One big strength for every Jaguars' pick in the 2024 NFL Draft
By Joel Lefevre
![2024 NFL Draft - Round 1 2024 NFL Draft - Round 1](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,w_3782,h_2127,x_0,y_1562/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/GettyImages/mmsport/55/01hwn7hp89qs4k4eaqrs.jpg)
The Jacksonville Jaguars are seeking to bounce back after missing the playoffs last season. Their 2024 NFL Draft haul should help. In total, the Jags made nine picks, with the defensive line of scrimmageĀ beingĀ a primary focus. That said, they also made a few intriguing acquisitions on offense.
Time will tell if their 2024 prospects will be worthwhile selections or busts as we advance toward training camp. For the time being, here is a look at all of their draft picks and a big strength for each one of them.
Brian Thomas, WR - LSU
Biggest Strength: Red-zone weapon
Like many, I was curious about Trent Baalkeās plan at No. 17. They ultimately traded the pick to the Minnesota Vikings and drafted Brian Thomas Jr. with the 23rd overall selection. By drafting Thomas, they get another deep-ball threat for Trevor Lawrence.
Brian Thomas Jr. on 20+ yard throws in 2023:
ā PFF JAX Jaguars (@PFF_Jaguars) April 26, 2024
22 targets
15 receptions
670 yards
12 TDs
š pic.twitter.com/j7c1nzVQ9E
Thereās a lot to like about Thomasā length and agility, but for me, the biggest strengthĀ he has thatĀ the Jaguars need is red-zone efficiency, with 12 touchdown grabs in 2023.Ā
Maason Smith, DT - LSU
Biggest Strength: Pass rush
Jacksonville added another LSU product with their first selection in Round 2, drafting defensive tackle Maason Smith. The 21-year-old from Louisiana was named to the Freshman All-American Team in 2021 and is coming off a career season.
Maason Smith: Career high 23 QB Pressures in 2023 (7th among SEC DTs) š¤ pic.twitter.com/aMawGv8VMd
ā PFF JAX Jaguars (@PFF_Jaguars) April 27, 2024
His arm length is a valuable asset in controlling blockers and enabling the Jagsā D-Line to put opposing quarterbacks under more pressure than we saw in 2023.
Jarrian Jones, CB - Florida State
Biggest strength: Physicality
While I hadnāt anticipatedĀ it would takeĀ until the third roundĀ for Jacksonville to add a cornerback to their room of prospects, Jarrian Jones has some attributes that could benefit this team going forward.Ā
HisĀ biggestĀ skillset that I think will help the Jags is his physicality in coverage, as his aggressiveness against opposing receivers should help them be a little better against the past if they need to call upon him.
Jarrian Jones: Career best 90.1 PFF Grade in 2023 (5th among CBs) š pic.twitter.com/a4WUkD5xwS
ā PFF JAX Jaguars (@PFF_Jaguars) April 27, 2024
Javon Foster, OT - Missouri
Biggest Strength: Run blocking
While Trevor Lawrence is the franchise guy, and everyone in Duval County still hopes he will be this teamās savior, theĀ JaguarsĀ offenseĀ needs to establish the run to be successful.Ā Thatās where a guy like Javon Foster can help, as he received one of the highest Pro Football Focus grades for run-blocking among those eligible for the draft.Ā
Javon Foster: 85.8 run-blocking grade in 2023, 4th among all draft eligible tackles š§± pic.twitter.com/wxGoNz6VHU
ā PFF JAX Jaguars (@PFF_Jaguars) April 27, 2024
His ability to manage space in run blocking will come in handy next season. Thanks to his athleticism, heās also been able to pass-protect quite comfortably.
Jordan Jefferson, DT - LSU
Biggest strength: Stymying the run
The third and final LSU product selected by the Jaguars this year brings plenty of explosiveness and flexibility to the Jaguarsā defensive unit.
Jordan Jefferson isĀ particularlyĀ resilient in one-on-one matchups against the run, which could help them be far more effective against some strong running backs.
Jordan Jefferson: Career best 72.4 run defense grade in 2023 š pic.twitter.com/rB1p6hnjVo
ā PFF JAX Jaguars (@PFF_Jaguars) April 27, 2024
Deantre Prince, CB - Ole Miss
Biggest Strength: Speed
The path to the pros has not been easy for Deantre Prince, who left for junior college for a season amid a family tragedy but has overcome a lot to be where he is. Since returning, he has been a fixture in the Ole Miss secondary.
With more and more speedy receivers emerging as No. 1 threats, his quick feet and slot-receiver build could help the Jags slow down opposing offenses.
Deantre Prince: 89.6 PFF Grade since 2021 (9th among SEC CBs) š pic.twitter.com/F1PXUs4WKC
ā PFF JAX Jaguars (@PFF_Jaguars) April 27, 2024
Keilan Robinson, RB - Texas
Biggest Strength: Short yardage
Many NFL scouts noticed Keilan Robinsonās ability to take advantage of cutback lanes, though I donāt believe itās his strongest trait that could benefit the Jags in 2024. Rather, his ability to squeeze through traffic may beĀ of great useĀ to Press Taylorās offense. Tank Bigsby struggled in short-yardage situations when needing just a yard or two, and thatās an area Robinson may help in.
Cam Little, K - Arkansas
Biggest Strength: Dependability
If there was one area I didnāt think the Jags would struggle in last season, itād beĀ inĀ the kicking game. After all, Brandon McManus had a solid track record for accuracy and leg strength coming into the previous campaign. However, he only made 30 of 37 field goals, leading the Jags to bring back Riley Patterson on a reserve future contract.
Cam Little is the most accurate kicker in Razorbacks history, making over 80 percent of his field goal attempts (82.8%) and never missing an extra point. His biggest strength may be his dependability in field position as an All-SEC kick-off specialist who led the conference in touchbacks, finishing fourth in the country in that department.
Cam Little
ā PFF JAX Jaguars (@PFF_Jaguars) April 27, 2024
129/129 career on XPs
7/11 career 50+ yard FGs
šÆ pic.twitter.com/qO6WQV6b7o
Myles Cole, DE - Texas Tech
Biggest Strength: Defending the run
Last but not least, we have Myles Cole, who is fast and explosive along the line of scrimmage.Ā His edge integrity makes him stand out from my point of view, forcingĀ runners inside and into traffic, which should enable the Jags to do a much better job slowing down opposing rushing attacks.
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