You could make the case that the Jacksonville Jaguars overpaid for some of the players they signed in free agency but given the state of the franchise and the fact that they were coming off a 3-14 season, it may have been the best course of action. After all, they refrained from making big-splash acquisitions the previous two seasons, and that approach didn’t take them anywhere.
Having said that, the Jags still have a few roster holes, even after their shopping spree in free agency. Fortunately, they will have 12 picks, four in the first three rounds, of the 2022 NFL Draft. Here’s a three-round mock draft in which they take care of the needs they didn’t address in free agency.
Jaguars mock draft – 1st round, 1st overall pick: Aidan Hutchinson, EDGE.
Back at the scouting combine, general manager Trent Baalke said the Jaguars would be listening for offers to trade the first overall pick. However, their phone isn’t ringing, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Media, and it looks like they will ultimately keep the selection.
Based on their free agency moves, it looks like the Jaguars will take a pass rusher. For that reason, Michigan defensive end Aidan Hutchinson is the favorite to go No. 1. Georgia’s Travon Walker has seen his draft stock raise in previous weeks and while he might have a higher ceiling than Hutchinson, the latter is the more polished of the two.
Thus, it makes sense for Jacksonville to take Hutchinson, who can make an impact from Day 1 while Walker might need some time to work on his game and make the leap to the NFL.
Jaguars mock draft – 2nd round, 33rd overall pick: George Pickens, WR.
The Jaguars did a good job of revamping their wide receiver corps. Although they may have paid more than they should for Christian Kirk and Zay Jones, both of them should become important contributors on Jacksonville’s offense. On the other hand, the Jaguars’ brass needs to consider adding another wide receiver in the draft, and if possible double up on the position.
This is going to be an odd year to take a wide receiver. Take a look at three different big boards and will see three different rankings. Had Jameson William not gotten hurt last year, maybe (just maybe) he would be the top receiving prospect of his class. In fact, he might be available when the Jags are on the clock with the 33rd overall pick. However, they should go with Georgia’s George Pickens to round out their receiver group.
Both Williams and Pickens sustained ACL injuries last year but Pickens’ was in spring practice and he was able to return in time for the College Football Playoffs. The former Bulldog popped up at number four in Pro Football Focus’ wide receiver rankings. Analyst Sam Monson notes that Pickens has “all the physical tools to dominate“. He never had more than 49 receptions in a season at the collegiate level but he often showed an ability to stretch the field and make plays whenever he had the football in his hands. Moreover, he only had two drops in 139 targets.
Jaguars mock draft – 3rd round, 65th overall pick: Dylan Parham, C.
It would be tempting to sign Matt Paradis or even J.C. Tretter before the 2022 NFL Draft. Both centers are still available in the open market after becoming free agents this past March. However, the Jaguars should wait until after the selection meeting to take a flyer on either veteran.
After all, the Jags will have their fair share of center prospects in the draft. Tyler Linderbaum could be too good to pass up at No. 33 if he happens to slide. On the other hand, Dylan Parham should be available in the third round.
Parham made 12 starts at right guard last season but has also lined up at left guard and right tackle. He projects as a center in the pros but the Jaguars could certainly use his flexibility to play different positions. While the former Memphis Tiger needs to polish his footwork, he’s got the size and power to successfully make the transition to center.
Tyler Shatley is the incumbent at center after Brandon Linder retired but Jacksonville needs to start preparing for the future. Keep in mind that Shatley is still under contract for two more seasons and has managed to remain healthy throughout most of his career. Nevertheless, the Jags need a long-term answer at the position. They could take Parham with the 65th overall pick and groom him behind Shatley. If he makes a quick transition, he could compete with Shatley during training camp and if he loses, he could sit and learn behind the veteran center.
Jaguars mock draft – 3rd round, 70th overall pick: Trey McBride.
The Jaguars acquired an extra third-round pick, along with tight end Dan Arnold, when they traded cornerback C.J. Henderson to the Carolina Panthers right after Week 3 of the 2021 season. Arnold went on to become one of the primary targets in Jacksonville’s offense but an MCL injury forced him to miss the last six games.
Arnold will still have an important role in 2022 and Evan Engram, who signed a one-year deal in free agency, will get his fair share of targets. However, both players are set to become free agents next offseason and the Jags need to replenish their tight end room in this year’s draft with their extra third-round selection. That’s why it makes sense to take Trey McBride in the third round. Cincinnati wide receiver Alec Pierce should get consideration if he’s available at No. 70 but McBride should get the nod, especially if the Jags take a wideout in the second round.
The downside of taking McBride is that he might not play right away but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. By the time the Jags are on the clock at No. 70, they will have most likely addressed most of their roster needs. That would allow them to turn their attention to prospects with the potential to become starters. McBride could be one of those players. Last season, the former Ram caught 90 receptions for 1,121 yards with one touchdown. He could work on his pass-blocking skills in his rookie season and join the starting lineup in 2023.