Jacksonville Jaguars: 5 Storylines after the NFL Draft

Now that the NFL Draft is in the rearview mirror, there are other storylines the Jacksonville Jaguars must deal with heading into OTAs and training camp.

The Jacksonville Jaguars stole the show at the NFL Draft after selecting Josh Allen and Jawaan Taylor with their first two picks, but what should fans of the Black and Teal turn their attention to now? Here are five storylines to follow.

Telvin Smith Absent – The Jaguars organization has yet to hear from or see linebacker Telvin Smith this offseason. The situation around Smith is quite ominous, as the 28-year-old is being paid handsomely, on a four-year, $45M contract.

Since not hearing from Smith the team drafted Murray State linebacker Quincy Williams in the third round and signed linebackers Ramik Wilson, Najee Goode, and D.J. Alexander. With Yannick Ngakoue and Jalen Ramsey in search of a payday, the team could opt to trade the talented 28-year-old.

Oh, Yannick Ngakoue is also absent – After being present for the first couple days of voluntary workouts, pro-bowl defensive end Yannick Ngakoue is now a no-show. It can be easily assumed that Ngakoue is now looking for a new contract with just one year left on his rookie deal.

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With the recent contract extensions of Demarcus Lawrence and Frank Clark, Ngakoue is looking at a contract potentially upwards of a $100M. In his three seasons for the Jaguars, Ngakoue has tallied 29.5 sacks, 11th most in the NFL since he entered the league.

Nick Foles Era Begins – After five years of Blake Bortles at the helm, the Jaguars are now moving forward with former Super Bowl MVP Nick Foles. Foles continuously led the Philadelphia Eagles to postseason success, hoping to replicate the same success in Duval County.

Foles will be reunited with offensive coordinator John DeFilippo and have Leonard Fournette in the backfield. Having Fournette in the backfield doesn’t put the entire pressure of the offense on Foles, allowing him the opportunity to flourish in his new system.

Who is the No. 1 Wide Receiver? – The Jaguars didn’t make a move at the wide receiver position during free agency or the NFL Draft, showing their trust in the current crop of receivers. Whether it be Marqise Lee — coming back from a season-ending knee injury — Dede Westbrook or Keelan Cole, having Foles will make every receiver much better.

Westbrook came along toward the end of the season, with the potential to take that momentum into next season.

The wide receiver position has the most questions surrounding a position group on this Jaguars team, so each pass-catcher needs to step up and help Foles.

Immediate Impact for Rookies – The Jaguars are bringing in a solid rookie class going into mandatory minicamp and training camp. While Allen at defensive end and Taylor at right tackle are sure to be starters, there are players who could have an early impact.

Tight end Josh Oliver, linebacker Quincy Williams, and running back Ryquell Armstead all have the opportunity to impress coaches and put themselves in the starting lineup come week one.