There's no doubt that the Jacksonville Jaguars could use help at linebacker after Devin Lloyd bolted for the Carolina Panthers. That said, they could afford to address other positions first in the draft because they're seemingly building in 2023 fourth-round pick Ventrell Miller, who'll get the first crack at replacing Lloyd.
Just recently, head coach Liam Coen heaped praise on Miller, pointing out that if it were him, he would be thrilled to see that the team hasn't brought in other linebackers to compete with him. Of course, that could certainly change in the draft.
In fact, a couple of analysts expect Jacksonville to go linebacker at No. 52. With this in mind, here's a look at a handful of mock drafts.
Pro Football Network: Anthony Hill Jr., linebacker, Texas
In a recent seven-round mock draft, T.J. Randall of Pro Football Network has the Jaguars taking Anthony Hill Jr. in Round 2. Now, this isn't the first time the Jaguars are connected to the former Texas Longhorn. They met with him during the scouting combine, so you can tell that they're interested in him.
Either way, Hill is one of the top linebackers in the draft, so if Jacksonville wants to go the "best player available" route, he would most definitely make sense at No. 56.
The Athletic: Jake Golday, linebacker, Cincinnati
Anthony Hill. Jr isn't the only linebacker who's been connected to the Jaguars during the draft process. Jacob Rodriguez has been a trendy pick. Like his Texas counterpart, Rodriguez could come in and start next to Foyesade Oluokun right off the bat, so if Jacksonville were targeting a linebacker in Round 2, he would also be a solid pick.
But Nick Baundergaum of The Athletic has the Jags taking Cincinnati's Jake Golday in a recent mock draft. This isn't necessarily a bad thing. He just had them address a need with a different player. Heck, Field Yates of ESPN also has Trotter going to Jacksonville in another mock draft.
Make no mistake, Golday has the tools to develop into a three-down linebacker, so he could definitely help Jacksonville. However, the interior defensive line and the pass rush are bigger needs.
Fansided: Josiah Trotter, linebacker, Mizzou
But wait, there's more! Cody Williams of Fansided has Jacksonville picking Josiah Trotter at linebacker. As you can see, a trend is emerging. Three different writers have the Jaguars going linebacker at No. 56, even though nothing indicates they will. It doesn't mean they won't, but it's curious to see the consensus think that they will.
Anyway, Trotter has the speed, athleticism, and instincts to stymie the run. On the other hand, he isn't that great in coverage, a flaw that could hinder him in the NFL.
Of course, there are other analysts who still think the Jaguars will address the defensive line. Chad Reuter of NFL Media is one of them, with defensive tackle Rayshaun Benny going to Jacksonville at No. 56.
With the draft less than two weeks away, it will be interesting to see what the Jaguars will ultimately do.