The Jacksonville Jaguars will have their work cut out in the offseason. At 8-7, they're at risk of missing the playoffs, but even if they ultimately get in, they could be one and done. Regardless of how things play out, fixing the trenches should be one of their top priorities in 2024.
The offensive line has struggled to block for Trevor Lawrence. This has in turn exposed the third-year quarterback to a concerning amount of injuries. Compounding the issue is that they cannot open holes in the running game. Things aren't much better on defense. Opposing teams have had no trouble running at will, while quarterbacks routinely have lots of time to throw due to the Jags' inability to consistently bring the heat.
Jacksonville will fix a few holes in free agency but they'll have to wait until the draft to address other needs. They currently hold eight picks but they'll need to give the Atlanta Falcons a second-rounder if they re-sign Calvin Ridley, or a third if they let him hit the open market.
On the other hand, they're expected to get a couple of compensatory selections, one in Round 3 for losing Jawaan Taylor in free agency, and another in Round 6 for letting Arden Key sign with the Tennessee Titans.
For the sake of argument, let's say the Jaguars give Calvin Ridley an extension. He's on pace to reach the 1,000-yard mark in 2023 and another year with the team would most likely increase his rapport with Trevor Lawrence and the rest of the offense.
By bringing back Ridley, wide receiver wouldn't be a top need for the Jags next year. Also, it would allow them to fortify the trenches, which is precisely what they do in this mock draft.
Round 1: Dallas Turner, edge defender
If the Jaguars do make the playoffs, they'll be picking in the early 20s at the earliest. If they're one-and-done, which seems likely based on how they've played in recent weeks, the selection will be in the 21-24 range. At that point of the first round, Alabama edge rusher Dallas Turner should be available.
Turner had a highly productive season for the Crimson Tide and is one of the top edge rushers in the draft process. At 6'4", he has the frame to bulk up but his speed and power would be a welcome addition to the Jaguars' rotation. His hand work, especially his timing in chops, could use some work. On the other hand, the Atlanta native has already developed an ample pass-rush repertoire, one that includes the ghost rush.
While the Jaguars need to bolster their interior offensive line, they can no longer wait to round out their pass-rush rotation, something they should've done in 2023. Although the front office had several chances to upgrade their pass rush, they chose to stay put. Whether it was signing Jadeveon Clowney or trading for Danielle Hunter, they went with the options they already had in the fold.
Having said that, it would be cost-prohibitive to go after Hunter or Brian Burns in the open market. As it is, the Jags need to give outside linebacker Josh Allen an extension, and it won't come cheap. They should instead address other position needs in free agency and take Dallas Turner in the first round.
Round 3: Cristian Haynes, offensive guard
Without a second-round selection, the Jaguars will need to wait until the third round to make their next pick. The good news is that there will still be plenty of talent available at that point of the draft. Having bolstered the pass rush, the team's brass can now turn their attention to the offensive trenches.
The Jaguars have had trouble getting the running going in 2023. Particularly, it's been an issue to run to the right side, both between the tackles and around the edge. While first-year right tackle Anton Harrison is still a work in progress, he's getting better by the week. He should make a leap next year. On the other hand, it's hard to see right guard Brandon Scherff getting better.
Scherff hasn't been necessarily bad this season but he hasn't been great and he's been paid like a top guard. Simply, his performance doesn't reflect his salary and he's set to have a cap hit of $23.967 million in 2024. By releasing him, Jacksonville would free up $9.09 million in space with $14.868 in dead money. They could then those extra funds to go after Robert Hunt or Kevin Dotson in free agency.
But even if the Jaguars add a guard in free agency, Christian Haynes of UConn would be an appealing addition in the third round. A two-star prospect coming out of high school, Haynes started 37 games for the Huskies. He only gave up seven total pressures and one sack on 437 pass-block snaps this season. Moreover, he finished the year with a Pro Football Focus overall grade of 82.6.
The Maryland native is solid in pass protection but where he truly shines is in the running game. His blend of power and speed allows him to move defenders and get to the second level. Given how much the Jaguars have struggled to open holes in 2023, Haynes would be a welcome addition to the interior offensive line.
Round 3, Sedrick Van Pran, center
Compensatory picks are awarded to teams based on their net losses in free agency and can be assigned from Rounds 3 to 7. The Jaguars should get one in the third after letting Jawaan Taylor hit the open market. This selection should lessen the impact of not having a second-rounder if Jacksonville signs Calvin Ridley to an extension.
With this extra pick, the Jaguars could go after a center in the draft. Luke Fortner, a third-round pick in last year's draft, hasn't made enough progress in his sophomore campaign. In fact, you could even make the case that he's regressed. Granted, he's proven quite durable, playing every single snap on offense since Week 1 of the 2022 season.
That said, Fortner has been a liability in the running game. He's been one of the main reasons the team has struggled to run the ball inside. While there's a chance he could bounce back in 2024, the Jags cannot afford to take a risk. This is why bringing in competition seems reasonable. Fortunately for Jacksonville, this will be a good year to draft a center.
West Virginia's Zach Frazier should go in the first round, maybe early in the second. Jackson Powers-Johnson should be the second center to have his name called on draft day. There's also Sedrick Van Pran, who could be available in the third depending on the number of teams looking for a center.
Van Pran's balance and lateral quickness aren't great but his raw power and speed would add physicality to the center position, something the Jaguars currently lack. He's an enthusiastic blocker in the running game that needs to work on locking on his blocks once he engages with defenders. Coaching could help him improve in that area.
Round 4: Kris Jenkins Jr., defensive lineman
The Jags drafted defensive lineman Tyler Lacy in 2023 but he's barely cracked their rotation. Maybe he'll improve next year but that shouldn't stop the front office from beefing up the defensive front. Kris Jenkins Jr. would be a great development prospect in the fourth round who could contribute against the run right off the bat.
Jenkins appeared in 42 games with 30 starts for the Wolverines, becoming a mainstay of their defensive trenches. But as good as he is defending the run, what makes him such an interesting prospect is his ceiling. He needs to do a better job of timing his get-off.
Similarly, Jenkins needs to work on his hand technique and develop a wide arsenal of pass-rush moves but the talent is certainly there. The Jags haven't been able to generate pressure inside. Jenkins may be able to help.
Round 4: Christian Mahogany, offensive guard
Christian Mahogany was projected to be an early-round pick in the 2023 draft before suffering a torn ACL that cut his 2022 season short. Mahogany returned to Boston College this past season because he wanted to rebuild his draft stock. He doesn't have ideal lateral quickness and scouts will be interested to see how his knee is holding up.
On the other hand, Mahogany has a stout anchor in pass protection and plays with a nasty streak that allows him to pull and beat defenders at the point of attack. He would be a solid choice with the pick the Jaguars got from the New Orleans Saints after trading down in this past draft.