4 under-the-radar Jaguars targets to watch at NFL Scouting Combine

The NFL Scouting Combine is an important part of the draft process. It allows teams to watch prospects perform individual drills. It also gives them the chance to meet with players and get a better read of them. General manager Trent Baalke, for his part, says there's value in sitting with players and gathering as much information as he can. However, he believes the medical portion of the event is the most important part for the Jacksonville Jaguars.

"The thing we enjoy the most is getting in front of the players and just sitting down," Baalke told the media at the combine. "You only get 15 minutes roughly with them, trying to get as much information as you can a general impression on them. Don't use that impression too heavily in one way or the other. Some guys come in, they're nervous as cats, just like I am when I get up here. You try to get a feel for the player. That's all you're trying to do."

"You get a chance to watch them workout, more than that. Some of these guys aren't working out or they're not doing all the drills like they used to do, so it's a little bit different. The most important thing for us is the medical. It's really what the combine years ago was starting to do and that's what we're kind of back to. It's really a good place to get the medical assessment that you need to make decisions you need to make in the draft," Baalke said.

So which players should the Jaguars keep an eye on? There will be plenty but these four need to be on their radar.

4. Tanor Bortolini, Wisconsin, interior offensive line

Making upgrades to the center spot should be at the top of the Jacksonville Jaguars' to-do list this offseason. Fortunately for them, they'll be in a position to select Jackson Powers-Johnson, the top center in the draft, at No. 17.

But as good as Powers-Johnson is, he's not the only center the Jags could target in the draft. In fact, Trent Baalke told the media he thinks this year's interior offensive line group is pretty stacked, and one prospect the Jags may want to keep an eye on at the scouting combine is Tanor Bortolini.

A three-star recruit coming out of high school, Bortolini made 12 starts for Wisconsin last year. However, he also lined up at right guard, right tackle, and left guard. That kind of versatility could come in handy in Jacksonville. While he lacks elite strength, his footwork and outstanding pad level will allow him to win at the line scrimmage.

Brandon Thorn of the Bleacher Report scouting department says that Bortolini didn't do much to boost his stock at Senior Bowl practice but believes he could develop into a spot starter or depth piece. Maybe he needs more time to get acclimated to the center position but he would be worth a fourth or fifth-round pick.

In Jacksonville, Bortolini could compete with incumbent Luke Fortner for the center job or perhaps he could learn the nuances of playing guard behind veteran Brandon Scherff. Either way, he would be a solid developmental prospect in Jacksonville. He would also be a solid alternative in case they address other needs early in the draft but still want to add depth to the interior offensive line.

3. Darius Robinson, Missouri, edge rusher

The Jacksonville Jaguars will be picking outside the top 10 for the second straight year but they should still be in a position to select a building block at No. 17. Dallas Turner or Chop Robinson are a couple of intriguing prospects to consider at that point of the draft. However, they already have a pair of dominant pass rushers in Travon Walker and Josh Allen, so there's a chance the front office will turn their attention to other position groups.

That said, the Jags will still need to round out their pass-rush rotation if K'Lavon Chaisson leaves in free agency. One potential replacement for Chaisson in Rounds 3 or 4 of the draft is Missouri's Darious Robinson. At 6'5" and 263 pounds, Robinson has the size, length, and strength to play defensive end in the NFL. Although he lacks bend and needs to work on developing a repertoire of pass-rush moves, he could develop into a solid rotational piece.

Matt Holder of the B/R scouting department points out that Robinson's get-off isn't great but he can collapse the pocket and shed blocks with his length and power. Now, the former Mizzou Tiger may need time to hone his skills, but the Jaguars could afford to bring him along slowly behind Allen and Walker.

Another reason to consider using a draft pick on Robinson is that he could also provide depth in case the Jaguars switch to a 4-3 defense under Ryan Nielsen. Similarly, he could compete with sophomore Tyler Lacy for playing time and progressively earn playing time as a part of a rotation.

2. Elijah Jones, Boston College, cornerback

Even though Darious Williams and Tyson Campbell give the Jaguars a pair of quality corners, the team's brass may revamp the position this offseason. General manager Trent Baalke said as much at the Scouting Combine and he's right. Tre Herndon is set to become a free agent but even if they bring him back Williams and Campbell are entering the last year of their respective contracts, so the team may want to start looking for their potential replacement.

One player the Jags have been routinely linked to is Iowa's Cooper DeJean. They could very well take him at No. 17 but they won't be able to give him a closer look at the combine since he won't be doing individual drills. With DeJean out of the picture, for now, Jacksonville could turn their attention to Elijah Jones, a prospect who's garnered lots of praise following an enticing week of Senior Bowl practice.

Jones was a pretty productive cornerback at Boston College the past two years, registering seven interceptions and 21 passes defenses. Moreover, he gave up a 48.3 passer rating when targeted last season. The 2023 First-Team All-ACC won't wow scouts with his speed but his length and overall ball skills should get the Jaguars' attention.

At 6'1" and 184 pounds, he excels at diagnosing plays and tracking the football in the air. Lance Zierlein of NFL Media believes that teams that value ball production could see him as a CB3 with upside. In the Jags' case, they could target Cooper DeJean or any of the top cornerback prospects at No. 17 and later take Jones in the third or fourth round.

1. Brenden Rice, USC, wide receiver

The Jacksonville Jaguars have made it clear they want to re-sign Calvin Ridley. Trent Baalke said at the scouting combine that he recently met with him and both sides know where the other stands. Moreover, he says that he's not concerned about giving a second or third-round pick if that's what it takes to keep him. But even if they manage to retain Ridley, the Jags could still use some depth at wide receiver.

Last year, the offense suffered a noticeable dip in production when Zay Jones went down with injuries. Similarly, Christian Kirk's absence in the second half loomed large. The issue is that the Jaguars didn't have an adequate replacement in place for either Jones or Kirk. Sure, Parker Washington flashed in the slot when he filled in for Kirk but Jacksonville could benefit from adding depth and competition to the wide receiver corps.

One appealing option in the middle rounds will be USC's Brenden Rice. That's right the legendary Jerry Rice's son. While the younger Rice has gotten recognition because of his famous dad, he made a name for himself at USC, especially in 2023, when he hauled in 45 receptions for 791 yards and 12 touchdowns. At 6'3" and 205 pounds, he's a deep threat that could stretch the field for the Jaguars but also line up in the slot if needed.

Ian Cummings of Pro Football Network points out that Rice has good acceleration but needs to work on his release, especially when going against press coverage. Moreover, his route-running could use some work but he would be a late Day 2, possibly early Day 3 pickup.

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