Jacksonville Jaguars go all defense in 4-round 2024 NFL Mock Draft

Renardo Green, CB, Florida State - Round 3, Pick 96

Cornerback is probably the Jaguars' biggest need ahead of the draft even after signing Ronald Darby in free agency. Darby is a plug-in starter who'll tentatively line up opposite Campbell come Week 1. However, he's not the long-term answer at the position, and Campbell is slated to become a free agent next year. That should incentivize the team's brass to start planning for the future.

This begs the question, if cornerback is truly the team's most glaring need, why are they waiting until Round 3 to take care of it? The answer is easy. This year's cornerback crop is loaded but the same cannot be said for the pass rush and defensive line groups. Even in the third round, Jacksonville should have no trouble finding a quality prospect with the potential to become a starter. That player could be Florida State's Renardo Green.

Generally seen as a potential third or fourth-round selection, Green was dubbed the best cornerback in man coverage in the draft by Trevor Sikkema of Pro Football Focus. Sikkema points out that the former Seminole was one of the highest-graded players in man coverage last year and cites his production (11 passes defensed, and two interceptions) and his size as reasons he's going to thrive in the NFL.

Moreover, Green is the kind of player who may best fit defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen's heavy-press scheme. In Jacksonville, Green could learn the ropes behind Darby and Campbell, and step into a featured role once he's ready, whether it's this year or next.