Just like that, the 2024 NFL Draft has come to an end. The Jacksonville Jaguars, for their part, selected nine players. Some of them will need time to make an impact while others will be in a position to contribute right off the bat.
This begs the question, who'll benefit the most from the moves the Jags made in the draft? Who will be affected the most? With that in mind, here are their biggest winners and losers.
Jaguars No. 1 biggest winners from the 2024 NFL Draft: Chad Hall
Of the Jaguars' first three picks in the draft, only one was on offense, wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. In fact, the Jags only picked two offensive players in the whole draft when you take into account that running back Keilan Robinson was brought in to contribute on special teams. Then again, Thomas alone would've been more than enough.
The Jaguars needed help at wide receiver after losing Calvin Ridley in free agency. While they were seen as potential candidates to trade up for one of the big 3 receivers in the class, they went with Brian Thomas at No. 23.
Granted, Thomas is a work in progress. Specifically, he'll need to work on his route-running. On the other hand, he's got the tools to develop into a dangerous offensive weapon. Wide receivers coach Chad Hall, for one, should be thrilled about his arrival.
Hall was able to get the most out of Christian Kirk and Zay Jones but both of them were already vested veterans when they arrived in Jacksonville. On the other hand, Thomas is the most talented prospect he'll be able to mold since joining the Jags in 2022.
Thomas may not get a featured role early in his NFL career, but that's fine. The Jaguars' offense is stacked with playmakers, whether it's Kirk, tight end Evan Engram, or running back Travis Etienne. Having a surplus of weapons will give Hall ample time to help the rookie receiver get acclimated to the pros. Once he does, the Jags will get a deep threat that will add another dimension.
Jaguars No. 2 biggest winner from the 2024 NFL Draft: DC Ryan Nielsen
As noted before, the Jaguars didn't invest many draft picks on offense and instead focused on fortifying the defense. Out of their nine picks, five were on that side of the ball, and three of them were on the defensive trenches.
The Jaguars couldn't stop opposing teams from running the ball last season, especially in the second half. Some of it was due to the team's dearth of discipline. Their lack of physicality also played a role. To remedy the issue, Jacksonville dismissed defensive coordinator Mike Caldwell and hired Ryan Nielsen to take his place. The team's brass then proceeded to give Nielsen some talented pieces to work with.
In free agency, the Jags signed Arik Armstead. He's equally adept at stopping the run and generating pressure. On top of that, he'll provide veteran leadership. Signing Armstead might've been enough but the front office didn't stop there. Instead, they kept adding reinforcements in the draft.
First, the Jaguars used a second-round pick on Maason Forster. They then drafted Jordan Jefferson in the fourth round. Once it looked like they were done making additions to the defensive trenches, they chose Myles Cole, an intriguing developmental prospect, in the seventh round.
Nielsen's area expertise is the defensive line and general manager Trent Baalke made sure to get him three prospects, on top of Armstead. If Nielsen can get the most out of his group, the Jaguars' defensive front will be near unstoppable in 2024.
Jaguars No. 1 biggest loser from the 2024 NFL Draft: Walker Little
Based on the moves the Jaguars have made in the offseason, Walker Little won't probably get a chance to start anytime soon. Cam Robinson was seen as a potential trade candidate/cap-casualty but he's expected to stay in 2024. On top of that, the team's brass drafted offensive tackle Javon Foster.
Little has flashed starting potential but he'll tentatively be stuck behind Robinson next season. Foster, on the other hand, will probably be groomed as a swing tackle, so it's hard to envision Little being part of the team's long-term plans.
Jaguars No. 3 biggest winners from the 2024 NFL Draft: Cam Robinson, Zay Jones
You could argue that Cam Robinson and Zay Jones deserve a separate entry but they were included in just one because both of them were seen as potential trade candidates (guilty as charged) heading into the draft. Make no mistake, the Jaguars could've benefited from trading them, but they chose to keep them around, at least for now.
Had the Jags traded Jones and Robinson, they could've gotten a pair of extra draft picks, one for each. Moreover, they would've freed up over $20 million in space. It's possible that the team's brass did want to trade them but didn't get an offer they liked. For the time being, though, both Robinson and Jones remain on the roster.
Jaguars No. 2 biggest loser from the 2024 NFL Draft: Riley Patterson
Riley Patterson shined at times in 2022, but the Jaguars weren't fully sold on him, so they signed veteran Brandon McManus to replace him. On paper, the move made sense, as McManus had a stronger leg than his veteran counterpart. In practice, he got off to a strong start but faded down the stretch.
Without any other viable alternatives, the Jaguars brought back Patterson in the offseason, but they also signed Joey Slye in free agency, showing they don't feel comfortable with the state of the kicker position. Looking to bring stability once and for all, the team's brass drafted Cam Little in the sixth round.
Little's arrival doesn't bode well for Patterson's and Slye's chances of sticking around. He's the youngest of the bunch but has a stronger leg than Patterson and he's more accurate than Slye. If he can build off of his productive career at Arkansas, he should have no trouble winning the Jaguars' kicker job in 2024.