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.
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.
2. Terrion Arnold, cornerback
This is a good year to draft a cornerback. Teams in need at the position will have ample options and could even come out with an starter in Rounds 2 or 3. General manager Trent Baalke says he likes the depth at the position, but it would be a good idea to address it as early as possible.
After all, the Jaguars are switching to a press-heavy scheme under defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen. Baalke emphasized during his pre-draft press conference that scheme will play a role in how they assess prospects.
If the Jags want to take a corner that fulfills all the requirements, Terrion Arnold is their guy. At 6'0" and 196 pounds, he has the size to succeed in the boundaries. He's a willing tackler who would be ideal for Nielsen's system. The only issue is that Arnold may be off the board at No. 17, but if he's still available and Jacksonville wants to take a corner, he should be the pick.
1. Brian Thomas Jr., wide receiver
If the Jaguars fail to trade up for Malik Nabers, they could very well take his former teammate, Brian Thomas Jr., at No. 17. Even though he's not as coveted, Thomas is also projected to go in the first round. Alongside Thomas, he hauled in 68 receptions for 1,177 yards with 17 touchdowns last year. He needs to do a better job of creating separation and fending off receivers at the line of scrimmage.
However, Thomas has all the traits you want in a top receiver prospect. He's got the speed to stretch the field and excels at tracking the ball. Sure, he's a bit rough around the edges but could end up being a game-changer with enough refining. And the best part is that the Jaguars won't have to give up draft assets to acquire him.