The Jaguars get a solid B+ for 2019 Draft Class

With seven new faces added to the Jacksonville Jaguars roster in the 2019 NFL Draft, Kathy Clark looks at how the team fared.

The day arrived and the draft was upon us.  The most important question is “How did the Jaguars do?”

This Jaguars draft had many questions and more than a few concerns as day one began.  The organization has not had the greatest drafts in the past 10 years, and fans were hoping for some obvious improvement. I think the fans got their wish.

Here’s a look at how it all played out.

First, Josh Allen fell to us in the first round.  Next, we were able to get Jawaan Taylor in the second round.  Finally (and to me most important) the team was able to address almost every position of need.

No one can predict how a group of players will work out in the long term but on this day I think the draft looks great. Here is how I graded the Jacksonville Jaguars 2019 NFL Draft class.

Round 1 – Josh Allen, DE/LB/Edge, Kentucky: Combine grade 6.66 (Chance to be an All-Pro)

Good fortune sent this very impressive young man to us at pick No. 7. He was one of the best in college football and helped Kentucky, a perennial underachiever in football, win 10 games. He is a high character guy who overcame tough times to be drafted in the first round. He had 17 sacks in 2018. Grade A

More from Jacksonville Jaguars News

• Jacksonville Jaguars should welcome Derrick Henry into the kingdom
• Jaguars Rumors: Trent Baalke seems to be getting respect now
• Jaguars News: This division rival might be making a big move
• Former Jacksonville Jaguars S Johnathan Cyprien: “New Profession, Same Standards”
• Jacksonville Jaguars TE Evan Engram officially gets the franchise tag: 3 takeaways

Round 2 – Jawaan Taylor, OT, Florida: Combine grade 6.25 (Should be a day one starter)

Imagine getting lucky twice!  Our projected first-round choice was Taylor and he was available in the second round. He fills a glaring need at right tackle.

"Cynthia Freelund of NFL.com wrote, “Taylor’s 2018 college film shoes that he kept defenders at least 5 feet from his quarterback on passing snaps…second highest among FBS tackles.  On third and 6+ yards he ranked first.”"

He should be a starting right tackle for the Jaguars from the moment he steps onto the practice field. Grade A

Round 3: Josh Oliver, TE, San Jose State.   Combine grade 5.54 (Chance to start in the NFL)

Comments about Josh Oliver include; athletic, above average speed, good size, good body control, and good ball skills.

John DiFilippo, the Jaguars offensive coordinator, loves to use tight ends in his offense.

"He made the following comment, “Josh is a great athlete.  He is a big guy who can go up and make plays on the football. He also fills a critical need.”"

The Jaguars needed a tight end to come in and make a difference. Grade B

Round 3: Quincy Williams, LB/S, Murray State: No Combine score

Quincy Williams was not invited to the combine and attended another team’s pro day because his college, Murray State, had no Pro Day. He is a hybrid safety/ linebacker. He ran a 4.56 40 yard dash.

Most pundits saw him as a wasted pick but I love the fact that he uploaded his own highlight video. It shows the kind of determination needed in the NFL plus he fills a need at LB/S.  Grade C+

Round 5: Ryquell Armstead, RB, Temple: Combine score 5.60 (Chance to be an NFL starter)

Ryquell Armstead was an all American Athletic Conference running back. He had 1,098 rushing yards and scored 13 touchdowns. He ran a 4.45 40 yard dash. He could be a fullback but has not had the opportunity to become a pass catcher.

Armstead is a tough downhill runner and a good complement to Leonard Fournette. He fills a critical need. Grade B

Round 6: Gardner Minshew, QB, Washington State: Combine score 5.16 (Chance to make an NFL roster)

Gardner Minshew played for one year as a graduate student at Washington State and was PAC 12 Offensive Player of the Year and fifth in the Heisman voting. He was unimpressive at the Senior Bowl and considered a possible back up or practice squad player.

However, he played lights out his year at WSU and could be a late round surprise. Grade C+

Round 7: Dontavius Russell, NT, Auburn: Combine score  (Chance to make an NFL roster)

Dontavius Russell was a four-year starter for the Auburn Tigers of the SEC. Despite his unimpressive Combine score and his performance at the Senior Bowl any four-year starter on a team like Auburn must have something to offer. Grade C-

Comments – My hope is that we will look back and see this draft as a turning point for the Jaguars.  The picks were logical and filled needs while adding some immediate starters.  The Jaguars stepped out of the box on several picks.

Creativity and not always doing the expected is what makes winners. Hopefully, the Jaguars will have a draft class that helps this team improve in 2019. Grade B+