4 draft prospects the Jacksonville Jaguars must keep an eye on in 2024 Senior Bowl
3. Javon Bullard, safety/defensive back
Safety isn't a pressing need for the Jaguars but the position could undergo a makeover this offseason. Veteran Rayshawn Jenkins has one year remaining on the contract he signed in 2021 but Jacksonville could free up $5.4 million in space if they release him. Given that Jenkin has been inconsistent throughout his stint with the Jags, there's a chance the team's brass will move on from him. On top of that, special teams ace Daniel Thomas is set to become a free agent.
If the Jaguars move on from Jenkins, Antonio Johnson will be the first in line to replace Jenkins. But if they want to keep Johnson in the slot, like they did last year, they could then look for a safety on draft day to fill the void. Javon Bullard is one to keep an eye on.
A three-star prospect out of high school, Bullard was a mainstay of the Bulldogs' defense, making plays at both nickel and safety. At 5'10" and 200 pounds, he's got the speed, short-area quickness, and recognition skills you want in a safety. Cory Giddins of the Bleacher Report scouting department points out that the 2023 All-SEC Second Team doesn't have ideal recovery speed and he needs to do a better job of wrapping up tackles.
On the other hand, Giddins praises Bullard for his versatility and ballhawks skills. He stood out in Senior Bowl practice, in particular, when he was able to fend off a pass intended for tight end Jaheim Bell on one-on-one drills.
Hell of a run fit rep from @GeorgiaFootball DB Javon Bullard. Some like him best at safety, but it’s easy to want him close to the LOS more from the slot bc of reps like this. Popped the WR and immediately got to the RB at the line pic.twitter.com/Om66Dscz8X
— Trevor Sikkema (@TampaBayTre) February 1, 2024
Giddins, along with Trevor Sikkema of Pro Football Focus, project Bullard to go in the second or third round. If he makes it to the third, the Jaguars should strongly consider using a pick on him.