3 bold predictions for the Jacksonville Jaguars in the 2024 NFL Draft
The Jacksonville Jaguars were able to make upgrades across the roster in free agency, but if they want to be a legitimate contender in 2024, they'll have to keep loading on talent in the 2024 NFL Draft.
The thing about the draft, though, is that you always come to expect the unexpected. Every year, a team comes out of nowhere and makes a huge trade. Similarly, it's common for prominent prospects to experience a slide and go later than originally projected.
This begs the question, will the Jags make an unexpected move (maybe a few) on Draft Day? History says it's a possibility. With that in mind, here are three predictions.
3. The Jaguars will take a quarterback on Day 3 of the draft
At first sight, there's nothing particularly bold about taking a quarterback to develop in the later rounds of the draft. The issue is that the Jaguars are stacked at the position, so it won't be a priority in 2024. Trevor Lawrence is firmly entrenched at center, and if the offensive line does a good job of protecting him, he won't leave the field much in 2024.
Behind Lawrence is veteran C.J. Beathard, who helped the Jags beat the Carolina Panthers late in 2023. Also in the mix is Mac Jones. Throughout the offseason, Jones was discussed as a trade candidate, but only the Jaguars showed legitimate interest in him, which is why they managed to acquire him in exchange for just a sixth-round selection.
Lawrence has credited Beathard for helping him prepare for Game Day but Jones is the superior player and should be QB2 come Week 1. There's a chance the Jaguars will carry three quarterbacks into the season but they could also release Beathard and sign him to the practice squad.
Another alternative would be to trade Beathard to a team in need of a veteran backup. That would leave the door open to selecting a quarterback in the draft. This isn't far-fetched when you take into account that the Jags brought Oklahoma's Spence Rattler in for a top-30 visit.
Maybe Rattler's visit was as a nothing burger, but there's also a chance the Jaguars are weighing the possibility of drafting a developmental quarterback. After all, Beathard is as limited as they come and Jones is set to become a free agent next year.
Why not start looking for potential options and replenish the quarterback room while you can? Other options besides Rattler, who could be gone in Round 3, are Jordan Travis and Michael Pratt.