Jaguars fortify O-Line and WR corps in 4-round 2024 NFL Mock Draft
Zach Frazier, C - Round 2, pick 48
. 48. . 469. Zach Frazier. Center. . . .
The Jaguars took care of arguably their biggest need when they signed center Mitch Morse in free agency. Morse, a second-round pick in 2015, is expected to compete for the starting job with incumbent Luke Fortner but should have no trouble coming out on top. But even with Morse in the fold, the front office shouldn't stop beefing up the trenches.
In Round 2, there should be no shortage of offensive guards and centers. At No. 48, Virginia Tech's Zach Frazier should still be available. The 2022 Iron Mountaineer Award winner made nine starts at guard during his collegiate career but he's got more experience at center (37 starts).
Frazier doesn't have top athleticism or length, but he's got the strength and football IQ to develop into a solid starter in the NFL. In Jacksonville, he could learn behind Morse next season and make a push for the starting job in 2025.
Christian Haynes, UConn - Round 3, pick 96 (compensatory)
. . . 892. Right guard. . 96. Christian Haynes. .
The Jags gave the Atlanta Falcons their third-round pick this year as part of the trade for Calvin Ridley. However, they got a compensatory selection after losing right tackle Jawaan Taylor in free agency in 2022. they could use it to keep fortifying the offensive trenches.
Following the 2023 season, right guard Brandon Scherf was seen as a potential cap casualty. Set to have a cap hit of over $20 million, the front office could've created $9 million in space if they had released him. Knowing how important he was on and off the field, they instead chose to restructure his deal, ensuring he stayed in 2024.
That said, Scherff is scheduled to become a free agent in 2025 and it would be a good idea to start looking for his potential replacement. Christan Haynes could be up to the task. The All-American Third-Team made 49 consecutive starts at UConn. He doesn't fare well against wide rush alignments and isn't overly athletic, but he could spend his rookie season working on his craft, and step into the starting lineup when Scherff leaves.