5 most likely scenarios for the Jaguars in Round 1 of the 2024 NFL Draft
The 2024 NFL Draft is upon us. Heck, it may be taking place while you're reading this, and after months of waiting, and tons of mocks, we'll finally know what the Jacksonville Jaguars will do with pick No. 17.
Keep in mind that this isn't like 2021, when, the Jags were a lock to draft Trevor Lawrence. This time, though, they have several needs and there are several paths they could take to address them. This begs the question, which are the most likely scenarios for Jacksonville in the first round? Here are the most likely ones.
5. The Jaguars trade pick No. 17 for WR Brandon Aiyuk
This is the least likely scenario but by no means improbable. Brandon Aiyuk has become a mainstay of the San Francisco 49ers' offense. He logged a team-best 1,342 yards on 75 receptions in 2023 and earned a Second-Team All-Pro designation along the way.
Aiyuk, a first-round pick in 2020, wants a contract extension. He's set to make $14.1 million on the fifth-year option of his rookie deal but he feels he deserves a raise, one that makes him one of the top receivers in the league.
While the Niners' brass values Aiyuk, they don't seem to be in a hurry to get something done. In fact, they may be perfectly fine letting him play his contract out. That said, San Francisco has explored the possibility of trading the former Arizona Sun Devil.
Aiyuk hasn't requested a trade, according to his agent, but if the 49ers have given it a thought, that's because they may think that extending him may not be feasible.
The Jaguars inquired about Aiyuk not long after losing Calvin Ridley in free agency but San Francisco's asking price felt unreasonable (pick No. 17, and Zay Jones). Since then, the Jaguars' interest has seemingly cooled down considerably but they're still seen as a realistic landing spot for the star receiver.
Looking at possible teams for an Aiyuk trade and I keep coming back to the same two- Colts & Jags.
— Daniel Jeremiah (@MoveTheSticks) April 24, 2024
Mike Silver of the San Francisco Chronicle says that the 49ers still want a first-rounder in exchange for Aiyuk but might need to settle for a second. This means that a trade on Day 1 may not take place, but it shouldn't be ruled out just yet, especially if the Jaguars or any other clubs miss out on the top receivers of the class.