The Jacksonville Jaguars underwent a huge turnaround in Year 1 of the Liam Coen era. However, their loss to the Buffalo Bills was a reminder that they still have plenty of work to do if they want to reach the Super Bowl. As the Seahawks proved in their win over the Patriots, stacking your defense at all three levels will increase your chances of coming out of the championship game
Coincidentally, most of the Jags' needs this offseason are on defense, and if they want to get over the top, they'll need to make upgrades on that side of the ball. That's precisely what they do in this four-round mock draft.
Round 2, pick 56: The Jaguars select Lee Hunter, Texas Tech
The Jaguars have several needs, but the biggest one is arguably defensive tackle. Outside Arik Armstead, they don't have much talent at the position. Compounding the issue is that he could be a cap casualty.
Whether Armstead returns or not, Jacksonville needs to fortify the interior trenches, and Lee Hunter may be the best available option in Round 2 of the draft. The former Texas Tech Raider knows how to shed blocks and has the power to wreak havoc at the line of scrimmage. He lacks ideal athleticism but could thrive as part of a rotation in Jacksonville.
Round 3, pick 81: The Jaguars select Darrell Jackson Jr., Florida State
Precisely because defensive tackle needs to be a priority, the Jaguars double-dip at the position in the draft. After taking Lee Hunter in Round 2, they use their first selection in the third round on Darrell Jackson Jr.
The former Florida State Seminole can collapse the pocket and take on blocks, which allows his teammates to make plays. In Jacksonville, he could be an heir apparent to DaVon Hamilton: Be part of a rotation early in his NFL career and take on a bigger role as he progresses.
Round 3, pick 88: The Jaguars select cornerback Malik Muhammad, Texas
The Jaguars may or may not re-sign cornerback Montaric Brown before free agency. Regardless, they need to add reinforcements at the position. Jarrian Jones and Jourdan Lewis give them a pair of dependable options in the slot, but they need a starter opposite two-way star Travis Hunter in the boundaries. Malik Muhammad fits the bill.
Muhammad was an immediate contributor at Texas as a rookie. He possesses superb instincts and has the versatility to line up inside or outside. The former Lonhorn needs to work on his technique when dropping back but could get playing time early in his rookie season.
Round 3, pick 100: The Jaguars select linebacker Taurean York, Texas A&M
There's a strong chance that Devin Lloyd will leave in free agency. Ventrell Miller will be the first in line to replace him, but Jacksonville shouldn't hesitate to add reinforcements at linebacker in the draft. It would be great if Jacob Rodriguez were available at No. 100, but if he isn't, Taurean York would be an intriguing alternative.
York lacks frame, which isn't ideal against the run. However, the former Texas A&M Aggie has outstanding coverage skills and sideline-to-sideline rage.
Round 4, pick 124: The Jaguars select edge Mikail Kamara, Indiana
Having taken care of their biggest needs, the Jaguars can now turn their attention to the pass rush. Travon Walker and Josh Hines-Allen are firmly entrenched as the starters on the edge, but the team's brass needs to round out the rotation.
Jacksonville has a pair of intriguing depth pieces in Danny Striggow and B.J. Green II but you can never have too many pass rushers. Enter Mikail Kamara.
The Indiana product has earned comparisons to Yannick Ngakoue. He doesn't have top-end athletic traits, but his relentless pass-rush motor and his sound technique allow him to get after the quarterback. The Jags could most definitely use Kamara.