Mel Kiper’s Jaguar Picks: Quick Take
By Luke Sims
July 18, 2012; Hoover, AL, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs defensive back Johnthan Banks talks with reporters at the 2012 SEC media days event at the Wynfrey Hotel. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports
Mel Kiper threw out another mock draft and, like all good Jacksonville Jaguars blogs, we couldn’t resist getting our hands on anything the “head draftnik” puts together. Let’s take a peek at who Kiper has the Jaguars picking up in this year’s draft:
- (2) Luke Joeckel, OT, Texas A&M
- (33) Matt Barkley, QB, USC
- (64) Johnthan Banks, CB, Mississippi State
If the draft is all about filling needs, then these first three rounds brings in at last two starters and a quarterback who could force out the current players on the roster. I like the Barkley pickup, but I’ve been biased toward getting him in the second round for a while. I don’t know that he could beat out Blaine Gabbert in year one, but he could definitely give him a run for his money. Here’s Kiper’s take:
"I know this isn’t the biggest need on the board, but given where Jacksonville is from a personnel standpoint, if the best player in the draft is available at the No. 2 pick — and my current left tackle is potentially gone after this year — I’m taking the guy. This is a franchise that has taken the guy it wants and eschewed great value too many times in recent years, but that’s not the case here. Take Joeckel, get better at tackle, do a better job of protecting the QB and whether I stick with Blaine Gabbert or let the next guy take over, I’ve at least given him a reasonable chance to succeed. That next guy might be the second-round pick."
The Kansas City Chiefs trade out of the top spot in Kiper’s draft (hence why Joeckel is still around at number two). I wouldn’t complain about this going down as it gives the Jaguars quality, first-round talents in the first three rounds. I’m not certain Banks makes it all the way to round three but he would be a great addition to a team that is desperately thin at cornerback.
– Luke N. Sims
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