5 most exciting options for the Jaguars at No. 17 in the 2024 NFL Draft
4. Edge rusher Laiatu Latu, Edge Rusher
Like defensive tackle, pass rusher isn't a pressing need for the Jags, as they have a pair of bookend pass rushers in Josh Allen and Travon Walker. The duo logged a combined 27.5 sacks between the two in 2023. There are reasons to believe they'll be even better under defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen.
Also, the Jags signed Trevis Gipson in free agency. While he's coming off a down season, he's previously shown he can get after the quarterback, so he could turn out to be a low-risk, high-reward kind of addition to the pass rush. That said, the Jags could and should continue to bolster the rotation.
Laiatu Latu wasn't medically cleared after suffering a neck injury in college. He spent a year away from football but dominated at UCLA once he returned, registering 34 tackles for a loss, 23.5 sacks, and five forced fumbles in 2022-2023.
Latu says he hasn't heard any concerns about the neck injury, so it looks like it shouldn't be an issue come Draft Day. If teams think he's fully healthy, he may not make it past pick 15, but if he's still on the board at No. 17, he will give the Jags a difficult decision.
3. Offensive tackle Troy Fautanu, Washington
There are many paths the Jaguars can take in the first round and one includes drafting an offensive tackle. It may seem odd at first, but it's reasonable once you take into account that Walker Little and Cam Robinson are set to become free agents in 2025.
If the Jaguars do take an offensive tackle, they could easily trade either Little or Robinson to pave the way for whoever they select. The fact that they can create cap space and get a pick in return for either one may lead the decision-makers to choose this road.
So who should be the pick if the Jaguars want to draft an offensive tackle at No. 17? Troy Fautanu is the answer. A two-year starter at Washington, Fautanu excels in pass protection. He's equally adept at paving lanes in the running game but can be better if he plays with more discipline.
The team's brass hosted Fautanu in a top-30 visit during the draft process. It may ended being a nothing burger but it could also be a sign that they've had conversations about taking him at No. 17.