The Jaguars Last Five NFL Drafts – 2017

How did the Jaguars 2017 NFL Draft turn out? Our own Jess Overby looks at the draft class and how it panned out for the organization.

With the 2019 NFL draft coming up on April 25th, we’re taking a look back at their last five drafts and where their picks are now. Here are the Jaguars picks, how they were used, and where they are now. Next up – the 2017 draft.

This was the first draft under Tom Coughlin, Vice President of Football Operations, and Head Coach Doug Marrone, which came with a shift in philosophy to a run-first offense.

Round 1, Pick 4 overall:  Leonard Fournette, RB, LSU – Leonard Fournette was the first Jaguars running back to rush for over 1,000 yards since Fred Taylor, and he did it in only 13 games. He was ranked number 58 in the 2018 list of the NFL’s Top 100 Players by his peers. He missed six games and part of two others due to injuring his hamstring in the season opener, and was suspended for another game due to an altercation.

He is the unquestioned number one running back on the team, but he needs to be healthy and, more importantly, needs to show much greater maturity.

Round 2, Pick 34 overall: Cam Robinson, OT, Alabama – He was named the starting left tackle and played in 15 games his rookie year. In 2018, Cam Robinson tore his ACL in the second game and was lost for the season. His recovery will be crucial to the Jaguars success this year.

Round 3, Pick 69 overall:  Dawuane Smoot, DE, Illinois – He has been a backup for his career so far. This is a make or break season for Dawuane Smoot as a Jaguars player.

Round 4, Pick 110 overall: Dede Westbrook, WR, Oklahoma – After starting the year on injured reserve, he played in the final seven games, starting five. Dede Westbrook showed his athletic abilities during his rookie season, and continued to progress in 2018, with the most receptions on the team.

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Round 5, Pick 148 overall: Blair Brown, LB, Ohio – Blair Brown has been a backup in his first two years and has been used sparingly.

• They did not have a sixth round pick due to their trade with Seattle to move up one spot.

Round 7, Pick 222 overall: Jalen Myrick, CB, Minnesota – He was used sparingly as a backup before being waived prior to the 2018 season and was signed to the Minnesota Vikings practice squad. After being released and re-signed by the Vikings during the season, Jalen Myrick was waived April 11, 2019.

Round 7, Pick 240 overall: Marquez Williams, FB, Miami – He was placed on the injured reserve list prior to his rookie season and released on October 9, 2017. Marquez Williams was signed by Cleveland on December 23, 2017, but waived on August 17, 2018 when he failed to report to camp.

The 2017 draft has yet to be determined how good it was to the Jaguars. Three of their top four picks have shown great promise, with Fournette’s injuries and immaturity being concerns thus far, and Robinson’s ability to recover from his injury being major question marks.

However, if they can stay healthy and continue to perform to their abilities, they have the talent who may form part of the core of the Jaguars offense for years to come.