3 mistakes the Jaguars must avoid at all cost in the 2024 NFL Draft
The Jacksonville Jaguars will need their 2024 NFL Draft class to contribute right out of the gate if they want to make a push for the AFC South title. While it's true that they addressed several needs in free agency, their division rivals also made moves that will put them in a position to compete in 2024.
With Trent Baalke leading the front office, the Jags have routinely nailed the first round. However, their track record on Days 2 and 3 hasn't been nearly as good. If they want to make the most out of their eight draft selections in 2024, they'll need to avoid the following three mistakes.
3. The Jaguars should entertain trade offers for some of their players
The Jaguars currently have a handful of players with trade value, and they shouldn't pass up the opportunity to move on them if a teams come calling. Veteran left tackle Cam Robinson, in particular, could garner interest from teams who need help at left tackle but miss out on the top prospects in Rounds 1 and 2.
Robinson has never been a Pro Bowl-caliber player but he's a grizzled veteran who can provide stability on the edge. He's set to have a salary of $16.2 million with a $1 million per game roster bonus next season but none of it is guaranteed. That may incentivize any potential suitors to get a deal done. Depending on the demand, the Jags could get anything from a third-round pick to a fifth. That said, Robinson may not be the only player clubs could inquire about.
The Jags have made it clear that they expect Robinson to be back in 2024. If they plan to keep him, they could then offer Walker Little to teams who are looking for a left tackle. Little is entering the last year of his rookie deal and has fared well when he's filled in for Robinson. If he's not in the team's long-term plans, they might as well see what they can get for him, possibly a sixth or seventh-round selection.
Former third-round pick Chad Muma provides solid depth but he won't get much playing time anytime soon. When you take into account that this year's linebacker class isn't that deep, Jacksonville may feel inclined to place him on the trade block. Muma's got starting potential but has struggled to get a featured role with the Jags. Maybe he can get a chance somewhere else.
The truth is that the Jaguars need to load up on talent in the draft, but they can also afford to unload a few players if clubs make a reasonable offer.