2015 NFL Draft: Jacksonville Jaguars Needs Heading into Day 2

The Jacksonville Jaguars decided to address their pass rush with the third overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft by selecting Dante Fowler Jr. out of Florida, but what’s next? The Jaguars still have a handful of needs and there are several players who likely have first round grades still available as we head into the second day of the draft.

The Jaguars got the pass rusher they needed in the first round, but they still need to either find starters or depth at other key positions. Here are the primary positions of need for the Jaguars heading into the final 6 rounds of the 2015 Draft:

1. Free Safety

The Jaguars acknowledged their need for a free safety by making a hard push for Devin McCourty in free agency, so at what point do the Jaguars address the position in the draft? Landon Collins out of Alabama was the consensus top safety for a while, and he is now somehow still available as we head into the second round. Unfortunately, Collins fits more into the strong safety role already occupied by Johnathan Cyprien. Do the Jaguars take a flyer on Collins anyway, or do they look at a guy like Eric Rowe out of Utah this early? I don’t think the Jaguars address free safety in the second round.

2. Linebacker

Dante Fowler is reportedly going to be a pure LEO and not factor into the linebacker rotation at all, so the Jaguars still have a pressing need in the middle of the defense. Paul Posluszny was signed to an extension, but the Jaguars still need to look towards the future. If a player like Erik Kendricks is still available when the Jaguars are on the clock, I think the Jaguars run the card up to the podium. Guys like Paul Dawson and Benardrick McKinney are also in the mix, especially if they slide into the third round.

3. Running Back

The plight of the first round running back is officially over, with both Todd Gurley and Melvin Gordon barely making it out of the first half of the first round. The Jaguars clearly are in the market for a three-down back after pursuing DeMarco Murray in free agency, so do they pull the trigger on one of the second tier backs? Jay Ajayi, Tevin Coleman, Duke Johnson, and T.J. Yeldon are all guys who will likely be available for the Jaguars in the second or third round.

4. Wide Receiver

After failing to find a veteran presence at wide receiver in free agency, many are linking the Jaguars to wide receiver in the draft. After passing on Amari Cooper at the top of the first round, I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Jaguars go after a slot receiver in the second or third day. One player who immediately comes to mind is Tyler Lockett. Do the Jaguars take someone like Lockett in the second round, or do they hope he falls to the third?

It should be an absolutely fascinating 2nd day of the draft. Let’s hope the Jaguars can make some savvy moves and acquire a few more difference makers.

Next: Dante Fowler Draft Grade

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