3 irresistible prospects the Jaguars could trade up for in the 2024 NFL Draft

The Jacksonville Jaguars hold the 17th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, but nobody will bat an eye if they move up a few spots or trade back to hoard extra selections. Last year, they had the 24th pick but moved back twice before taking Anton Harrison at No. 27. On the other hand, general manager Trent Baalke showed in 2022 that he's also willing to trade up.

That year, Jacksonville jumped back into the first round after taking Travon Walker first overall to select linebacker Devin Lloyd. In the same draft, they traded a sixth-round pick to take running back Snoop Conner in the fifth round. This is to say that the team's brass won't hesitate to trade up if that means getting a player they want, and these three deserve consideration.

3. Malik Nabers, WR, LSU

The consensus sees Marvin Harrison Jr. as the top receiver prospect in the draft. However, his refusal to work out ahead of the draft has allowed Malik Nabers to narrow the gap. Harrison may still be the first receiver drafted in 2024 but Nabers could also go in the top 10.

The Jags could reportedly trade up to take Rome Odunze but Nabers should also deserve consideration. Cameron Wolfe of NFL Media says that multiple teams have him as WR1 on their draft boards.

Just recently, the former LSU Tiger had visits with the Arizona Cardinals (pick No. 4) and Los Angeles Chargers (pick No. 5), showing that teams do hold him in high regard. Last year, Nabers hauled in 89 receptions for 1,569 yards with 14 touchdowns.

Nabers confirmed he's an outstanding athlete at his pro day. Besides running the 40-yard dash in 4.35 seconds, he posted a 42-inch vertical and a 10-foot-9 broad jump.

Would it be costly to trade up for Nabers? You bet, but it would ensure the Jaguars will get Trevor Lawrence a bonafide No. 1 receiver.

2. Jared Verse, Edge, Florida State

The Jaguars could bolster their pass-rush rotation even after signing Trevis Gipson in free agency. Gipson showed in 2021 that he can get after the quarterback, registering seven sacks. However, he's coming off a down season, so the team's brass may want to err on the side of caution and add another player in the draft.

At No. 17, the Jags could be in a position to take Dallas Turner or Laiatu Latu. They may also be able to trade down a few spots and take the athletic, albeit raw, Chop Robinson. But if the front office wants to get the best edge defender of the class, they should move up for Jared Verse.

An unranked recruit out of high school, Verse posted 29.5 tackles for loss and 18 sacks in two seasons at Florida State. His speed and power allow him to get after the quarterback and defend the run. On top of that, he knows how to use his hands and has developed a handful of pass-rush moves, so he could have an impact right off the bat.

Verse isn't particularly great in coverage, which makes him better suited to play with his hand on the ground. That's precisely the kind of player who could thrive in Jaguars defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen's 4-3 front.

The Jaguars already have Travon Walker and Josh Allen in the fold but Verse could take their pass rush from good to great in 2024.

1. JC Latham, OT, Alabama

Offensive tackle doesn't rank particularly high on the Jaguar's list of needs ahead of the draft, but that may not stop the team's brass from revamping the position. Cam Robinson was seen as a potential cap-casualty ahead of free agency but head coach Doug Pederson said he expected him to be on the roster come Week 1. General manager Trent Baalke echoed that sentiment. That said, plans can always change.

The Jags could free up over $17 million in space if they release or trade Robinson. The demand for left tackles outweighs the supply, so a team in need at the position may try to acquire him. This doesn't mean it will happen, but if it does, Jacksonville could easily move Anton Harrison to the left side.

Harrison, a first-round pick in 2023, lined up on the right side as a rookie but mostly played left tackle at Oklahoma. He's said that he wouldn't be opposed to a switch, and that could create a need on the right edge if the team's brass isn't sold on third-year pro Walker Little. The good news is that this is a good year to draft an offensive tackle.

The Jags could go take Troy Fautanu at No. 17 but if they are targeting JC Latham, they may need to trade up a few spots, as teams such as the Los Angeles Chargers, the Tennessee Titans or even the Las Vegas Raiders may be in the market for an offensive tackle.

At 6'6", Latham's got the size, power, and athleticism to be a plug-in starter at right tackle. While he needs to polish his footwork, he knows how to fend off defenders with his hands and is a willing blocker in the running game.

There's a good chance the Jaguars will go with Cam Robinson and Anton Harrison as their starting tackles next season, but if they change their mind, trading up for JC Latham may be an appealing option.

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