4 reasons for Jaguars fans to remain optimistic amid all the losing in 2021

3. The Jaguars will pick in the top 5 in the 2022 NFL Draft.

Players taken at the top of the draft have a higher success rate than those picked later rounds. They are often given more playing time, and several chances to prove they can play. After all, if a prospect doesn’t pan out, it reflects poorly in a team’s front office. That’s why it’s understandable to be skeptical about the Jaguars’ draft acumen.

Even though Jacksonville has had a top draft pick in recent years, with the exception of 2018, they’ve failed to either add enough playmakers or keep them. Josh Allen has turned out to be the player they expected back in 2019 but other than him, they don’t have much to show for. Defensive tackle Taven Bryan, their 2018 first-round pick, has played in recent weeks but it’s uncertain if he will be back with the team next year.

None of the players the Jaguars have drafted in the first round prior to 2018 remain with the team. Having said that, there’s a new management in place. After giving the boot to David Caldwell last season, the team promoted Trent Baalke from director of player personnel to general manager.

As of this writing, the Jags hold the second overall pick. Baalke will be trusted to get a difference-maker with that selection, and he will have his fair share of choices. He could target a wide receiver like Garrett Wilson, left tackle Even Neal, or an edge rusher like Aidan Hutchinson or George Karlaftis. Taking the right player will help the Jags turn the corner.