The Jacksonville Jaguars could most definitely add reinforcements at linebacker after Devin Lloyd bolted for the Carolina Panthers in free agency. However, the cupboard isn't fully bare due to the presence of Ventrell Miller, who's getting a shot to fill the void left by Lloyd's exit. This is why it would be a bit shocking to see the Jags take a linebacker early in the draft, but that's precisely what Mel Kiper Jr. of ESPN thinks they'll do with the 52nd overall pick.
While the Jaguars have a well-rounded roster and may be able to go the "best player available" route in Round 2, it would be odd to see them take linebacker Jaishawn Barham, as Kiper suggests.
The Jaguars pick Jaishawn Barham at No. 56 in Mel Kiper's NFL Mock Draft
Mel Kiper Jr. just did a 2-round mock draft and had the Jaguars taking Jaishawn Barham in Round 2, arguing that he could bolster their pass rush. Here's the skinny.
"The Jaguars don't have a first-round pick, but they do have 11 total selections. So they have the chance to attack some needs," Kiper wrote. "One of them is edge rusher, as they ranked 27th in sacks last season (32). Barham is an intriguing player to watch on Day 2, and he could be a good fit in Jacksonville. He had four sacks and 23 pressures last season."
At 6'3" and 240 pounds, Barham is more of an off-linebacker than a defensive end. While he can line up on a three-point stance, he may not have the size to play on the edge full-time. On the other hand, the former Michigan Wolverine excels at getting after the quarterback and stuffing the run.
Barham has superb instincts and range, so that would come in handy in the Jacksonville defense. However, he relies on his athleticism more than techquine and needs to refine his pass-rush repertoire.
When you take into account that the consensus sees Barham as a Round 3 or 4 pick (he barely cracked Dan Brugler's top 100 on The Athletic), taking him at No. 56 might be a bit of a reach. Make no mistake, he could definitely give the Jaguars linebacker corps a boost, but they already re-signed Dennis Gardeck to a two-year deal.
Why the Jaguars may pass on Jaishawn Barham in Round 2 of the draft
Like Jaishawn Barham, Dennis Gardeck can rush the quarterback but is better suited to be a standup linebacker. Sure, Devin Lloyd just left in free agency, but Jacksonville has 2023 fourth-round pick Ventrell Miller in the mix. Just recently, head coach Liam Coen heaped praise on him, stating that the former Florida Gator should be thrilled that the team hasn't brought in anyone else to compete.
Granted, things could change at any moment, and the Jaguars could most definitely take a linebacker in the draft. However, the interior defensive line and the pass rush are bigger priorities. You could make the case that Barham would address the latter, but general manager James Gladstone may want to acquire a more traditional defensive end, as he may be a better fit in defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile's scheme.
If the Jaguars want to go linebacker in Round 2, it may make more sense to target Texas Tech's Jacob Rodriguez or Texas' Anthony Hill Jr. Leaving aside that they met with Hill, both of them could be more realistic replacements for Devin Lloyd, as either one could compete with Miller for the starting job next to Foyesade Oluokun.
It's also worth noting that this is going to be a good year to draft a pass rusher, something James Gladstone has acknowledged, so Jacksonville could most definitely afford to wait until Rounds 3 or 4 to round out the rotation behind Travon Walker and Josh Hines-Allen.
There's no denying that Jaishawn Barham is a dynamic player, but unless he slides to Round 3, the Jaguars may be better off addressing another position at No. 56.
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