NFL Mock Draft 2013: The Jacksonville Jaguars Select….

Feb 21, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Central Michigan offensive lineman Eric Fisher speaks at a press conference during the 2013 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

Fansided.com’s weekly mock draft has been published and this time it’s the free agency edition.  As the teams begin to solidify before the draft, it becomes clearer as to whom they may target out of college.  Some teams, like the Indianapolis Colts and Miami Dolphins, plainly think they’re close or, in Jeff Ireland’s case, are trying to save their jobs.  The Jacksonville Jaguars have been relatively quiet so it comes as no surprise that the prevailing thought from national media outlets is that the Jags will go after a tackle in the draft.

Enter Eric Fisher, OT, Central Michigan.

Fisher is a rising prospect who is likely the second best left tackle in the 2013 NFL Draft.  He has good size, good movement, and he projects to develop well into the NFL game.  So, what’s the problem?  The Jaguars already have Eugene Monroe.  Here is what writer Josh Hill has to say about the pick:

"Here’s a new one, back-to-back picks at the top of the draft getting devoted to offensive lineman. Not only is this possible, but it’s a real statement on the direction of the league. Teams that win have talent that starts up front with protection, and the Jaguars need that bad. Eugene Monroe is in a contract year and the jaguars can go ahead and draft a skill position both later in the draft and next year when they’re right back at the top of the draft. The only difference will be they’ll have means of utilizing their new toys because Fisher will be protecting whoever’s under center."

I disagree with this pick.  Not only is Fisher the second best player at his position (Luke Joeckel is taken first overall in Hill’s mock) but the Jaguars have other, bigger holes to fill on the roster.  As good as Fisher may be, Chance Warmack will probably be just as good and fill an immediate hole at guard.  As good as Fisher may be, Barkevious Mingo/Dion Jordan/Ezekiel Ansah are all premium talents that fill an immediate need.  Will either Fisher or Monroe shift over to right tackle if the Jaguars take Fisher?  Yes.  Is that worth the second overall pick?  No.

There are many ways the draft could shake out and there are very few ways that the Jaguars could be losers, Fisher won’t make them a loser but I don’t think he represents the needs-based drafting strategy that GM Dave Caldwell is implementing.  We’ll have to see if the Jags continue to have an offensive tackle mocked to them after the right tackle dominoes begin to fall.

– Luke N. Sims

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