Jacksonville Jaguars: 2021 NFL Draft primer, how to watch, position needs
The Jacksonville Jaguars need to address several needs.
The Jaguars did a good job of adding depth and fortifying the roster this offseason. They brought back players such as left tackle Cam Robinson, interior offensive lineman Tyler Shatley, cornerback Sidney Jones, and defensive ends Dawuane Smoot and Adam Gotsis. Jacksonville also locked up a few free agents that should play a key role for the team in 2021, such as wide receiver Marvin Jones Jr., safety Rayshawn Jenkins, and cornerback Shaquill Griffin.
Nevertheless, the Jags still need to add a few difference-makers in the draft. Last season, they ranked near the cellar of most meaningful offensive and defensive categories and had one of the least talented rosters in the NFL. As good as their free-agent additions were, they still need to upgrade these position groups:
1. Tight end
The Jaguars’ tight end unit hasn’t gotten as much attention as other positions this offseason even though Urban Meyer said the team needed to rebuild the room. While trading up to take Florida tight end Kyle Pitts may not be realistic, they could target Pat Freiermuth in the second round.
2. Safety
Signing Jenkins was a solid move, but Jarrod Wilson is in the last year of this contract and the Jaguars could use an upgrade. They re-signed Josh Jones this offseason but need to add a playmaker to the unit. Jacksonville has to continue revamping their secondary in the draft.
3. Offensive line
This Jacksonville team brought back its starting offensive line from last year. They slapped the franchise tag on Cam Robinson, restructured guard Andrew Norwell’s contract, and re-signed Shatley. However, Robinson hasn’t been consistent throughout his career and the team could use competition at right tackle. This is going to be a deep offensive tackle class, so they could end up with a quality prospect in the second or even the third round.
4. Defensive line
This isn’t a good year to take a defensive tackle. For that reason, it wasn’t surprising to see Jacksonville trade for Malcom Brown. Other than Alabama’s Christian Barmore, there isn’t a prospect worth drafting in the first round. The Jaguars could be better off waiting until the middle of the draft to address the position.