The Jacksonville Jaguars had a pretty good free-agent class. Many of the players they signed earlier this year have gone on to become key contributors in 2022. On the other hand, the Jags are still waiting on their 2021 draft class to make a meaningful impact on the football field.
Outside of Trevor Lawrence and cornerback Tyson Campbell, Jacksonville’s rookie class hasn’t gotten much playing time. Walker Little just made his first start of the season against the Buffalo Bills but tight end Luke Farrell and Andre Cisco are just getting a handful of snaps per game. Edge rusher Jordan Smith has been inactive for every game and running back Travis Etienne is out for the year with a Lisfranc injury.
The Jaguars could get more production from their rookies down the road but the early returns aren’t encouraging. Next year, they need to hit on more than just a couple players. In particular, the team’s brass needs to draft more playmakers for these three position groups.
Jaguars position need in the 2022 draft No. 1 – Wide receiver
The Jaguars have a potential franchise quarterback in Trevor Lawrence. They must build the offense around him and keep surrounding him with more weapons. Their wide receiver corps is good but not great. Marvin Jones Jr. is currently leading the team in receptions but he’s better suited for a number two role.
Jamal Agnew has displayed playmaking prowess as a receiver but is still a work in progress while Laviska Shenault Jr. hasn’t had the breakout season a few expected he would have. Garrett Wilson of Ohio State and Drake London of USC could be enticing options early in the draft.
Jaguars position need in the 2022 draft No. 2- Offensive line
The Jaguars need to replenish the offensive line in 2022. Right guard A.J. Cann, left tackle Cam Robinson and left guard Andrew Norwell are set to become free agents next offseason. Backup interior lineman Tyler Shatley is also scheduled to hit the open market. Even if the front office manages to bring one or two of the aforementioned players, they need to add a few players in next year’s draft.
The Jags used the 45th overall pick in the 2021 selection meeting in Walker Little. After being inactive the first two games, he was placed in the COVID-19/Reserve list. Although he was active for the Jaguars game in London, it was until Week 10 that he got extended action, having to take Robinson’s place in the lineup at the last minute.
Head coach Urban Meyer and offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell were pleased with Walker’s performance but it remains to be seen if the team’s brass believes he’s the long-term answer at left tackle. Also, Jawaan Taylor will be entering the last year of his rookie contract. The team’s brass needs to decide what they want to do with him.
If the Jaguars want to draft an offensive tackle in the first round, Evan Neal and Ikem Okwonu are two names to keep an eye on. They could try to bring back Norwell, draft an offensive guard in the second or third round and take another in a later round. Thayer Munford of Ohio State and Zion Johnson could be worth a flyer in the second round.
Jaguars position need in the 2022 draft No. 3 – cornerback
The Jaguars found a keeper in cornerback Shaquill Griffin. The 2019 Pro Bowl nod joined the Jaguars in free agency and has quickly established himself as a key cog in the secondary. However, teams nowadays need more than just one cornerback, and Jacksonville could use a couple in next year’s draft.
The Jags selected Tyson Campbell with the 33rd overall pick in 2021. The former Georgia Bulldog has shown flashes but it’s far from a finished product. Even if he becomes a solid starter, the Jags need to bolster their cornerback room and add depth next year. Chris Claybrooks has struggled when given playing time and Nevin Lawson is a replacement-level player. Also, Tre Herndon is still dealing with an MCL injury he suffered in the preseason and is set to become a free agent in 2022.
Derek Stingley Jr. is currently the top cornerback prospect ahead of the draft, and the Jaguars may be in a position to take him. He would be a great addition to the defense but so would edge rusher George Karlaftis. The truth is that there are many paths Jacksonville can take with their first-round pick next year, which will most likely be in the top 10, maybe even top 5. They will need to decide which position to address first.
Regardless of what the Jags do early in the draft, they need to use a mid or late-round pick on a couple of cornerbacks to groom. They have several additional selections after trading linebacker Joe Schobert, tight end Josh Oliver, quarterback Gardner Minshew, and cornerback C.J. Henderson earlier this year.