The Final Four: Jaguars Draft Tournament 2019
The 2019 NFL Draft is approaching and the Jacksonville Jaguars hold the 7th pick. If the draft was a tournament like March Madness who would they choose?
With the seeding system set up for the March Madness: Jacksonville Jaguars edition there were some upsets and we have narrowed it down to four players who could make a huge impact for the Jaguars in the upcoming season as well as seasons to come.
In this tournament, we look at player potential, position need, and current ability.
1 Jawaan Taylor vs. 13 T.J. Hockenson
1. Jawaan Taylor, Tackle, Florida – Pros: Jawaan Taylor provides an immediate boost towards our offensive line, he’s a player who will start at right tackle at the beginning of the season. Our offensive line was decimated with injury last season and had trouble creating holes for the run game as well as providing consistent protection for our quarterback.
Taylor will help fix those issues by creating holes as well as providing protection. The Jaguars need great offensive line play this season if they want to find true success during the season and make a playoff run.
Cons: As an offensive lineman Jawaan isn’t going to be a big-play player.
Jacksonville is in need of playmakers on offense and he doesn’t have that ability simply because of his position. As for most linemen if his name isn’t being mentioned frequently he is doing his job well.
He also isn’t going to make any wow plays, and there will without a doubt be some rookie mistakes but those will grow limited with playing time and coaching.
13. T.J. Hockenson, Tight End, Iowa – Pros: T.J. Hockenson will provide Nick Foles with a big red zone target with playmaking ability. Both Foles and offensive coordinator John DeFilippo have a history of using their tight ends in very effective ways from their time together in Philadelphia. Hockenson is athletic, a great blocker, and the most polished tight end in this year’s draft.
Cons: Tight ends rarely go in the top 10 of the NFL Draft. Yes, Hockenson is a player that will more than likely have a very good career.
Is his upside truly that of Zach Ertz or Travis Kelce? If it is then he absolutely would be a fantastic pick, but there is just no way of knowing for certain. Tight ends also take some time to develop into truly game-breaking players.
Overview: This is a tough matchup because many people have the Jaguars drafting either one of these two players at No. 7. They’re both very high on my draft board, but because of the seeding of the tournament, the two face off in the Final Four instead of in the championship.
2 N’Keal Harry vs. 11 DK Metcalf
2. N’Keal Harry – WR Arizona State – Pros: Jacksonville more than likely will not pick him at No. 7, but he has big-play potential and an alpha dog mentality. N’Keal Harry is a player who brings fight and determination on every play.
The Jaguars could possibly trade back, acquire some picks in later rounds and select Harry later on in the 1st round.
Cons: Harry doesn’t have game-breaking speed, nor is he particularly elusive. If his physical play is matched by a physical corner he may have trouble in the NFL. He has average athleticism and has average route running ability.
He might not provide an immediate impact and may take some coaching.
11. D.K. Metcalf – WR Ole Miss – Pros: The sky is the limit as far as potential goes for D.K. Metcalf. He has speed, size, and the ability to create big plays in an instant. Very few prospects come into the league with as much potential as Metcalf and for a team in need of a big play receiver he is a very good option.
Cons: While Metcalf does have limitless potential is that enough to take him 7th overall? He has some injury history and his hands aren’t a major liability but more consistency is desired.
Jacksonville has to decide whether his huge upside is worth the possibility that he could be just a combine standout.
Next. The Jaguars three best first-round picks of all time. dark
Overview: In this tournament Harry and Metcalf battle to be Jacksonville’s top receiver. Both have similarities to there game, the decision comes down to whether Jacksonville wants to take a risk on Metcalf’s potential or play it safe, trade back and draft the more proven player in N’Keal Harry?