Wide receiver suddenly became a need for the Jacksonville Jaguars when they lost Calvin Ridley to the Tennessee Titans in free agency. While they brought in Gabe Davis and Christian Kirk is still in the mix, the Jags need a true No. 1. Fortunately for them, they'll be in a position to take one of the top receiver prospects with the 17th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Brian Thomas Jr. and Keon Coleman should be still on board when Jacksonville is on the clock, but if they want to land Rome Odunze, they'll most likely need to trade up. They met with him at the scouting combine, so they may have a legitimate interest in drafting him. However, Ian Rapoport of NFL Media believes they'll need to move up to the top 10 if they want to have a shot at him.
The Jaguars could have a willing trade partner in the Chicago Bears, who hold the No. 9 pick. The Bears hold picks No. 1 and 9, and they could trade the latter selection for more capital. The 33rd Team suggests Jacksonville send their second-round pick, along with a 2025 fifth-rounder to get a deal done. But what if they instead offer their fifth this year? Here's how their draft would look if they pulled off such a trade.
Rome Odunze, WR, Washington - Round 1, pick No. 9
Calvin Ridley had over 1,000 yards and eight receiving yards. Rome Odunze might not be able to recreate that kind of production in 2024 but he could most definitely contribute right off the bat. A four-star recruit out of high school, Odunze tallied 87 receptions for 1,553 yards with 13 touchdowns last year.
Marvin Harrison Jr. is without a doubt the top receiver in the draft but Rome isn't a consolation prize. In Jacksonville, he would give Trevor Lawrence a player who can reel in contested catches and create yards after the catch.
Caelen Carson, CB, Wake Forest - Round 3, pick No. 96
Without a second-round pick, the Jaguars would need to wait until Round 3 to address the cornerback position. Although they signed Ronald Darby in free agency, they need to start planning ahead of Tyson Campbell's potential departure in 2025. Campbell is set to become a free agency next year, and it's not a given that he'll return.
When you take into account that Darby's deal is only for two years, adding a cornerback seems like a reasonable course of action. Caelen Carson may be an option in the third round. A two-year starter at Wake Forest, Carson can play inside or outside. That kind of versatility would be welcome in Jacksonville.
Carson is a willing tackler in the run game and he would be an intriguing option in defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen's press-heavy scheme. Even though the former Demon Deacon lacks top speed, he's routinely shown the ability to close in on plays. If he can hone his footwork and take better angles when tackling, he could be a steady contributor for the Jaguars.
Cooper Beebe, IOL - Round 4, pick No. 114
A four-year starter at Kansas State, Cooper Beebe played multiple positions across the offensive line, including both tackle spots and left guard. At 6'3 and 322 pounds, the two-time Big 12 Offensive Lineman of the Year has outstanding athleticism, running the 40-yard dash in 5.03 seconds. On top of that, he posted a 1.74-yard split.
Having said that, Beebe's limited arm length could be an issue in the NFL and it's a reason he isn't among the top guard prospects in this year's draft. But despite his shortcomings, he could develop into a starter down the road. If he lands with the Jaguars, he could work on his craft and learn behind veterans Ezra Cleveland and Brandon Scherff.
Justin Eboigbe, Edge, Alabama - Round 4, pick No. 116
The Jaguars added Trevis Gipson in free agency to bolster their pass rush after losing K'Lavon Chaisson and Dawuane Smoot. Gipson is coming off an underwhelming season but has previously shown the ability to get after the quarterback. That said, it wouldn't hurt the Jags to add another pass rusher in the draft. If they do it in the fourth round, Alabama's Justin Eboigbe would be a solid pick.
At 6'4 and 290 pounds, Eboigbe has the traits to play defensive end in the NFL. However, his get-off is less-than-ideal and his hand usage needs plenty of work. Nevertheless, he could be an enticing developmental prospect with the tools to eventually become a solid rotational piece.
Tyler Davis, DL, Clemson - Round 6, pick No. 212
The interior defensive line is no longer a pressing need for the Jags after signing Arik Armstead. However, that shouldn't stop them from adding depth in the later rounds of the draft. Davis comes with injury red flags and his short arms may limit his impact in the NFL. The other side of the coin is that he's a serviceable run defender who has flashed pass-rush potential.
If Davis manages to stay healthy, he could compete for playing time in Jacksonville's defensive front rotation as a rookie.
Julian Pearl, OT, Illinois - Round 7, pick No. 236
Walker Little and Cam Robinson are set to become free agents in 2025. One of them could be back, but it would be a good idea to add depth at offensive tackle. Having addressed other positions in early rounds, the Jaguars would be in a position to take a developmental swing tackle in Round 7.
Julian Pearl made 24 starts at left tackle for Illinois the past two years. He's got ideal size and arm length to play in the NFL but he'll need to gain strength and work on his overall technique if he wants to compete for a roster spot.