Jaguars online blunder in 2024 NFL Draft might've tipped their big board

There was lots of uncertainty and speculation surrounding the Jacksonville Jaguars ahead of Day 1 of the 2024 NFL Draft. They were reportedly interested in trading up but ultimately didn't. Then, the No. 17 came and they chose to move down six spots. They went on to select LSU wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. with the selection they got, but a mistake by their social media team might've revealed that the Jags had another prospect on their radar.

Not long after the Thomas pick was announced, the social media team posted about it on Facebook. The only trouble is that the caption didn't match the picture. While Thomas was on it, the post said that Jacksonville had drafted Alabama cornerback Terrion Arnold at No. 23. Here's the message, which was later deleted or amended.

For context, Arnold was still on the board when the Jaguars selected Thomas. He went one pick later to the Detroit Lions, but it was still puzzling. Then again, you can shrug it off as a mistake.

The team's social media team must've had several preemptive posts ready to upload as soon as the pick was made. It's fair to assume that they didn't pay close attention and posted the right picture with the wrong caption.

Having said that, the mistake might've revealed their draft board or at least their preference for Arnold. When Jacksonville was on the clock at No. 17, only two defensive players had been drafted, UCLA Laiatu Latu (No. 15), and Byron Murphy II (No. 16). No cornerback had been picked at that point of the draft, so there was a chance the Jags were going to have a shot at landing one of the top ones even after moving back six spots. They were right.

Quinyon Mitchell was the first corner drafted in 2024 and he went to the Philadelphia Eagles one pick prior at No. 22. If Brian Thomas Jr. hadn't been available, they would probably have taken Arnold with the 23rd selection.

The Jaguars have options on Day 2 even after passing on Terrion Arnold

Terrion Arnold is a fine prospect, one that could've given their secondary a boost but the Jaguars had zeroed in on Brian Thomas Jr., so they passed on him. One reason the front office might've gone wide receiver in the first round is that this year's cornerback class is deep. Only three were taken in the first round, and there was plenty of talent left on the board ahead of Day 2.

Cornerback was still a need for the Jags after the first round, but Cooper DeJean, Kool-Aid McKinstry, Kris Abrams-Draine, and Ennis Rakestraw Jr. were still on the board. That might've made the Jags feel comfortable about passing on Arnold in the first round.

The truth is that, at least on paper, drafting Brian Thomas Jr. in the first round was the right call. Not only were the Jacksonville Jaguars able to get three extra selections but they still have ample time to take care of their remaining needs. Sure, passing on a prospect of Arnold's caliber stings, but the team's brass should have no trouble coming out of Day 2 with a quality corner.

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