Jacksonville Jaguars Should Prioritize Trading Back in 2015 NFL Draft

With a wealth of options available to them at the third overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft, the Jacksonville Jaguars really can’t go wrong if they stay put. Guys like Leonard Williams, Dante Fowler Jr., and Vic Beasley would all be day 1 starters and would likely contribute immediately on this young team.

Still, the Jaguars should really be hoping for two things:

"1. Marcus Mariota is available at number 32. Some team drafting after the Jaguars wants Mariota"

I honestly think this is the best case scenario for the Jacksonville Jaguars in this years’ draft. While the Jaguars did a good job addressing needs in free agency, they clearly missed out, through no fault of their own, on a handful of guys they were targeting. They tried to find solutions at wide receiver (Randall Cobb), free safety (Devin McCourty), and running back (DeMarco Murray) in the open market, but they weren’t able to bring any of them in for one reason or another. The Jaguars could also use an edge rusher and, fortunately, this appears to be a great year to need a player at that position group. A team could get a high level prospect at the defensive end/LEO spot anywhere from 3 to 15 in this years’ draft. That’s absolutely ideal for the Jaguars.

One team supposedly looking to trade up is the Cleveland Browns, and they have a package that could be perfect for the Jaguars according to Tony Pauline.

"Expect the talk of teams wanting to trade up for Marcus Mariota to pick up intensity in the coming week. From all accounts I’m hearing the Cleveland Browns are the front runners and working hardest in the hopes of acquiring the quarterback. Early last week I was told the asking price from the Tennessee Titans was both of the Browns first round picks as well as their choice in the second round, to which Cleveland replied no. Understandable Tennessee would have a high asking price at this point and even more understandable the Browns would say no. I’m told the Browns may be willing to part with both first round picks for Maroita but want to hold on to the second round choice to draft a much needed receiver."

If you’re the Jaguars, would you take the 12th and 19th picks in the first round for the third overall pick? I think I would, and I don’t think I would hesitate too much. It’s no guarantee either guy will be available, but if the Jaguars could walk away from the first round with the combination of Bud Dupree at 12 and Todd Gurley at 19, wouldn’t that be considered a massive success?

If not the Browns, the Jaguars should have a few more partners available to them at number 3. It’s not something we’ve seen in David Caldwell‘s short tenure as general manager, but this appears to be a good year for the Jaguars to trade back.

Next: Jaguars Still in Play for Peterson

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