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

Jaguars 7-round mock draft: 2nd round, No. 33 pick – Zion Johnson, OG.

Passing on Evan Neal would be tough but the Jaguars still need to bolster their offensive line and instead of waiting until later rounds, they take Boston College offensive guard Zion Johnson with the first selection of the second round, the 33rd overall.

Cam Robinson is set to start at left tackle for the Jaguars while Walker Little could compete with Jawaan Taylor for the right tackle job. Tyler Shatley will most likely be their starting center. The newly-acquired Brandon Scherff will be lining up at right guard, possibly leaving left guard as the only question mark for the 2022 season.

Third-year interior offensive lineman Ben Bartch will most likely get the first crack at guard, as he’s done a serviceable job when pressed into action in the past two seasons. However, Johnson could come in and compete with him for the starting job.

A three-year starter at Boston College, Johnson is a mauler in the running game. He’s also pretty good in pass-blocking situations, having allowed just six pressures in 2021. Brandon Thorn of the Bleacher Report scouting department describes the former Eagle as a “polished, well-rounded player” that can be a starter on Day 1. On the other hand, draft analyst Lance Zierlein of NFL Media believes “his ability to deal with the athleticism” of defensive linemen at the NFL level could be a cause for concern. Either way, if he falls to the second round, the Jaguars can’t pass up the chance to take him.