Jaguars doing their homework on top cornerback prospects ahead of 2024 NFL Draft

The Jacksonville Jaguars are doing due diligence on the 2024 cornerback class. First, they hosted Deantro Prince. Kool-Aid McKinstry and Nate Wiggins are next.

The Jaguars are meeting with McKinstry and Wiggins, both of them projected to go in the first round, per Mia O'Brien of 1010 XL. They've also hosted the following prospects in their top-30 visits: Offensive tackle Travis Glover (Georgia State), linebacker Jamal Hill (Oregon), defensive end Marshawn Kneeland (Western Michigan), and wide receiver Tez Walker (UNC).

McKinstry and Wiggins are fifth and third in Pro Football Focus' 2024 position rankings. Both are fine prospects who come with their own sets of pros and cons. Wiggins has top-notch speed and change-of-direction skills. He's better in zone coverage than man, so he may not be the best option for Jaguars defensive coordinator Ryan Neilsen's press-heavy system.

McKinstry, on the other hand, lacks elite speed and can be overaggressive at times. However, he has the football IQ and recognition skills to go against top competition. The 2022 All-SEC team has the versatility to play multiple schemes, so he may be a better fit in Nielsen's scheme.

The Denver Broncos (No. 12), the Las Vegas Raiders (No. 13), and the Indianapolis Colts (No. 16) could also take a cornerback in the first round. All of them pick before the Jaguars at No. 17, but even if they all did, two or three of the top prospects would still be available when they're on the board, so it's a good thing they're doing their homework on their potential targets.

Jaguars could address a need with either Kool-Aid McKinstry or Nate Wiggins

The Jaguars could still give their cornerback room a boost even after signing Ronald Darby in free agency. The team's brass brought in Darby as a replacement for Darious Williams but his two-year deal shows that he may not be the long-term answer at cornerback.

Third-year pro Tyson Campbell, for his part, will try to bounce back from an injury-marred season but he may not be a great fit in defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen's press-heavy scheme. Moreover, he's slated to become a free agency, so the Jaguars might want to start planning for his potential departure.

Having said that, cornerback isn't the only position the Jaguars may target in the first round. Wide receiver and the pass rush also remain a need after free agency. If the front office takes care of either one at No. 17, they could then target a corner in Round 2. This is going to be a deep class, so they may still find a quality player at No. 48.

Heck, there's a chance McKinstry, Wiggins, or even Cooper DeJean fall out of the first round, so it makes sense for the Jaguars to do their homework on all of them.

With Pro Bowl receiver Stefon Diggs joining the AFC South, the Jaguars will need to prioritize making upgrades to their cornerback room in the draft. Kool-Aid McKinstry and Wiggins give them a pair of enticing options on Day 1.

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