Jaguars: Todd McShay goes OT with the ninth pick

By David Levin | Mar 6, 2020

IOWA CITY, IOWA- NOVEMBER 23: Offensive lineman Tristan Wirfs #74 of the Iowa Hawkeyes celebrates with teammates after their match-up against the Nebraska Cornhuskers on November 23, 2018 at Kinnick Stadium, in Iowa City, Iowa. (Photo by Matthew Holst/Getty Images) /

According to ESPN.com analyst Todd McShay, the Jaguars should consider an offensive tackle with the ninth pick in the 2020 NFL Draft.

Will the Jacksonville Jaguars suddenly turn their draft strategy to the offensive side of the football? Actually, has that been the conversation all along?

Local and national media and the fans here in Jacksonville aren’t privy to the conversations that have taken place inside TIAA Bank Field, so there is no way for anyone to know which side of the ball the front office plans to help first in April’s NFL Draft.

What is known is there are plenty of holes to fill and as players are either released or traded this offseason, more are soon to follow. Because of the needs of the eight teams ahead of the Jaguars in the selection process and the potential for three quarterbacks to come off the board in the top 10 picks, things could open up nicely for Jacksonville. Defensive tackle and offensive tackle are some of the biggest weaknesses on this roster.

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ESPN.com’s Todd McShay believes the Jaguars should be in the market for one of the top-tier offensive tackles with the ninth overall pick, according to Jaguars.com. And if stars fall in line and players who may have been graded higher on the team’s draft board are gone, that might be the path the team takes.

"“There are five-to-six offensive tackles that I think belong in the Top 40 in this year’s class,” he said, via John Oehser."

That’s pretty high praise as this year’s draft is deep on the offensive line. It might be the second weakest unit on this roster, right behind the interior defense.

As Oehser explained, McShay has the Jaguars drafting Iowa’s Tristian Wirfs. The move helps strengthen the left side, which could see an overhaul this offseason. Former second-round pick Cam Robinson of Alabama and left guard Andrew Norwell, who signed a mega-deal after the 2017 season, have both underperformed the past two seasons.

There are other players to consider, including Andrew Thomas of Georgia, Alabama’s Jedrick Wills, Jr. and Louisville’s Mekhi Becton.

Personally, I would love to see Becton chosen if he is available and defensive tackle Derrick Brown out of Auburn is off the board.

"“McShay, speaking on a conference call on Tuesday wrapping up last week’s 2020 NFL Scouting Combine, discussed multiple issues – including other possibilities for the Jaguars in The Top 10,” Oehser added."

Right now, the Jaguars have two picks in the first round, the ninth selection and the 20th pick obtained from the Los Angeles Rams this past season. Both spots could make an immediate impact on the team’s roster in 2020 and beyond.

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