Why the Jaguars should go D-Line in 2019

Would the Jacksonville Jaguars bypass needs on the offense to grab a defensive lineman with the seventh pick in April?

It’s widely suspected that the Jacksonville Jaguars are going to go with an offensive player with the seventh pick in the 2019 Draft. But, could the wide range of talent on the defensive side of the football sway the Jaguars?

Here’s why fans of the Black and Teal should believe the Jaguars will go defensive line this draft.

The Talent is Immense – While the talk has been revolving around guys like Kyler Murray, Dwayne Haskins, and D.K. Metcalf, this year’s defensive line class is stacked.

Nick Bosa, Quinnen Williams, Josh Allen, Ed Oliver, Rashan Gary, Montez Sweat, and so much more. You get the idea. There is a lot of quality defensive lineman in this year’s draft.

Standing with the seventh pick in the draft, the franchise might have a chance at all of them outside of Bosa, Allen, and Williams. But, like the NFL Draft, anything and anyone could be available come the seventh pick.

Calais Campbell isn’t getting younger – In his first two seasons here in Jacksonville, defensive end Calais Campbell racked up 25 sacks and established himself as the leader of the defense. But, at 33-years-old once the season starts, the Jaguars might want to be scouting their future pass-rusher to put alongside Yannick Ngakoue.

While the team took Taven Bryan last season in the first round, the Florida product only managed one sack in 16 games.

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Next Best Pass-Rushing Duo – Assuming the front office signs Ngakoue to a multi-year contract once he becomes a free agent after the 2019 season, the team should be interested in putting another young pass-rusher on the other side of him.

There is nothing more important outside of protecting the quarterback than getting to the quarterback. Worst case scenario, Ngakoue doesn’t end up signing a contract with the team but drafting a defensive lineman this year could lessen the blow.

Potential to Move Back – There hasn’t been much talk about whether or not the Jaguars are willing to move from the seventh pick. But moving back could reap much more benefits than staying put at seven.

The team could earn future assets from a team desperate for a player like Dwayne Haskins, and still be able to draft a defensive lineman. This defensive lineman could be Clelin Ferrell, Christian Wilkins, Dexter Lawrence, or Jeffery Simmons (in later rounds), the team will still have a young and solid player come Sunday.