Analyzing The Jacksonville Jaguars Draft Hits And Misses
By Larry Brake
The Jacksonville Jaguars 2017 draft has made some fans happy and others perplexed. The Jaguars have made their selections and now, lets begin analyzing them.
The Jacksonville Jaguars were secretive concerning the direction and plan for the NFL draft. Most noteworthy, the Jaguars selected four offensive players and three defensive players. Since most people thought that free agency addressed the defensive needs, the draft had some hits and misses that need analyzing.
Most noteworthy, Jacksonville did not draft a quarterback. Seems like the Jaguars could have found a quarterback in the third round. Perhaps their guy was taken.
The Jaguars did not select a tight end, however they signed Caleb Bluiett from Texas. Bluiett is one of six tight ends on the roster. At six foot three and 252 pounds, he will be battling for the third tight end slot. Marcedes Lewis and Mychal Rivera are the presumed top two tight ends going into camp.
Analyzing the Hits and Misses of the 2017 Jacksonville Jaguar Draft
First of all, Leonard Fournette is a safe selection at number four. Jacksonville needed a big back for its power run game. He upgrades the goal line offense immediately due to his size. He is listed at six foot and 228 pounds on the Jaguars roster but weighed 240 at the NFL combine. (Hit)
Cam Robinson, the round two selection, is a huge hit. At 6’6″ and 322 pounds, he will be anchoring the left side of the offensive line. Consequently, Branden Albert might still be holding out in hopes of playing somewhere in the near future. (Hit)
In the third round, Jacksonville selected Dawuane Smoot. They passed on Dan Feeney from Indiana. Feeney and Robinson could have been the cure for the left side offensive line woes. Smoot may pay dividends later but for now his selection is a miss.
Boomer Sooner, Jacksonville selected DeDe Westbrook in round four. Westbrook has the speed to stretch the field vertically. He is possible future insurance at receiver if Allen Robinson or Marqise Lee test the free agent market in 2018. (Hit)
Blair Brown and Jalen Myrick were the next two draft selections. Brown is one of ten linebackers on the Jaguars roster. Another corner by the name of Jalen is worth the risk. (Miss/Hit)
Finally, in round seven, the Jaguars draft a fullback. Marquez Williams, from the U, is the newest Jacksonville fullback. He should be the lead back guiding Fournette into the end zone in 2017 and beyond. (Hit)
In conclusion, Jaguars have five hits and two misses. Expect a very good season coming up due to a good draft.