5 Jacksonville Jaguars with most to gain from a positive 2022 draft

2. Jacksonville Jaguars outside linebacker Josh Allen.

Outside linebacker Josh Allen has been one of the few hits the Jaguars have had in the draft over the last ten years and he’s entering a crucial season. General manager Trent Baalke recently told the media that the team hasn’t discussed whether they will exercise the fifth-year option on his rookie deal.

The truth is that using the option is a no-brainer and once the Jaguars exercise it, they need to work out a long-term deal with Allen. He’s a franchise building block and the organization needs to make a commitment to him. They also need to surround him with more talent.

Allen is Jacksonville’s best defender and the team’s brass needs to get him a bookend pass rusher. Fortunately, it looks like that’s precisely what they will do with the first overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. Whether it’s Georgia’s Travon Walker or Michigan’s Aidan Hutchinson, the Jags are poised to take an edge defender. On the off chance they select an offensive lineman, they will then need to select someone like Penn State defensive end Arnold Ebiketie or even Florida State’s Jermaine Johnson if he’s still available in the second round.

Also, the Jaguars could add another defensive tackle to take on blockers at the line of scrimmage and pave the way for Allen to make plays. Georgia Devonte Wyatt would be a terrific addition in the second round to go along with either Walker or Hutchinson.