Jaguars 2019 NFL Draft: Don’t be surprised if…
By David Levin
The Jacksonville Jaguars draft class will be predicated on what the front office is able to accomplish in free agency. There is plenty to speculate about this early in the process.
What will the Jacksonville Jaguars look like after NFL free agency? Will there be enough puzzle pieces added to a stagnant offense? Will the defense get the depth it needs at linebacker and in the secondary? Most of all, who will be the starting quarterback brought in to close the book on the Blake Bortles era of this organization?
While we have all speculated for weeks about what we hope happens, everything is still a mystery. The front office, led by Tom Coughlin, is writing secret chapters yet to be revealed. The Jaguar must use this offseason – both free agency and the NFL Draft – to ride momentum into training camp and eventually the 2019 season.
The decisions made in the next seven weeks will impact this organization for the coming season and beyond.
Don’t be surprised if the Jaguars do the following in the NFL Draft.
1. The Jaguars do not draft a quarterback
By taking a veteran signal caller in free agency the Jaguars eliminate the most pressing need on offense this offseason.
Nick Foles. Teddy Bridgewater. Ryan Fitzpatrick. It’s conceivable that this franchise doesn’t believe that the quarterback class this year is as strong as it’s going to be next season. A veteran, with the addition of a new offensive coordinator in John DiFilippo, could be enough for the Jaguars to rescue their offense.
Once the team signs a quarterback, most presumably to be Foles, they will focus their attention to other needs in free agency and in the draft. I wouldn’t be surprised if they did not spend a pick on a passer.
2. A tackle is the answer in Round 1
The Jaguars may use free agency to add depth to their offensive line. That may not prevent the front office from drafting a lineman in the first round.
The two best options for Jacksonville may be Oklahoma guard/tackle Cody Ford or Florida lineman Jawaan Taylor. Both add versatility with their ability to play more than one position.
Jacksonville could lose as many as six offensive linemen in free agency which makes this position one of great need.
Taylor is the name that is shooting up draft boards because of his size, his strength, and his ability to play on both the left and right side of the line. A.J. Cann and possibly Jermey Parnell will no longer be with the team. Will Richardson was drafted last season in the fourth round, but he still may not be the answer as Parnell‘s replacement.
In another scenario, should Jacksonville draft either one of these players, it could mean that Cam Robinson may move over to the right side at tackle.
3. Receiving help on the outside becomes a priority
General manager David Caldwell said that he was happy with the group of wide receivers on the teams roster right now. That doesn’t mean the Jaguars won’t explore options for a playmaker with the seventh pick.
If the Jaguars sign Foles and add beef upfront on the line, it’s conceivable somebody like D.K. Metcalf of Ole Miss gets a long look. He was impressive at the combine with his size at 6-foot-4 and 230 pounds and a body of a Greek god.
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My biggest fear for the Jaguars making such a decision is the fact that there are other pressing needs. And finding a good pass catcher after the first round is still a possibility. Jacksonville may also look to free agency to solve this problem.
Another possibility is T.J. Hockenson of Iowa. The tight end could help the passing attack and open things up across the middle. He does need help as a blocker, which is not one of his strong suits. His teammate Noah Fant is another option.
It’s rare that a tight end is drafted this high, but the Jaguars may have a luxury of taking one because of the needs they fill before the draft.
If the Jaguars went after Fant, it might be in the second round. Jacksonville could still trade down a spot or two and get Hockenson if the Detroit Lions do not add him to their roster.
Next. Teams show interest in Jaguars safety Tashaun Gipson. dark
If the Jaguars went after Fant, it might be in the second round. Jacksonville could still trade down a spot or two and get Hockenson if the Detroit Lions do not add him to their roster.