Jaguars NFL Draft Day 2: A night filled with surprise

The Jaguars played aggressive and made some surprise moves in the second and third rounds of last nights NFL draft, but let’s take a look at the draft day grades.

The second and third round of the NFL draft is over, and there was plenty of surprise in Jacksonville’s picks. Some of these surprises were welcome, others met with plenty of criticism. Obviously, the grade the Jacksonville Jaguars deserve is subject to change but this is their mark the morning after the second and third round are finished.

Second Round: Pick 35: Jawaan Taylor, Florida – Analysis: A couple of draft experts had the Jaguars taking Jawaan Taylor in the first round with the 7th pick. As previously discussed Jacksonville opted to take the best player available in edge rusher Josh Allen.

It was a huge surprise when Taylor fell to the second round, and Jacksonville felt they had to move up to the 35th pick of the 2nd round. This assumption was correct, Tackles Gregg Little and Cody Ford were taken and its highly likely the Jaguars would have missed out on Taylor.

The Jaguars traded their 2nd round pick with the Oakland Raiders giving Oakland their fourth round pick as well.

Jacksonville also received Oakland’s 5th round and 7th round picks. As far as playing ability Jawaan is a strong right tackle who checks all of the boxes, he is strong, smart, and athletic. Draft Grade: A

Third Round: Pick 69: TE Josh Oliver, San Jose State – Analysis: Josh Oliver is going to compete for the starting tight end position coming into this year. He is athletic, has great size, and is a strong player.

"“When speaking to the media Nick Foles stated, “You have to be able to run the ball with the tight end in the game, but they also have to be able to go out and catch the ball.More from Jacksonville Jaguars NewsJacksonville Jaguars should welcome Derrick Henry into the kingdomJaguars Rumors: Trent Baalke seems to be getting respect nowJaguars News: This division rival might be making a big moveFormer Jacksonville Jaguars S Johnathan Cyprien: “New Profession, Same Standards”Jacksonville Jaguars TE Evan Engram officially gets the franchise tag: 3 takeaways“It’s very hard to find guys that are good at both, but a key to a great offense is you really do need a good tight end.” via John Oesher, senior writer for the Jacksonville Jaguars."

Having a great tight end is going to be vital for the success of our offense this season. Jacksonville has really never had a big name receiving tight end. Marcedes Lewis was good, but he thrived as more of a blocker who was a big redzone target.

Oliver will look to extend the field, use his size and athleticism to create mismatches, and boost our run game with his blocking ability. Oliver may play in the slot a bit while he improves his ability as a in line blocker. Draft Grade: B+

Third Round: Pick 98: LB/S Quincy Williams Murray State – Analysis: Well if Taylor was received as a positive surprise for the Jaguars, this pick was a surprise that left a lot of people scratching their heads. Quincy Williams, brother of 3rd overall pick Quinnen Williams, was nowhere near many peoples radar.

Some people didn’t even feel like he was a “draftable” player.

I was very skeptical about this pick, especially with Chauncey Gardner-Johnson, Deionte Thompson, and Hakeem Butler still available. However, this isn’t all negativity with this pick. Very little was known about him, but Quincy himself posted the lone highlight tape available.

What I saw really impressed me, he shows the ability to do everything. He can rush the passer, and drop back into coverage, shed blocks and stuff the run. He did at least flash the ability to do it all.

Although against lesser competition, he plays with speed and ferociousness. He could bring a lot of versatility to the defense. Draft Grade: C

Overview: The Jacksonville Jaguars had a very productive night when looking at the grand scheme of how this team wants to shape their future. Some may argue that the 1st round is where teams find players to win games, but it is the later rounds teams win championships. Draft Grade: A-