Jaguars risk it all, trade up in this 7-round 2024 NFL mock draft

A year after making a magical run to the postseason, the Jacksonville Jaguars are now back in an offseason coming off a year where they missed the playoffs.

The team has some pieces in place, thankfully, including a franchise quarterback in Trevor Lawrence. Assuming they can re-sign Josh Allen and retain the best player on that defense, Jacksonville is in a pretty good spot to be able to reload this offseason, primarily through the draft.

As for the 2024 NFL Draft, the Jaguars currently pick no. 17 overall in the first round. However, in our latest mock, they make a big move up.

The Jaguars move a haul to go up and get a franchise cornerstone in this 2024 mock draft

To begin with, Jacksonville trades up with the Chicago Bears in order to land the no. 9 selection.

This deal sees the Jaguars give up their no. 17 pick, a third and fifth rounder this year, plus a second-round pick in 2025. In exchange, they get the no. 9 pick and a fourth rounder next year.

With that first selection, Jacksonville goes with arguably the best cornerback in this draft class in Iowa's Cooper DeJean. At 6-foot-1, 207 pounds, DeJean has impressive size for the position. He is very versatile with where he can line up, being able to cover outside as well as in the slot.

DeJean wins with his instincts, especially in zone. He is very aware of the quarterback's eyes and, if the play is in front of him, chances are that it's not going very far. Either that, or he's going to make a play on the ball. His ball skills are tremendous, as evidenced by his seven interceptions and 13 passes defensed over the last two years.

DeJean has also found the end zone three times with defensive scores. He has eyes for the ball, that's for sure. He's also a willing run defender, though. He's not just willing, but he's good at it. DeJean is a fine run stopper at his position, and because he is so well-rounded, that's what puts him above all the other corners in this class.

Between Allen and DeJean, the Jags' defense is in good hands for the foreseeable future.