Recent mock draft projects Jaguars will load up on offense early in the draft
While it seems like a matter of time before the Jacksonville Jaguars announce they will take Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence with the first overall pick, it’s uncertain how they will use the other nine picks they will have in the 2021 NFL Draft. A recent mock draft predicts they will load up on offense early in the selection meeting.
Chris Trapasso of CBS Sports recently published a seven-round mock draft and projects that the Jaguars will take Purdue wide receiver Rondale Moore with 25th overall pick and Alabama offensive tackle Alex Leatherwood with the first pick of the second round, the 33rd overall.
After using three straight picks on offense, Trapasso thinks the Jags will turn their attention to the defensive front and draft Washington defensive tackle Levi Onwuzurike with the 45th overall pick (their other second-round selection). They will then choose Northwestern cornerback Greg Newsome II with the first pick in the third round.
The Jacksonville Jaguars end with a haul in this mock draft.
You could argue the Jags don’t need a wide receiver after signing Marvin Jones Jr. in free agency. However, Jacksonville needs to surround Lawrence with as many weapons as they can. Also, they need to prepare for the future in case they aren’t able to keep DJ Chark Jr. The teams’ brass should have no trouble giving him a contract extension, but they also have some kind of insurance in case they can’t agree to one.
While taking Leatherwood in the second round after placing the franchise tag on Cam Robinson may be puzzling at first, the Jags need to replenish their offensive line and be ready in case Robinson and right tackle Jawaan Taylor miss time with injuries or underperform. On the other hand, Onwuzurike’s Newsome’s picks are solid. Jacksonville already bolstered the defensive front and the cornerback room in free agency and these picks ensure both units have the kind of depth they lacked in 2020.
Trapasso’s pick may not be thrilling but all of them make sense. As long as they can contribute and have an impact early on, it won’t matter whom the Jaguars draft.