5 most exciting options for the Jaguars at No. 17 in the 2024 NFL Draft

Heading into the 2024 NFL Draft, there's been chatter about the Jacksonville Jaguars potentially moving into the top 10. If they do, it will be to select one of the top receivers in the class. Probably Malik Nabers or Rome Odunze. Having said that, there's a chance they'll stay put at No. 17.

For starters, it's not a given Odunze or Nabers will make it to No. 9, the spot Jacksonville would likely need to get to have a shot at landing either one. If both are gone by then, trading up may not make much sense. Moreover, wide receiver isn't the only need the team must address. They must also bolster their cornerback room and they won't have to trade up to do so.

This begs the question, what direction should the Jaguars go if they keep the 17th overall pick? Here are the best five.

5. DT Byron Murphy II, Texas

The Jaguars hit it out of the ballpark when they signed Arik Armstead in free agency. Last year, they couldn't stop teams from running the ball at ease and weren't able to create pressure from the interior. Armstead will help fix both issues.

With the former Oregon Duck in the mix, though, making upgrades to the interior defensive line is no longer a priority. But that shouldn't stop them from considering Byron Murphy II at No. 17. It's true that Jacksonville has bigger needs but they should strongly consider taking a flyer on him if he's available when they're on the clock.

Murphy is arguably the best defensive tackle of the class. Last year, he registered five sacks, eight tackles for a loss, and 40 total pressures for the Longhorns. Those would be solid numbers from a defensive end. They're great coming from an interior defender.

On top of that, Murphy backed up his tape at Texas with an impressive outing at his pro day. Besides running the 40-yard dash in 4.87 seconds, he had a 1.69-second time in the 10-yard split. Simply put, the Desoto checks off all the boxes you want from a high-end prospect.