Jacksonville Jaguars need to focus on offensive line for rest of draft to help Leonard Fournette
By Daniel Lago
The Jacksonville Jaguars sent a message that they want to win now with their selection of Leonard Fournette, but they need to find some quality offensive lineman as well.
When the Jaguars went on the clock Thursday night with the 4th overall pick of the 2017 NFL Draft, we still had no good idea what they wanted to do. Were they going to continue loading up on defense in a defense-heavy draft? Or did they want to start a new era with by taking a quarterback in the first round?
We got our answer when the Jaguars took running back Leonard Fournette – the time to win is now.
What this means for Blake Bortles deserves it’s own article (especially if the Jaguars don’t take a quarterback in the second or third round), but for now we can glean that Tom Coughlin and company want to make this offense at least somewhat competent to complement a strong defense.
More from Jacksonville Jaguars News
- Jacksonville Jaguars should welcome Derrick Henry into the kingdom
- Jaguars Rumors: Trent Baalke seems to be getting respect now
- Jaguars News: This division rival might be making a big move
- Former Jacksonville Jaguars S Johnathan Cyprien: “New Profession, Same Standards”
- Jacksonville Jaguars TE Evan Engram officially gets the franchise tag: 3 takeaways
I would not have drafted Leonard Fournette if I were the Jaguars, but I completely understand the logic in selecting a bruising running back who can take it the distance at any time. If you are going to do that however, you need to do your best to set him up for success and make sure he doesn’t flame out like Todd Gurley did in his second season. That means putting together a good offensive line.
Right now, the Jaguars have players locked in at left tackle and center. Sure they have guys who could play the other spots (Jermey Parnell at right tackle, A.J. Cann at right guard, and Patrick Omameh at left guard), but all of them could easily be upgraded.
Leonard Fournette could be a revelation for the Jaguars and he could certainly take the pressure off of Blake Bortles, but only if he has holes in front him to run through.