Grading Jacksonville Jaguars 1st-round picks throughout the 2010s

The Jacksonville Jaguars had mixed results in the next two drafts.

2016, fifth overall: Jalen Ramsey, cornerback, Florida State

A truly elite player and can’t miss prospect, Ramsey was an easy choice for the Jaguars when he was still available in 2016’s draft. A starter from Day 1, it did not take long at all for Ramsey to become one of the best corners in the NFL. He would go on to become the face of the Jaguars over the next three and a half seasons and would record nine interceptions. The Florida State product is a four-time Pro Bowler and a two-time All-Pro.

While it would not last long in Jacksonville, he was traded to the Rams in 2019, Ramsey was still a home run pick for the franchise. Arguably a top ten player in the entire NFL, it is a shame the Jaguars were not able to retain him.  Ronnie Stanley and Deforest Buckner were the next two selections in 2016, but Ramsey was still the best choice.

Grade: A

2017: 4th Overall: Leonard Fournette, running back, LSU

Possibly the biggest mistake in Jaguars history, Fournette cost the Jaguars the chance at two superstar quarterbacks. On the other hand, Fournette is not a bad running back either. He got off to a hot start in his rookie season with 1,040 yards and nine touchdowns. After a poor 2018 season, he gave the Jaguars another 100-yard season in 2019. His fifth-year option was still declined however and he was released before the 2020 season. He would go on to win a Super Bowl with the Buccaneers.

Unfortunately for Fournette, he will always be the player who was taken instead of quarterbacks Deshaun Watson and Patrick Mahomes. He will also always be one of the biggest examples of why you should never take a running back in the first round, especially in the top ten. Aside from Mahomes and Watson, Jamal Adams and Marshon Lattimore were taken soon after as well.

Grade: D