Black and Teal
FanSided

7-Round Jacksonville Jaguars 2017 NFL Mock Draft: One Month Out

By Luke Sims

Oct 22, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies defensive back Sidney Jones (26) in action against the Oregon State Beavers during the first quarter at Husky Stadium. Washington won 41-17. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 22, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies defensive back Sidney Jones (26) in action against the Oregon State Beavers during the first quarter at Husky Stadium. Washington won 41-17. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
1 of 3
Next

The Jacksonville Jaguars have plenty of holes left to fill which are addressed in this seven-round  2017 NFL Mock Draft.

Even with the Jacksonville Jaguars spending big in 2017 free agency, there are still plenty of holes left to fill on a roster that didn’t deliver on its talent in 2016. New executive vice president for football operations Tom Coughlin is overseeing the draft with general manager Dave Caldwell, presenting a fresh look for the Jags.

Just how fresh that look is completely depends on whether the Jags follow something more in line with Caldwell’s better-than-average 2014 draft or his completely-gone 2013 draft. The Jags brought Coughlin in precisely to help turn more of Caldwell’s work into better results.

Coughlin and Caldwell have eight picks to add serious talent to the team, including one extra seventh-round pick from trading tight end Julius Thomas to the Miami Dolphins.

Without further ado, day one:

Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Jonathan Allen (93) in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game against the Clemson Tigers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Jonathan Allen (93) in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game against the Clemson Tigers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

player. 52. . Defensive Lineman. Alabama. Jonathan Allen. 4

Holding the fourth overall pick gives the Jacksonville Jaguars a plethora of options to choose from. It may be a bit of a tough decision only because the Jaguars have an opportunity to add a pass rusher, stud running back, tight end or the best all-around defensive lineman on the board: Jonathan Allen.

It’s easy to look at Allen and call this an easy decision for the Jaguars. He will most likely be the best available player at fourth overall in part because of arthritis concerns that may limit a team from taking him with a top-three selection. Even with the Alabama team doctor saying Allen’s arthritic shoulder isn’t a problem, that kind of news can keep teams away. An apt comparison is linebacker Myles Jack’s fall in the 2016 NFL Draft due to concern over his busted knee or Star Lotulelei’s fall in the 2013 NFL Draft due to a heart concern.

Even with that concern, which could theoretically limit Allen’s longevity in the NFL (years down the road, hopefully), the Jaguars make a perfect fit for Allen. Already boasting a fearsome defensive front rotation that will include Calais Campbell, Abry Jones, Malik Jackson, Yannick Ngakoue and Dante Fowler Jr., Allen could be the last dominant piece that truly makes the Jaguars control games on defense.

Tom Coughlin loves his big guys up front on the offensive and defensive side and Allen fits the bill better than any other player that will likely be available at fourth overall. With 27.5 sacks and 41.5 tackles for a loss over the last three seasons, Allen has proven he is one of the best players at his position and can be productive each and every down. Coughlin could use a guy like that on his football team.

Home/Jaguars Draft