Jacksonville Jaguars 2014 NFL Draft: Offense in the First Two Rounds
By Daniel Lago
October 26, 2012; Louisville, KY USA; Louisville Cardinals quarterback Teddy Bridgewater (5) attempts a pass against the Cincinnati Bearcats during the first half of play at Papa John
We continue our weekly look at mock drafts around the Fansided network with our friends over at NFL Mocks. Erik Lambert has been pretty active in putting together mock drafts this offseason, and he recently came out with first and second round mocks with trades incorporated. While the third overall pick has been a pretty steady rotation of Jadeveon Clowney, Khalil Mack, Sammy Watkins, and the occasional Teddy Bridgewater, the second round has been much more varied.
With their first round pick, Erick has Jacksonville taking a franchise signal caller.
"#3 – Jacksonville Jaguars – Teddy Bridgewater – QB – LouisvilleHis lackluster pro day may have caused some red flags but experts will say game tape tells the story. Teddy Bridgewater is ready to start Day One in the NFL. He’s talented, precise, and an understated leader. Gus Bradley will see a lot of Russell Wilson in him."
I haven’t heard too many comparisons to Russell Wilson, but Bridgewater is the best quarterback in this class and I will hold firm to my belief. He should come in and immediately beat out Chad Henne for the starting job. He also should be playing behind a vastly improved offensive line, especially if David Caldwell can somehow manage to sign free agent center Alex Mack away from the Cleveland Browns.
With their second round selection, Erik has the Jaguars providing a fast target for their new quarterback in the passing game.
"#36 – Jacksonville Jaguars (f/OAK) – Odell Beckham Jr. – WR – LSUTrade: 39th, 159th (5th) and 222nd (7th) picks to Raiders for 36th pickTeddy Bridgewater is the man now and Jacksonville knows his success runs through how well they arm him. Moving up to grab a steal like Odell Beckham Jr. early in the second round is a great place to start."
Odell Beckham Jr. has been projected to be a first round pick for most of the draft process, so moving up to take him at the top of the second round is a very defensible move. With so many extra picks, Caldwell can afford to move around and select players he thinks can come in and contribute right away. Beckham Jr. and Cecil Shorts III would be a solid 1-2 punch on the outside, and pairing them with an emerging slot receiver like Ace Sanders seems like a great combination. All of this is without taking into account any kind of contribution Justin Blackmon could make if he ever suits up for the Jaguars again.
If the Jaguars left the first rounds with Bridgewater and Beckham Jr., I would be pretty satisfied.
-Daniel Lago
Yell at me on Twitter @dlago89