Jaguars 7-round NFL mock draft April edition: Trenches become a priority

With free agency taking a backseat, NFL teams can fully turn their attention to the draft. The Jacksonville Jaguars are no different and after going on a shopping spree, they now have to decide how to best use the 12 draft picks they currently possess.

The Jags did a good job of addressing several needs in free agency but their roster was so devoid of talent last season that they still have a few holes to fill. They take care of those in this seven-round mock draft, which includes trades.

Jaguars 7-round mock draft: 1st round, No. 1 pick – Aidan Hutchinson, DE.

This is going to be a tough one for the Jaguars. They could easily take Alabama offensive tackle Evan Neal and have him play guard in his rookie season. They could then switch him to right or left tackle in 2023. Regardless of where he ultimately lines up, he’s would give Jacksonville’s offensive line a boost. Nevertheless Michigan defensive end Aidan Hutchinson gets the nod here, as he can turn the Jaguars’ front seven into a dominant group.

The Jaguars need to get a bookend pass rusher opposite outside linebacker Josh Allen and Hutchinson is the best of his class. He’s been compared to Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby and if the former Wolverine can achieve that level of play, the Jags will end up with a ferocious pass rush duo this upcoming season. Georgia’s Travon Walker and Oregon’s Kayvon Thibodeaux deserve consideration at number one too but Hutchinson may be the safest choice of the bunch.