The Jacksonville Jaguars had a top-10 defense in 2020 but they regressed last year. Although the unit got off to a strong start, they faltered down the stretch. After the season, the Jags relieved defensive coordinator Mike Caldwell of his duties and brought in Ryan Nielsen to fill the opening.
Nielsen had the same position with the Atlanta Falcons last year. Under his watch, the defense made considerable improvement. And to ensure he enjoys similar success in Jacksonville, the team's brass signed several free agents who should have an immediate impact. The crown jewel was defensive tackle Arik Armstead, but the Jags also inked cornerback Ronald Darby, and safety Darnell Savage, who'll be lining up in the slot.
But despite the free-agency additions, the defense could still use further reinforcements. They get them in this four-round NFL mock draft.
Dallas Turner, Edge, Alabama - Round 1, pick 17
The Jaguars will probably go wide receiver or cornerback in the first round but they could also add a pass rusher to their rotation. There's going to be a run for quarterbacks, offensive tackles, and wide receivers in the top 15, so maybe Dallas Turner will be available when they're on the clock at No. 17.
Turner tested well at the scouting combine, running the 40-yard dash in 4.46 seconds and posting a 40.5-inch vertical jump. Having said that, he's more than just a workout warrior. The former Alabama standout has the production to back up his status as a potential top-15 pick. Last year, he registered 10 sacks and 14.5 tackles for a loss for the Crimson Tide.
Add the fact that Turner already developed a repertoire of pass-rush moves, and he could earn a role in the Jaguars' pass-rush rotation right out of the gate.
T'Vondre Sweat, DT, Texas - Round 2, pick 48
Before the Jaguars signed Arik Armstead in free agency, the interior defensive line was one of their biggest needs. While they had a pair of reliable players in DaVon Hamilton and Roy Robertson-Harris, they still needed a difference-maker who could stymie the run and create pressure from the interior. Armstead is that player, but even after his arrival, the front office should continue to load up on talent.
After taking Dallas Turner in the first round, the Jaguars could select T'Vondre Sweat in the second round. Sweat's teammate, Byron Murphy II, is one of the top defensive linemen in the draft, but he'll be gone by the time Jacksonville picks at No. 48. Sweat, though, should still be available and he is no consolation prize.
You could make the case that the Jaguars already have poured plenty of resources into the defensive line, but is there such a thing as having too many good players?
At 6'4" and 366, Sweat has the size and power to thrive in the NFL. While he isn't particularly fast, he excels at defending the run. On the other hand, he has yet to develop any pass-rush moves and his hand usage could use some work.
Overall, Sweat is a work in progress but he could hone his skills and learn behind Armstead, Hamilton, and Robertson-Harrison. He would probably get a rotational role in Jacksonville early on but would see an uptick in snaps as the season progresses.
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.
Tykee Smith, S, Georgia - Round 4, pick 114
Having addressed their biggest needs in the first three rounds, the Jaguars can now start looking for potential gems. While they're set at safety, they could still add depth. Ahead of free agency, they released veteran Rayshawn Jenkins in a cap-saving move. While it's true that they have an in-house replacement in Antonio Johnson, it wouldn't hurt to draft a developmental prospect at this stage of the draft.
After all, Andre Cisco is slated to be a free agent next season and the Jags should have insurance in case he leaves. Tykee Smith would be a solid pick in the fourth round. The biggest knock on Smith is that he lacks elite speed but he makes up for it by having great vision and awareness. Furthermore, he's got the flexibility to line up at nickel and safety, and that kind of flexibility would be welcomed in Duval.
Junior Colson, LB, Michigan - Round 4, pick 116
Linebacker is another position the Jaguars don't have to worry about in 2024. They just re-signed Foyesade Oluokun and have a pair of serviceable backups in Chad Muma and Ventrell Miller. Both of them could compete for playing time behind Devon Lloyd next season.
Having said that, it wouldn't hurt to add another linebacker to the mix once the team's brass has taken care of other needs. This is especially true when you take into account that the Jags got an extra fourth-round pick when they swapped places with the New Orleans Saints in the draft last year.
Michigan's Junior Colson would be an enticing prospect with starting potential in the fourth round. While he struggles to diagnose running plays, he's got the physical skills to eventually develop into a steady contributor. Also working in his favor is that Colson has the speed to keep up with running backs and tight ends in coverage.
At this stage of his young career, Colson is a work in progress, but he's a prospect worth taking a flyer on, even if the Jaguars currently don't need another linebacker.