Jacksonville Jaguars 2020 draft class making strides despite injuries

The Jacksonville Jaguars’ 2020 draft class has been a fruitful one.

When compared to other draft classes, this year’s looks like the best one the Jacksonville Jaguars have had in recent years. Although injuries have derailed the success some of the rookies were having in 2020, the organization acquired some solid contributors in retrospect.

On the other hand, the ‘Jags’ didn’t draft what is arguably their best rookie and player on the roster, running back James Robinson. The Illinois State standout is leading all first-year ball-carriers in rushing yards and is among the best at his position in the NFL.

Clyde Edwards-Helaire, the first running back selected in 2020’s draft has 586 rushing yards, 103 less than Robinson. Moreover, he became just the fifth undrafted running back to get 1,000 scrimmage yards and the only undrafted player to achieve the milestone in ten games.

The rest of the Jaguars 2020 draft class hasn’t been as successful as Robinson, but there’s plenty of interesting talent nonetheless. Cornerback C.J. Henderson was making strides before the Jaguars placed him on the Injured Reserve list with a groin injury after Week 10.

Henderson might’ve had his best game of the season against the Green Bay Packers when he allowed 43 yards on six passes, registered three total tackles a pass defensed, and one forced fumble. The ‘Jags’ might’ve found their number one cornerback for years to come.

Wide receiver Laviska Shenault Jr. displayed flashes of playmaking prowess before missing the last two games with a groin injury. In nine games this season, he hauled in 30 receptions for 323 yards and one receiving touchdown. Had the Jaguars quarterback situation were more stable, his numbers might’ve been even better.

The Jacksonville Jaguars are getting contributions from their mid-round picks.

On the other hand, the defensive tackles the team acquired in the draft or afterward have shown flashes of talent. DaVon Hamilton has arguably been the best Jaguars defense player upfront. Even though he’s faced the bumps in the road any rookie has, he’s becoming a key cog in the defensive line.

The same is true for undrafted defensive tackle Doug Costin. He slowly worked his way into the starting lineup and has started three games this season. Had he not missed the Jaguars Week 11 matchup with a concussion, he would’ve probably started another one.

Safety Daniel Thomas also manage to progressively get more playing time and started the last two games. However, the team has placed him on the Injury Reserve list after sustaining an arm injury against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The Jacksonville Jaguars are still waiting on some picks to pan out.

Not all the players the Jaguars drafted this year have had success though. Defensive end K’Lavon Chaisson has failed to make an impact and has steadily gotten fewer snaps on defense. Despite the fact that he still has time to figure things out the early results aren’t encouraging.

Quarterback Jake Luton hasn’t had much success either. He was solid in his NFL debut but has struggled since then and now is in danger of losing the starting job to Gardner Minshew II who is getting healthier.

In retrospect, this has been one of the best draft classes the Jaguars have had in many years. The bar is quite low due to the team’s failure to successfully acquire talent via the players’ selection process. Nevertheless, the organization’s past mistakes shouldn’t diminish the impact this draft class is having.