The Jaguars general manager wannabe looks to the NFL combine
By Kathy Clark
The “off season” of the Jacksonville Jaguars is drawing to a close as the NFL scouting combine is less than two weeks from today. The team’s management will be well represented and ready to look closely at potential draft picks.
The pundits state that the 2019 draft class is top heavy with edge rushers. Although this is a very important position it is not the most critical for the Jaguars. The needs for the team are ALL offensive positions.
This wannabe’s draft board would put quarterback as the number one need. The quarterbacks are not as talented as those in the 2018 draft but there are still some potential winners. My dream quarterback would have good mechanics, ability to read the field, decent accuracy, and strong leadership. Leadership is critical since our offense was a rudderless boat last season.
The Jags brain trust may decide after the combine that a free agent such as Joe Flacco or Nick Foles is a better choice. The combine favorites are Dwayne Haskins, Drew Lock, Daniel Jones, and Kyler Murray. My personal favorite is Lock based on his Senior Bowl performance.
More from Jaguars Draft
- Jacksonville Jaguars fortify secondary in 4-round 2023 Post-Combine NFL Mock Draft
- The Jaguars may look for edge rushers with pick 24
- The Jacksonville Jaguars got so lucky with the 2021 NFL Draft
- Jaguars fortify OL with Jaelyn Duncan in CBS Sports’ 2023 NFL Mock Draft
- Jacksonville Jaguars don’t need to trade up in the 2023 NFL Draft to land a cornerback
My next critical need is a running back. The Jaguars can’t go into another season with three runners headed by an often injured Leonard Fournette. My dream back would have good size, pass catching skills, quickness, and character.
Per WalterFootball,com, the three top choices as of today are Josh Jacobs from Alabama, Damien Harris from Alabama, and Bennie Snell Jr. from Kentucky. Jacobs has good size, speed, athleticism, and good instincts. Harris has good vision, balance and strength. Snell Jr. has great physical skills, quickness, power, and high character.
These players would all be great choices. Snell Jr. appeals to me most due to his total domination of the Gators in 2018.
The next critical needs are wide receiver, tight end, and offensive line. The wide receiver need may not be as important as originally thought. Dede Westbrook, Keelan Cole, Marquise Lee, and DJ Chark will, hopefully, have more accurate passes thrown to them and a real chance to shine.
The tight end position with Austin Seferian-Jenkins (if retained) and some free agents or later round choices should be acceptable.
Finally the offensive line has Andrew Norwell, Cam Robinson, Brandon Linder, and Will Richardson returning. That should be the core of the line and some free agents, resignings, or later round draft choices should fill the need.
I understand that many would disagree with my choice of running back as a critical need. However, it doesn’t matter if we are a run first or a pass first team we still need running backs and nothing proved that like the disaster of 2018.