Three Moves the Jacksonville Jaguars could make Post-NFL Draft

What will the Jacksonville Jaguars do now that the NFL Draft is over and there are still a few moves the team can make to improve the roster?

Just because the NFL Draft is over, it does not mean the Jacksonville Jaguars are done making move or trying to improve the roster for the upcoming season.

There are still free agents out there looking for new homes. There are still players who may be released now that the Draft has taken place. And of course, there are still players on this roster fighting to remain in the sunny confines of North Florida. Now, as the teams begin their virtual preparation for the season, will the front office do something to shake things up even more?

I’d say don’t against it.

First the Dolphins had trade conversations with the Rams about Todd Gurley, then they had discussions with the Jaguars about Leonard Fournette, and today they finally sent a fifth-round pick to the 49ers for RB Matt Breida.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 25, 2020

The Jaguars still need to address depth at some areas on the roster and potentially decide the future of some veterans who have expiring contracts on the horizon. Take that for what it’s worth. There are plenty of ways to interpret that comment.

For now, let’s suppose the Jacksonville Jaguars want to change a few things up as the weather gets warmer and anticipation of the season grows stronger. Here are three things the team could do after the NFL Draft.

Sign a veteran quarterback

I think this all falls back to Andy Dalton and the potential of him being released by the Cincinnati Bengals. The Jaguars drafted Jake Luton out of Oregon State in the sixth round this past weekend. Whether he becomes another Gardner Minshew is anybody’s guess.

With Dalton, you get a leader and a teacher. Someone who will come in and understand he will be the backup, but could fill-in as a starter at a moment’s notice. Add to the fact that he is familiar with Jay Gruden’s offense, and he is the perfect veteran to bring in.

Dalton also provides insurance should Minshew not take the next step toward becoming an elite starter.

Given the fact that he does have a rapport with tight end Tyler Eifert, this is one of those moves you kick the tires on before making an offer.

Extend Leonard Fournette

The Jacksonville Jaguars got themselves in a bit of a situation as they announced trade discussion during the draft for running back Leonard Fournette. Nobody took them up on their offer.

Now it’s a sticky situation as Fournette comes to camp knowing the team wanted to get rid of him, and he still has a year left on his rookie deal. How do the team and the player move forward? This could be one of those underlying stories to watch as training camp begins.

I suspect Fournette will be here this season as the starter, but I don’t know how long he remains on the roster. I get the sense if there’s going to be a trade, it is going to be done before live action begins.

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For a player who was as productive as Fournette was last year, gaining 1,152 yards on the ground and catching 76 passes, it’s hard to believe that nobody wants to bring him aboard. Evidently, opinions have been formed. It’ll be interesting to wait and see what happens with No. 27 and if he remains in the Jaguars backfield an entire year.

The Jacksonville Jaguars’ front office could pull a 180-degree turn and pick up his fifth-year option or try to work out a long-term deal. That might be the most shocking outcome of all.

Trade Yannick Ngakoue

I know, I know. It’s a topic we have exhausted. But no news on the frontline about Yannick Ngakoue is real to talk about it.

It’s also amazing how he decided to remain quiet these past few days. Odds are now in the Jaguars’ favor, as it looks like there aren’t any shooters for him as well. So it would be in Ngakoue’s benefit to sign the $17.8 million franchise tag tender and play this season with the hope of being released next year. It’s also proof that his tirades on Twitter may have influenced how teams react to the player and that’s just the way he plays.

A team like Atlanta, or Philadelphia, or possibly even Buffalo could still look to add a 25-year-old to the roster at a much lower ransom. General manager David Caldwell had better hope there still is a team out there willing to pay a hefty price for a player who has had some issues with his behavior of late.

WhenTony Khan told him that essentially his mouth was getting himself in trouble in terms of creating a deal, Ngakoue started to silence himself on social media.

Still, regardless of rumors the weekend of the draft, he remains in Jacksonville. There doesn’t appear to be any team to step forward at the moment.

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