2015 Jaguars Draft grades are going to be coming in heavy for the next couple of days, so we’re going to jump right out of the gate covering our draft grades and analysis of every 2015 Jaguars draft selection and what the fans decided in our polls. We’ll cap out 2015 Jaguars draft grades with an overall grade and summing up how general manager Dave Caldwell, head oach Gus Bradley, and owner Shad Khan made out this weekend.
Get ready, because this is a lot of information!
Let’s dive right in with the Jacksonville Jaguars’ first selection in the 2015 NFL Draft.
Apr 30, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Dante Fowler Jr. (Florida) poses for a photo with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell after being selected as the number third overall pick to the Jacksonville Jaguars in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
Round 1, Pick 3) Dante Fowler Jr. (Defensive End, Florida)
Reader Grade
Torn between an A (48% of votes) and a B (46%) of votes, the few Cs bring this grade down to a B+ from the fans. There was a lot of talk on Twitter about how this pick isn’t the best available, so it makes sense that you, the readers, don’t see this as a straight A pick.
Daniel Lago
“I understand the pick, but I don’t love it. I don’t agree that Fowler is the best pure pass rusher in this year’s class, but if Caldwell and company have him graded as such then it makes all the sense in the world.”
Luke Sims
“(The Jaguars) had some decent sack numbers last season but they weren’t able to create a lot of pressure. Fowler will come in and solve that problem immediately.”
Next: Jaguars Add a Running Back in Round 2
Jan 1, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide running back T.J. Yeldon (4) runs the ball for a touchdown against the against the Ohio State Buckeyes during the first half of the 2015 Sugar Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Round 2, Pick 36) T.J. Yeldon (RB, Alabama)
Reader Grade
With the fans torn on whether this is a B (40%), and A (31%), a C (24%) and some votes for a “D” and an “F” this is a controversial pick. The B holds the plurality, however, and with strong weight above it and below it, it remains just that. Yeldon was the first running back off the board following Melvin Gordon and Todd Gurley in round one, so the Jaguars felt they were getting the best back available. With all that talent, though, we can’t help but wonder “what if…”
Daniel Lago
“The Jaguars bypassed a handful of more talented players (Randy Gregory and DGB come to mind) to address a need.”
Luke Sims
“I was a bigger fan of Indiana’s Tevin Coleman or waiting to see if Boise State’ Jay Ajayi was available at the top of the third, but Yeldon is a top running back in this year’s draft and the Jaguars knew they wanted him over the other possible second rounders.”
Next: The Jags Surprise with a Guard in Round 3
Oct 18, 2014; Columbia, SC, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks guard A.J. Cann (50) on the sidelines against the Furman Paladins in the second half at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports
Round 3, Pick 67) A.J. Cann (G, South Carolina)
Reader Grade
With a plurality seeing this as a B pick (46%) and a high percentage as an A pick (37%), it’s pretty clear that Jags fans like bringing in a big guard like South Carolina’s A.J. Cann.
Daniel Lago
“I won’t complain too much because protecting Blake Bortles is obviously of utmost importance, but there were 5 or 6 players I was more excited about still on the board.”
Luke Sims
” It’s no secret I love offensive linemen and I especially love big, strong interior guards. They set the tone of the game and will help provide stability for the offensive line.”
Next: Free Safety is Finally Addressed In Round 4
Feb 23, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Louisville Cardinals defensive back James Sample runs the 40 yard dash during the 2015 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Round 4, Pick 104) James Sample (S, Louisville)
Reader Grade
With 50% of those polled ranking the selection of James Sample as an “A” it is tough to think otherwise. Missing out on a true majority (51%) brings it down to an “A-.” Free safety was a position of need and the Jaguars waited until round four to address it.
Daniel Lago
“Sample is considered by some the best coverage safety in the draft, which is exactly what the Jaguars need in the back end.”
Luke Sims
“James Sample may be an upgrade, but he’s an unproven player. The guy only has one season of starting in the college ranks under his belt.”
Next: The Jaguars Find Great Value in Round 5
Oct 30, 2014; Louisville, KY, USA; Florida State Seminoles wide receiver Rashad Greene (80) runs the ball against the Louisville Cardinals during the second half at Papa John
Round 5, Pick 139) Rashad Greene (WR, Florida State)
Reader Grade
With 92% of voters in agreement, Rashad Greene is a runaway “A” grade. He was excellent value for the Jaguars in the fifth round, with many analysts thinking he was worth a second or a third.
Daniel Lago
“He should be the primary slot receiver could potentially have an impact on special teams.”
Luke Sims
“This is hands down the best pick in the 2015 NFL Draft for GM Dave Caldwell thus far. Greene was a steal in the fifth round and the Jaguars pounced when they saw him available.”
Next: The Jags Find More Value in Round 6
Sep 28, 2013; Columbus, OH, USA; Wisconsin Badgers quarterback Joel Stave (2) is sacked by Ohio State Buckeyes defensive lineman Michael Bennett (63) during the third quarter at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
Round 6, Pick 180) Michael Bennett (DT, Ohio State)
Reader Grade
With 94% of those polled thinking this was an “A” grade, Bennett was the best graded player by fans in the 2015 Jaguars draft. Excellent value again in a late round by the Jaguars.
Daniel Lago
“No one would have scoffed if Bennett was taken in the 2nd or 3rd round, so getting him here in the 6th round is outstanding.”
Luke Sims
“Bennett was an early round prospect but somehow everyone let him slip through their fingers, allowing the Jaguars to add a player who gets after the quarterback from the middle of the defensive line.”
Next: A Couple of Receivers in Round 7
Round 7, Pick 220) Neal Sterling (WR, Monmouth)
Reader Grade
With readers torn between a C or a B with 41% for both, this is a toss up. While the sample size is smaller because this is a recent pick, Sterling was an odder pick by the Jaguars front office, bringing in a player who could be a big receiver or a tight end and with no clear reason why.
Daniel Lago
“Sterling is a huge target at 6-foot-4 and 235 pounds, so I wouldn’t be surprised if his role is more of a move tight end than traditional wide receiver. This is the area in the draft where you take a chance on a project, so why not?”
Luke Sims
“There were other, better players available when Dave Caldwell seemingly decided he wanted to do something different than drafting from a major school.”
Nov 8, 2014; Tempe, AZ, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish tight end Ben Koyack (18) against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Sun Devil Stadium. Arizona State defeated Notre Dame 55-31. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Round 7, Pick 229) Ben Koyack (TE, Notre Dame)
Reader Grade
Fans give this one a B+ with 50% in thinking it is a B pick and 41% thinking it is an A pick. Tight end wasn’t a big need, but Koyack has room to grow with the Jaguars.
Daniel Lago
“Koyack has the skill set to contribute right away in certain packages, and you can’t really ask for much more in the 7th round.”
Luke Sims
“(GM Dave Caldwell) is bringing in a guy who can block and grow as a receiver after getting receiving tight end Julius Thomas in free agency.”
Next: Overall 2015 Jaguars Draft Grades
Conclusion
The 2015 Jaguars draft grades are very high on the whole. With only A.J. Cann dipping into the C’s for editor Daniel Lago and only Neal Sterling (a relative unkown) dipping into the C’s for the reader poll. That’s great for the Jaguars and it’s an excellent indication of the quality job that GM Dave Caldwell is doing.
On the whole, the Jags walked away with some excellent late round picks and above average early round picks. If I had to give the 2015 Jaguars draft grades an overall grade, it would have to be an A-. The Jags did an excellent job of addressing need while still retaining value in the 2015 NFL Draft. Caldwell didn’t reach for any players and waited for talented players to fall to him. The big questions heading forward are at free safety and running back because those positions are so up in the air right now. They’ll settle down quickly in 2015, though, and I expect James Sample to make a play for the starting free safety spot and T.J. Yeldon to split time at half back.
What do you guys think?
Next: Every 2015 Jaguars Draft Pick
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