The Jacksonville Jaguars could target these three Alabama players.
The Jacksonville Jaguars will have two first-round selections in the 2021 NFL Draft, the first overall pick and the 25th overall, which they got from the Los Angeles Rams in exchange for cornerback Jalen Ramsey in 2019. While they will likely use the top selection on Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrance, there are many players they can target with that second first-round selection and the Crimson Tide will provide a few options.
Alabama is a powerhouse that churns out more NFL players than any other college program. Hence, it wasn’t surprising to see them beat Ohio State in the National Championship, where a few Crimson Tide players solidified their stock as first-round picks.
Running back Najee Harris had a dominating performance, logging 158 total yards and three touchdowns against the Buckeyes. He will likely get his name called in the first round but it’s a player the Jaguars will pass up due to the presence of rookie sensation James Robinson.
DeVonta Smith cemented his place as a top 10 draft pick after hauling in 12 receptions for 215 yards and three touchdowns. While he would look great in Black and Teal, the Jaguars would have to trade up to have a shot at drafting 2020’s Heisman Trophy winner, which may not be feasible.
Even with those two off the Jaguars’ big board, there are three Alabama players they could draft with the 25th overall selection.
Dylan Moses can solidify the Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker corps.
Dylan Moses will be one of the best linebacker prospects in this upcoming draft class. Depending on whom you ask, he is projected to be a first-round pick or an early second, but everybody will agree he has the physical tools and the instincts to thrive in the NFL.
Dylan Moses had a solid sophomore season in 2018, logging 45 tackles (ten for a loss), and 3.5 sacks. He then missed the 2019 season with a torn ACL. Back on the field, he registered 40 tackles (six for a loss), one sack, and one interception in 2020. For his play this past season, the Crimson Tide linebacker was named Third-Team All-American and First-Team All-SEC.
Although the defensive line and the secondary may be more pressing needs, the Jaguars also need to bolster their linebacker corps. They have a pair of studs in Myles Jack and Joe Schobert but they need a third linebacker.
Linebacker Joe Giles-Harris played solidly at the end of the 2020 season, but this Jacksonville team could use an upgrade. While they could opt to sign a free agent such as Shaquil Barrett, Moses would offer an affordable alternative with plenty of upside with the 25th overall pick.
Alex Leatherwood would upgrade the Jacksonville Jaguars offensive line.
This upcoming draft going to feature a deep offensive tackle class. Penei Sewell is the cream of the crop, but the selection meeting will offer other talented prospects, such as Sam Cosmi, Liem Eichengber, and Alex Leatherwood of Alabama.
Leatherwood isn’t flashy but he makes up for it by being one of the most consistent left tackle prospects in 2021. Although he still needs to work on his body control, he showed growth in 2020. His feet looked quicker and his technique was tighter this past season. He played both guard and tackle in college and earned the 2020 Outland Trophy winner, which is given to the Best Interior Lineman at the collegiate level.
Left tackle Cam Robinson is set to become a free agent in the offseason and even though the Jaguars could bring him back, they may be better off hitting the open market. He’s been inconsistent during his four-year tenure in Jacksonville and will likely command top-market compensation and this Jacksonville.
Leatherwood would provide an upgrade to the left tackle position at a cheaper rate. Moreover, based on the surplus of tackles in the draft, he may still be available in the second round, where the ‘Jags’ could target him if they prioritize another position with the 25th overall selection.
Defensive tackle is another area of need for the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Undrafted free agent defensive tackle Doug Costin played surprisingly well for the Jaguars in 2020 after joining the starting lineup in Week 7. The same is true for DaVon Hamilton, whom the team drafted in the third round of 2020’s draft, but had his season cut short by a knee injury. Nevertheless, the ‘Jags’ still need to add talent to their defensive line.
Jacksonville’s defense ranked 31st in points allowed and total yards and one reason was their inability to generate pressure upfront. Moreover, they gave up an average of 181 rushing yards in the last seven games of the season. They need to fix that if they want to start winning games in 2021.
Alabama defensive tackle Christian Barmore cemented his place as a first-round pick with a dominating performance. He registered five total tackles, two of them for a loss and one sack. Moreover, he was named the 2020 National Championship Defensive MVP. He could join the Jaguars’ defensive tackle rotation and quickly make an impact.
There are many routes this Jacksonville team will have to give their roster a facelift in 2021 and Alabama will offer three enticing prospects when they are on the clock with the 25th overall pick.