3 next steps for Jacksonville Jaguars after free agency

No. 2 step on Jaguars offseason list – Draft DE Aidan Hutchinson.

The Jaguars added talent to every level of defense in free agency. They signed Folorunso Fatukasi to fortify their defensive front and revamped their linebacker corps with Foyesade Oluokun. Moreover, they inked Darious Williams even though they have two starting cornerbacks in Shaquill Griffin and Tyson Campbell.  The one position the Jags didn’t address was pass rusher but that might have been by design.

While the Jags could still sign someone like Jadeveon Clowney or Jason Pierre Paul, all signs point to them taking Michigan defensive end Aidan Hutchinson with the top pick in the 2022 NFL Draft.

Just a month ago, Alabama offensive tackle Evan Neal and North Carolina State’s Ikem Ekwonu seemed like realistic choices to go first overall However, they both now look like long shots after the Jaguars chose to tag Cam Robinson for the second year in a row. Right now Hutchinson is the favorite to be the No. 1 pick.

In the past few days, reports about the Jaguars taking Georgia defensive lineman Travon Walker with the top pick have surfaced. The former Bulldog is certainly a fine prospect that could turn into a solid pro but he’s not as polished as Hutchinson at this point and it may not make sense to take a project at No.1 even one with a high ceiling.

Had the Jaguars not brought back Robinson, Neal should have been their pick but him out of the picture, Hutchinson should get the call on draft night.