2019 NFL Draft: Jaguars journey to the post season begins

 Are the Jacksonville Jaguars are better football team following the NFL Draft?

The 2018 NFL season fell flat for the Jacksonville Jaguars for a few key reasons. Among them were line play on both sides of the ball as well as the lack of a stable, effective performance out of the quarterback position. As the 2019 NFL Draft closes, the Jaguars seem to have fixed both problems, while adding depth to a few desperate positions.

First, off the docket, the Jaguars signed the man that has a statue in Philadelphia (really) – Nick Foles. After guiding the Eagles to a Super Bowl in 2017, Foles looked to have plenty of playoff magic but due to an Alshon Jeffery dropped pass, they came up a bit short. Based on clutch moments and that Super Bowl 52 MVP, Foles seems to have a firm ability to gather teammates together and prepare them for a storm the way an old lighthouse keeper might calmly guide ships away from the shore.

Problems get better with certain people in a position to face them and hopefully, this ends the eternal search for a quarterback that produces both steady and reliant play and makes the defense believe their efforts will not be wasted.

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Second, the previously discussed lack of pass rushing depth, as well as a desperate need to consistently stop the run, were both most assuredly solved in the selection of Kentucky edge defender Josh Allen. Allen should have never been around to be selected seventh overall and the franchise received a gift from the heavens with the oddity of selections in picks 1-6.

Allen might play standing up or with a hand on the ground. He can blitz, stop the run, and provide good coverage for a big man. The Jaguars hold a shiny, new toolbox in one player and will look to use all the tools as they terrify AFC South quarterbacks with Allen, Yannick Ngakoue, and Calais Campbell defeating tackles this upcoming season.

After all, turnovers and sacks led the team to their previous post-season run.

Speaking of turnovers, the Jaguars selected a player in the third round that projects to create many turnovers in the NFL. Seemingly a heat-seeking missile towards the player holding the ball, Quincy Williams looks to hurt opponents as he tackles.

The Jaguars are a very talented defense and no can complain about adding more heat to the fire in that kitchen. Click here for a summary and video, it’s worth your time.

Finally, the most obvious reason the organization set itself up to make the post-season, second-round pick Jawann Taylor. A right tackle from the University of Florida and perhaps the most physical lineman in the draft, Taylor plays mean.

A selection many thought could happen during the top ten of the draft, Taylor may have fallen due to knee concerns.

Jaguars General Manager David Caldwell said they had a “passable grade” on the player based o his health and that he is fine.

Entering the draft, the Jaguars had a few needs to get back to the playoffs, including getting healthy. The only seemingly open need is at free safety, though the team has expressed confidence in current slotted starter Jarrod Wilson.

With a healthy offensive line, pass rush depth, a receiving tight end (third round pick Josh Oliver), linebacker depth and a new quarterback, the Jaguars have addressed all glaring needs. Playoffs became a real option for this team after what happened during this weekend’s NFL Draft.