With free agency looming, the Jacksonville Jaguars still have a bit of time left to get a deal done with cornerback Montaric Brown, who's scheduled to hit the open market. The 2022 seventh-round selection is coming off a breakout season, so having him back would give the Jags continuity on defense, especially when you take into account that linebacker Devin Lloyd is all but guaranteed to leave.
Having said that, there's a realistic chance Brown will walk. If he does, Jacksonville will probably need to turn to the draft to find his replacement because the team is dealing with cap constraints. This, in turn, could make it challenging to pursue some of the top corners in the open market.
The good news is that even though the Jaguars lack a first-round pick, there will be no shortage of cornerback prospects when they're on the clock at No. 52. In fact, Dane Brugler of The Athletic has them addressing the position in his latest mock.
The Athletic mocks Arizona State CB Keith Abney to the Jaguars in Round 2
Dane Brugler put together a two-round NFL mock draft that has Keith Abney going to the Jaguars in the second round. This isn't necessarily surprising, as cornerback is one of their top needs, and he's previously been mocked to them.
While this is a year to find a slot cornerback, teams in need of help in the perimeter won't have nearly as much luck in the draft. The Jaguars, for their part, already have a couple of capable nickels in Jourdan Lewis and Jarrian Jones but need one in the boundaries to pair opposite Travis Hunter, who'll tentatively play defense full-time next season. Abney would be a great option.
At 6'0" and 190 pounds, Abney has the ideal size and length to play outside. The past two seasons, he had a combined five interceptions and 21 passes defensed. If that wasn't enough, the former Sun Devil can play man or zone, making him an ideal fit for defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile's scheme. Having said that, Jacksonville may not be the only team that sets its sights on him.
The Kansas City Chiefs, the New Orleans Saints, and the Green Bay Packers also need help at corner, and all of them pick before the Jags, so there's a chance he could be gone by the time they're on the clock at No. 56.
Why the Jaguars may or may not target Keith Abney in the draft
As talented as Keith Abney is, the Jaguars may want to prioritize the defensive trenches, especially if they manage to re-sign Montaric Brown. They could also replace Devin Lloyd with either Anthony Hill Jr. or Jacob Rodriguez in Round 2, so there are different routes they can take.
Of course, the Jags could zero in on Abney if they add reinforcements at defensive tackle or the pass rush in free agency. If they don't, though, he would offer an intriguing option in the draft.
Ultimately, the Jaguars should feel good about the options they have not only to fortify their cornerback room but address the larger scale roster as a whole in spite of their dearth of cap space.