Jacksonville Jaguars: 4 Predictions for the 2020 Draft Class

How will the Jacksonville Jaguars rookie class pan out for the 2020 season?

There is plenty of intrigue in how the Jacksonville Jaguars did this offseason through the NFL Draft to make many pundits stop and wonder.

Will the class of 12 players help this team take a step out of the AFC South basement? How does the team’s shift in a decidedly defensive approach help the team moving forward?

General manager David Caldwell made a statement by taking C.J. Henderson and K’Lavon Chaisson with his first two picks and followed them up by addressing the interior defensive line and linebacker as well as adding plenty of bodies in the secondary.

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The approach is a calculated risk given Caldwell and head coach Doug Marrone are still sitting on warm chairs inside TIAA Bank Field.

The changes in the latitude of this organization, where character means more than before and the obvious problems that have existed the last two years with player personnel and a lack of commitment to winning have grown stale and thin with the fan base and – more important than any other figure in the Jacksonville Jaguars food chain – owner Shad Khan.

Change is good this time around in Jacksonville. Making a decision to tear the walls down should have a profound effect on this franchise – but it still may take another two years to see that progress.

The 2020 Draft class may take time to develop, but it is possible at least four of the picks could be in the Jaguars starting lineup Week 1 against the Indianapolis Colts. It’s reminiscent of the 2014 class which featured many starters on both sides of the football.

Here are four predictions for the Jacksonville Jaguars 2020 Draft class.

While it is imperative that both Henderson and Chaisson start to begin the season, there are still other positions where rookies can step in and replace veterans.

Three New Starters on Defense

DaVon Hamilton could win the starting nose tackle job. Abry Jones and Taven Bryan are veterans on the interior, however, neither had a consistent season in 2020. Hamilton was drafted in the third round out of Ohio State to help the transition from a 4-3 defense to a 3-4 defense.

Henderson will be a Day 1 starter at cornerback and has a chance to prove early on he can be the shutdown type of player the Jacksonville Jaguars need now that the team plays a full season without Jalen Ramsey.

Look for Chaisson to start at outside linebacker, but also see time on the defensive line with his hand on the ground. The best part of the changes to this defense is Todd Wash has an opportunity to make changes and use Chaisson and others at multiple spots. The roster has plenty of versatility on defense.

Shenault a Definite WR 2

I think we talked enough about this in detail the other day, but Laviska Shenault, Jr was not drafted to sit on the bench and could the most exciting rookie in camp.

The wide receiver out of Colorado was drafted to complement DJ Chark and potentially give Jacksonville two go-to pass catchers in Jay Gruden’s scheme. Look for Shenault to come in and immediately challenge Dede Westbrook for the second spot in the rotation.

Because of his versatility, Shenault can play on the outside or in the slot. This also means Gruden could use more three and four wide receiver sets, taking advantage of the speed the wide receiver room has here in Jacksonville.

Daniel Thomas Challenges for Playing Time

We haven’t talked about Daniel Thomas a lot, but he might be worth watching more and more in camp. The former Auburn star should make an impact providing depth at cornerback, but I think he challenges D.J. Hayden for the nickel cornerback role.

Hayden still has a major role on this roster as a veteran who must now help rookies grow and develop. But In time, Thomas could see the field more and eventually replace his mentor in the starting lineup.

It could be the difference in Hayden staying on the roster in 2021 or being released or even traded.

Chris Claybrooks Shine in Return Game

Chris Claybrooks was drafted with the sole intention of helping the return game. The Memphis defensive back could also provide depth in the secondary, but in a limited role.

The Jacksonville Jaguars have a solid special teams unit with their kicking game and punter. The return game has lacked the past two seasons. Claybrooks with his speed should help that area of the team immediately.

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