Jacksonville Jaguars 2017 NFL Draft: A Duval Dud, David Caldwell’s Last Draft
By Lionel Joel
2016 was a huge letdown for a fan base cemented in perpetual darkness looking for a spark. Finally, however, there were real fireworks waiting to be lit for the Jacksonville Jaguars.
What the hell is going on in 2017?
After the Jacksonville Jaguars unequivocally dominated the 2016 offseason with big name free agents Malik Jackson and Chris Ivory, the organization continued its hot streak by drafting impact players Jalen Ramsey, Myles Jack, and Yannick Ngakoue. Not quite the 1974 Pittsburgh Steelers’ class, but smart investments with immediate results (the Myles Jack part not withstanding due to certain inadequate coaching and misguided philosophies) created hope.
2016 was a huge letdown for a fan base cemented in perpetual darkness looking for a spark. Finally, however, there were real fireworks waiting to be lit.
And then “Tommy Two Rings” came back! Its all okay!
*IT IS NOT ALL OKAY*
The Jaguars once again signed potential during free agency, but we all know teams are built through the draft. So how did Jacksonville do?
ROUND 1, Pick 4
Leonard Fournette (RB, LSU). The safe pick. If any one player can impact the Jacksonville Jaguars, it’s Leonard Fournette. His ceiling is Adrian Peterson. His floor is Ron Dayne, which…please, no.
Other options: OJ Howard (TE, Alabama), Jonathan Allen (D Line, Alabama), and Jamal Adams (S, LSU).
If Fournette reaches his potential, all other considerations will be forgotten. Adams is my favorite prospect in the draft but lacks Fournette’s impact potential. Allen was once considered the safest pick in the draft but fell to #17 due to medical concerns in his shoulders. OJ Howard appears to be an excellent prospect, but with defenses evolving and linebackers and safeties becoming more versatile, Howard’s positional value is dropping.
ROUND 2, Pick 34
Cam Robinson (OT, Alabama). The Jags traded up from 35 to secure a significant impact player as they did last year to get Myles Jack. Cam Robinson was a three-year starting left tackle at Alabama. Value and need make this a phenomenal pick for the Jaguars. Pairing Robinson with Fournette in the first two rounds shows the new regime values strength and power. Such was the trademark of Coughlin’s New York Giants teams.
Other options: Forrest Lamp (G, W. Kentucky), Sydney Jones (CB, Washington), Deshone Kizer (Notre Dame). Lamp was a media favorite for the Jags before the trade. Sydney Jones has stud potential but may have been lost among current studs Ramsey and Bouye. Kizer is, in my opinion, the absolute guaranteed bust of the class.
ROUND 3, Pick 68
Dawuane Smoot (DE, Illinois). A curious pick. His measureables and production do not stand out. Yannick Ngakoue fit a similar billing last year, but his pass rushing skills were much more developed than Smoot’s. Ngakoue was an unexpected three-down breakout rookie for the Jaguars in 2016. Tim Williams (LB, Alabama) would’ve been a solid talent/need pick here.
In round 1-3, you seek starters. Some immediately, some after a season or two of development. Regardless, teams need those picks to significantly contribute at some point during their rookie deal.
To sum up the Jaguars’ draft after round three is simple: Dumpster-fire
Dede Westbrook in the 4th round. The only prospect to be asked to leave a draft interview and described as a “degenerate“. At 6’0” and 180 pounds , he has an uphill battle to even make the active roster.
While we do not have the Jaguars’ board or information, talented prospects that met a clear need for the team such as Jake Butt (TE, Michigan), Jordan Leggitt (TE, Clemson), David Sharpe (OT, Florida) and a personal favorite, Nate Peterman (QB, Pitt) obviously went undrafted by the Jaguars. Prepare yourself….
The franchise is spiraling out of control and there is no stopping it.
- QB Blake Bortles will likely be a free agent after the 2017 season.
- There has been no significant attempt to create a secondary quarterback situation.
- WR1 Allen Robinson will be an unrestricted free agent after the 2017 season if he isn’t signed to a big contract extension.
- After free agency and the draft, there is no replacement or realistic backup for Paul Posluszny.
Leonard Fournette, you are the final savior of the Jacksonville Jaguars organization. God speed. The city of Jacksonville relies you.