3 mistakes the Jaguars must avoid at all cost in the 2024 NFL Draft
2. The Jaguars must avoid giving up too many resources to bolster WR unit
The Jaguars need help at wide receiver after losing Calvin Ridley in free agency. Brian Thomas Jr. or Keon Coleman would be intriguing options at No. 17, but if the team's brass wants to bolster their cornerback room, they could easily wait until Round 2 to add a receiver. Having said that, they could also move up if they want to land one of the top receiver prospects.
Let's say the Jags are targeting either Brian Thomas Jr. or Rome Odunze, they would need to move into the top 10 to land either one, and that's if they're still available. There's a chance they won't make it past pick No. 8. Compounding the issue is that moving up eight spots may not come in cheap, especially if there's demand for the pick.
If Ryan Poles wants to trade up or down, he'll have options. Here are 8 trade options the Bears could have for the No. 9 pickhttps://t.co/xvloLxAFGb
— Bears Talk (@NBCSBears) April 11, 2024
On the other hand, the Jaguars could attempt to acquire an established veteran. They already called the San Francisco 49ers to inquire about Brandon Aiyuk and Tee Higgins could be available.
The downside of trading a proven receiver is that the Jaguars will need to be ready to make a heavy investment. On top of parting ways with compensation (probably draft picks), they'll need to give whoever they acquire a new contract. That could turn out to be cost-prohibitive.
For instance, a trade proposal has the Jags trading Justin Jefferson for two first-round picks. Make no mistake, Jefferson is a great receiver, arguably the best in the NFL right now, but it wouldn't make sense for Jacksonville to give up premium picks and give him a top-market contract. As good as he is, he alone won't get Jacksonville over the hump.
The bottom line is that there are several paths the Jaguars can take to fortify their wide receiver corps but they should only consider a trade if it's reasonable.