The Jacksonville Jaguars still have a favorable chance of making the playoffs even though they're riding a three-game losing streak. At 8-6, they have enough talent to get hot, seize the AFC South title for the second straight year, and make a deep playoff run. Having said that, the Jags are a flawed team.
Some of their weaknesses have come to light in recent weeks, and they'll need to address them in the offseason if they don't want to regress in 2024. While the front office can take care of some of those needs in free agency, the draft will also give several options.
In particular, the first round will feature lots of talented prospects who could fix some of the Jags' most glaring holes. Here are three they should keep their eye on.
3. Troy Fautanu, OL, Washington
The Jaguars could need one or two starting guards next offseason. Ezra Cleveland, who's brought stability on the left side, is set to become a free agent. Although it would make sense to bring him back for at least one more year, it's uncertain if that's part of the team's offseason plans.
Also, Brandon Scherff will have a hefty cap figure in 2024. the team may be better off releasing him and creating space. General manager Trent Baalke could replace him with someone like Robert Hunt or Kevin Dotson in free agency, but they could also target Troy Fautanu in Round 1.
Mostly a left tackle at Washington, Fautanu's best fit in the NFL could be at guard, a position he also played in college. At 6'4", he's got the size and the speed to thrive inside. Although he needs to fine-tune his overall technique, he excels in pass protection. He's equally adept as a run blocker, something the Jaguars sorely need on the interior offensive line.
Offensive line coach Phil Rauscher helped Anton Harrison transition to right tackle after lining up on the left side in college. Rauscher could help Fautanu make a similar switch next year.
2. Keon Coleman, WR, Florida State
The Jaguars traded for Calvin Ridley last year expecting him to become a WR1. So far, the results have been mixed, and it's uncertain if he'll return to the team in 2024. He's slated to hit the open market and if they extend him, they'll need to give the Atlanta Falcons a second-round pick as part of the deal they made to acquire him. If Jacksonville lets Ridley walk, it will then be a third-rounder.
If management does decide to move on from Ridley, they can look for his replacement in Round 1. One prospect to keep an eye on is Keon Coleman, who's been a game-changer for FSU in 2023. A four-star recruit out of high school, Coleman began his collegiate career at Michigan State before transferring to Florida State earlier this year.
Right off the bat, Coleman made his presence felt, hauling in 50 receptions for 658 yards with 11 touchdowns this season. He played a role in helping FSU go 13-0 but he's ready to turn the page, having just announced his intentions to enter the 2024 draft.
Even though scouts won't be able to watch Coleman in the Orange Bowl, they should have a pretty good idea of what he brings to the table. The Louisiana native lacks elite speed but he's fast enough to create separation. At 6'4", he would give a big target in the red zone, something they've lacked this season.
This is a good year to draft a receiver in the first draft of the round. While Marvin Harrison Jr. will be gone by the time the Jags are on the clock, they'll still have several enticing options, including Coleman, who can give the wide receiver corps a huge boost.
1. Dallas Turner, Edge, Alabama
Adding a pass rusher must be one of the team's top priorities next offseason. In fact, it was a need this year but they failed to address it even though they had several chances. With Dawuane Smoot and K'Lavon Chaisson scheduled to become free agents, the Jaguars will need to add a No. 3 behind Travon Walker and Josh Allen.
But even if the front office brought back Smoot (or even Chaisson), they need a game-changer to round out their rotation. Landing Brian Burns or Danielle Hunter in free agency would be huge but it may be cost prohibitive. Leaving aside that they're both going to command top-market money, the Jaguars also need to give Allen an extension and it won't probably come cheap.
From a cap perspective, looking for a pass rusher early in the draft may be the best course of action. Chop Robinson has previously been mocked to the Jags. The Penn State product would most fortify their rotation and he should be available late in the first round. However, he's not the only edge rusher Jacksonville should consider at that point of the draft. Dallas Turner would be another option.
Turner, a five-star recruit out of high school, was an integral piece of Alabama's puzzle this season. The Fort Lauderdale, Florida native has the size, speed, and power to wreak havoc at the line of scrimmage. While his hand technique needs some work, he's got a wide array of pass-rush at his disposal.
Turner may need to bulk up to succeed in the NFL but his upside and potential ceiling should be intriguing enough for the Jaguars to consider taking him in the first round of the draft.