Jaguars 2024 NFL Draft target earns comparison to Super Bowl-winning cornerback

Cornerback has become a trendy pick for the Jacksonville Jaguars in the 2024 NFL Draft. It's easy to see why. The Houston Texans just traded for Stefon Diggs, and Calvin Ridley crossed enemy lines to join the Tennessee Titans. If the Jags want to keep up with their division foes, they'll need to bolster their cornerback room. Fortunately for them, they'll be in a position to select one of the top prospects in the draft. One of them recently earned a comparison to L'Jarius Sneed.

Dalton Wasserman of Pro Football Focus recently talked about a handful of draft hopefuls and their NFL comparison. He feels like cornerback Terrion Arnold's competitive streak resembles that of two-time Super Bowl winner L'Jarius Sneed. Wasserman points out that Arnold isn't nearly as technically sound as fellow prospects Cooper DeJeran or Kool-Aid McKinstry, but praises his position versatility and aggressiveness.

"I was most impressed with Arnold’s sheer aggression and competitive spirit. McKinstry and Cooper DeJean are more technically sound than Arnold, but he makes up for that with a fearless and physical demeanor.

That competitiveness made me think of two-time Super Bowl champion L’Jarius Sneed. Their physical builds are nearly identical. Sneed is just a tick faster, but the two attack the game similarly with inside-outside versatility."

Arnold, along with McKinstry and DeJean, are among the top cornerback prospects in the draft. Both Arnold and Mickinstry are projected to go in the top 32 while DeJean could slid into the second round. Either way, all three will garner lots of interest from teams who need to bolster their secondary.

At 6'0" and 180 pounds, Arnold has good size for the position. He doesn't have elite speed but isn't slow either, posting a 40-yard dash of 4.5 at the Scouting Combine. His short-area quickness and football IQ allow the 2023 First-Team All-SEC to make plays. Another thing that could incentivize the Jags to target him is the position versatility Wasserman was referring to. He posted a PFF grade of 75.9 in the slot on 200 snaps last year.

Sneed, for his part, has gotten lots of recognition this offseason because he was an integral piece of the Kansas City Chiefs' Super Bowl run the past two years. Besides giving up less than 10.0 yards per reception in back-to-back seasons, he didn't allow a single touchdown in 2023, making him a hot commodity in the offseason.

The Chiefs tagged Sneed before free agency and wanted a second round in exchange for him. The Jags inquired about him but ultimately didn't pursue him. Surprisingly, the Tennessee Titans did, and Jacksonville will now have to face him twice a year.

Terrion Arnold may not be available when the Jaguars are on the clock

The Jacksonville Jaguars hosted Terrion Arnold for a pre-draft visit, so it's clear they interested in him, or at least doing due diligence. Having said that, a couple things could prevent them from taking the former Alabama standout. The first one is that wide receiver is also need. The front office could go in that direction at No. 17. On the other hand, there are other teams that will be targeting Arnold in the first round.

The Denver Broncos, the Las Vegas Raiders, and the Indianapolis Colts are among the teams that are in need of cornerback help that could select Arnold.

The silver lining is that even if Arnold doesn't make it past the Colts at No. 16, the Jaguars should still have enough options if they want to go cornerback in the first round. Kool-Aid McKinstrey, Cooper DeJean, and Quinyon Mitchell in no particular order), could also be available, so potentially missing out on Arnold is not a bad thing.

There's no guarantee Terrion Arnold will make it to No. 17, but if he does, he could give the Jacksonville Jaguars their own L'Jarius Sneed, one that can help them keep up in the AFC South race.

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