rusher in this draft class, and if there’s something this team needs it’s more pass rush. You can’t pass on this player at number 7. Imagine how nasty our defensive line would be…Mincey, Knighton, Alualu, Ingram…now imagine a healthy Kampman thrown into that rotation. Ingram could really take the defense to the next level.

Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-US PRESSWIRE

2nd Round (38th Overall): Harrison Smith, SS, Notre Dame: Getting the 2nd ranked safety in the draft at the 38th pick? I call that VALUE. There are some concerns over Smith’s athleticism, but just watch his tape. He’s an instinctual safety who is always around to make plays. He just always seems to be close to the ball carrier no matter what. He brings us stability at the safety position. Who played back there for us last year? Yeah, we had some good stop-gap veterans, but I’d feel very good with Smith in the secondary. Pair him up with Dawan Landry, and the secondary becomes a great deal better.

Mandatory Credit: Douglas Jones-US PRESSWIRE

Round 3 (70th Overall): Joe Adams, WR, Arkansas: In part one of my “Day 2 and 3 Prospects” series I mentioned one Joe Adams. Needless to say, when I saw that he visited Jacksonville, I was thrilled. He’d be a prime candidate to be not only an effective slot receiver, but a return man as well. The front office brought in 13 WR prospects which gives me hope…hope that we will add to a corps that has seen additions this offseason in the forms of Laurent Robinson and the recently acquired Lee Evans. I think there’s the possibility of Smith even getting two receivers in this draft.

Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-US PRESSWIRE

Round 4 (101st Overall) : Matt McCants, OT, UAB: Maybe if we draft a tackle, Gabbert will actually open his eyes when he throws the ball.  You can find some great quality offensive lineman in the 4th round. I believe this is the round we draft a tackle. I’m so sick and tired of watching Gabbert dance around in the pocket, and I believe it’s high time to throw some new blood into the offensive line. In a nutshell, Gabbert was sacked way too much. Some of that was due to him, some due to the lack of talent in the WR corps, some of it was due to poor protection. Drafting a lineman with huge upside in the fourth definitely couldn’t hurt.  Throw in the fact that Smith loves his small school prospects, and McCants fits the bill. He possesses great size, athleticism, and footwork. He was a two time, first team All Conference USA player. He was one of the best performing linemen in school history, and UAB was in the upper tier in their conference and NCAA for fewest sacks allowed.

Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-US PRESSWIRE

Round 5 (142nd Overall): Chris Greenwood, CB, Albion: Starting to catch wind of this small school cornerback. The great thing about this year’s cornerback class is that you can find value in all seven rounds. Our secondary needs more speed, and speed is exactly what Greenwood has to offer. He ran his 40 in the 4.4 range, would provide depth at the position, and could contribute on special teams. He’s definitely raw, but he could be groomed into a slot corner in the next few years. You can never have too many cover guys in the NFL.

Mandatory Credit: Phil Sears-US PRESSWIRE

Round 6 (176th Overall): Michael Smith, RB, Utah State: Even with the league’s leading rusher, the Jags are in need of a running back who can spell MJD. Rashad Jennings has an injury history, and I’m starting to think Deji Karim just isn’t that good. Michael Smith of Utah State has been labeled a “sleeper”. At 5-9, 205 lbs., he’s built rock solid and keeps low to the ground. He has good short area quickness, and has nice burst. I think he would fit into our offensive plans nicely. He clocked a 4.33 and 4.34 at his pro day. Zain Gowani highlighted this running back earlier in the week, and I agree…this team needs more explosiveness!

Mandatory Credit: Brian Losness-US PRESSWIRE

Round 7 (228th Overall): Marquis Maze, WR, Alabama:  The wide receiver position in this draft is much like the cornerback position. You can find value in each round. Maze made some plays during his time at Alabama, but the thing that sticks out most to me is his reaction to his injury in the National Title Game. He was emotionally devastated that he would no longer be able to help his team. It really touched me to see someone so passionate, not about himself, but with the desire to be on the field. Yes, this is a total “heart” pick, but I think this is just the kind of guy Smith would be interested in. I’d prefer to give him a shot over Brian Robiskie and Taylor Price. Maze wants it, and I think he could develop into a very nice addition to our wide receiver corps, especially considering we went into last season starting JASON HILL. Yes, JASON HILL was one of our two starting wide receivers last year.

Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-US PRESSWIRE

So there you have it. 7 rounds, 7 rookies ready to take us to the next level. Now you know who the Jaguars will NOT pick this Thursday.

-David R. Johns

1.   Andrew Luck, Quarterback, Stanford: Hasn’t Mel Kiper, Todd McShay, and Mike Mayock explained this one to ya enough?

2.   Robert Griffin III, Quarterback, Baylor: Hasn’t Mel Kiper, Todd McShay, and Mike Mayock explained this one to ya enough?

3.    Matt Kalil, Tackle, USC: Protect Ponder at all costs! Premium position=premium pay.

4.    Trent Richardson, Running Back, Alabama: The Browns’ entire offense was painful to watch last year. Yes, even more painful than our beloved Jaguars. At least we have a running back…a great one at that. The Madden curse struck hard last year, but fortunately for Cleveland, they now have Richardson.

5.    Morris Claiborne, Cornerback, LSU: Claiborne is hands down the best cornerback in the draft. Need I say more? Big things were expected from this defense last year. They came up short. Tampa is hoping to meet those expectations this year, and with this pick their chances just got a lot better.

6.    Justin Blackmon, Wide Receiver, Oklahoma St.: It’s lying season! This Michael Floyd thing is a sham. No way he goes before Blackmon. Bradford’s head explodes from excitement.

7.    Melvin Ingram, DE/OLB, South Carolina: Let’s face it, while Jacksonville’s defense finished in the top 10, our pass defense needs help. Ingram vastly improves our pass rush and in turn improves our pass defense. Ingram is the best pass rusher in the draft. Nuff Said.

8.     Ryan Tannehill, Quarterback, Texas A&M: Jeff Ireland, SWING AND A MISS!

9.   Fletcher Cox, Defensive Tackle, Miss. State: Cox is shooting up draft boards, and I don’t think he slides out of the top 10.

10.   Michael Brockers, Defensive Tackle, LSU: Imagine that new 4-3 front with Kyle Williams, Marcel Dareus, Mario Williams and Michael Brockers. WOW.

11.   Luke Kuechley, LB, Boston College: The Chiefs take the smartest linebacker on the board, the safe pick, and their defense automatically makes a drastic improvement. Kuechley brings a level of discipline and intelligence to this defense.

12.   Michael Floyd, Wide Receiver, Notre Dame: I can see Pete Carroll making this pick, fist pumping in all of his grey haired glory.  Matt Flynn needs someone to throw to…

13.   Riley Reiff, Tackle, Iowa: He’s the 2nd highest rated tackle on the board, and considering Cassell’s injury history, the Cards need to protect him a bit better. Smart pick.

14.   Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina: Yes, Coples slides down this far. Jerry snags him up…and then makes excuses when this pick crashes and burns. That’s so Jerry.

15.   Dont’a Hightower, LB, Alabama: Did anyone SEE this run defense last year? Pair him with Ryans and never look back.

16.   Courtney Upshaw, LB, Alabama: They really wanted Ingram, but the price was too high so they settle for Upshaw who will fit in great with that Ryan “D.”

17.   Dre Kirkpatrick, Cornerback, Alabama: BOLD isn’t it? Three Bama defenders drafted back to back to back! Bengals should regret letting Joseph go, and Kirkpatrick is just the guy to fill that void…plus everyone knows Cincy is down with cannibus.

18.   David DeCastro, Guard, Stanford: I believe that Mr. Jason Love and I are in agreement…DeCastro slides all the way down to 18. He’s the best interior prospect since Steve Hutchinson in 2001, but unfortunately he doesn’t play a premium position hence the slide.

19.   Kendall Wright, Wide Receiver, Baylor: The Bears are another wide receiver-starved team. Pair Wright up with Marshall and Cutler will have no excuse…who am I kidding he’ll find something…

20.   Stephon Gilmore, Cornerback, South Carolina: This guy is becoming very popular as of late, and I can see why. The Titans are thrilled he slid down this far, and he will become a nice replacement for Finnegan. Correct me if I’m wrong, but I think Mr. Love picked him here too.

21.  Janoris Jenkins…NOW IT’S A PARTY! J/K. Dontari Poe, DT, Memphis: Poe will slide all the way down to 21…the combine hype is done, SON!

22.   Mark Barron, SS, Alabama: Cleveland actually has a very good pass defense. Barron will be a good addition to the secondary. They make a make a strong area of their game even stronger. Yes, the Browns will get 2 Alabama prospects. BOLD.

23.   Nick Perry, DE, USC: From Nick Fairley to Nick Perry! Zing!

24.   Jonathan Martin, Tackle, Stanford: He’s the best remaining tackle on the board, and the Steelers make the rare mistake of drafting based on need. Martin has been sliding as of late, but Big Ben needs better protection. That O-Line HAS been falling apart…

25.   Whitney Mercilus, OLB, Illinois: Von Miller, Elvis Dumervil, Whitney Mercyless. Nice.

26.   Shea McClellin, OLB, Boise State:  Mario Williams GONE+McClellin is the highest rated OLB on the board=Houston Texans.

27.   Andre Branch, DE, Clemson: You probably won’t even be picking here will you, Bill…WILL YOU!? But if you are, you’re gonna need a better pass rush. Branch is your man.

28.   Cordy Glenn, Guard, Georgia:  The Pack appreciates a solid offensive lineman and that’s just what Glenn is.

29.   Janoris Jenkins,Cornerback, North Alabama:  They drafted a troubled cornerback with talent last year…why not again this year? Jenkins really is a first round talent, and Baltimore is just the place for him.

30.   Stephen Hill, Wide Receiver, GeorgiaTech: Someone was bound to fall in love with his speed.

31.  Coby Fleener, Tight End, Stanford: Give me the tight ends…ALL OF THEM!!!

32.   Devon Still, DT, Penn State:  They keep that D-Line rolling.

Who knows what will happen on draft night? That’s my best guess at how the chips will fall, and your guess is as good as mine. I didn’t include any trades (which will come back to haunt me I’m sure) but I was just playing it safe. After all this is my first mock draft, so please be gentle.

-David R. Johns