Jaguars full 7-round 2024 NFL Mock Draft after losing Calvin Ridley in free agency
• The Jaguars keep adding talent to the roster in this 7-round mock draft after a productive free-agency haul.
The Jacksonville Jaguars made several upgrades in free agency. Veteran Mitch Morse should give the offensive trenches a massive boost, and Arik Armstead will immediately improve the interior defensive line. Similarly, Ronald Darby is a solid replacement for Darious Williams, who was released in a cap-saving move not too long ago.
Having said that, the Jags still have a handful of holes to fill, including the one left when Calvin Ridley left. Fortunately for them, they'll enter the draft with eight picks, one in each of the first three rounds. Sure, the Jags lost their 2024 third-round pick as part of the trade to acquire Ridley in 2022 but they got a compensatory selection, the 96th overall, which should make up for it.
This begs the question, which position should the Jags prioritize in the draft? Here's a seven-round mock that takes care of their remaining needs.
Brian Thomas Jr., WR, LSU - Round 1, pick 17
The Jaguars lost Calvin Ridley to the Tennessee Titans in free agency. His departure certainly stings but it could be a blessing in disguise. After all, the front office may not have been able to sign defensive tackle Arik Armstead if they had extended the star wide receiver.
The one potential downside of letting Ridley walk is that Jacksonville will now need to look for his replacement. After all, Gabe Davis is an intriguing addition to the wide receiver corps but he's not a replacement for Ridley. Working in the Jags' favor is that they'll be in a position to take one of this year's top draft prospects when they're on the clock at No. 17.
Marvin Harrison Jr. and Malik Nabers will probably be gone by them, but Brian Thomas Jr. should still be on the board. All things considered, Thomas would be an enticing choice in the first round. At 6'4 and 205 pounds, the former LSU standout has the size and speed to excel in the NFL.
Thomas needs to polish his footwork and do a better job of coming down with the ball in traffic. However, he's got outstanding burst and tracking skills. If he can work on his route-running, he could have an impact on the Jaguars' offense right off the bat.