Ranking the last 10 Jaguars first-round picks in the NFL Draft

2. Josh Allen, Edge - Pick 9, 2019

Outside linebacker Josh Allen is proof progress isn't always linear. He registered 10.5 sacks and made the Pro Bowl as a rookie but had trouble recreating that kind of success in later years. While some of his struggles were due to outside factors (injuries, Urban Meyer), he wasn't nearly as consistent as he could've been from 2020-2022, by his own admission.

Heading into 2023, Allen vowed to improve but the Jaguars wanted him to perform at a high level before they gave him a new contract. He went on to have a career year, registering a team-record 17.5 sacks. After the season, he got the franchise tag. He should eventually get a long-term deal to ensure he remains in Jacksonville for the foreseeable future.

1. Trevor Lawrence, QB - Pick 1, 2021

It's hard to find a franchise quarterback but the Jaguars got one when they drafted Trevor Lawrence first overall in 2021. Although he's gone through several ups and downs in his young career, he's shown he's the long-term answer at the position.

Granted, Lawrence's still got room for growth and is partly at fault for his regressing in 2023. However, the Jaguars know they have the right quarterback in place, which is why they made upgrades to his supporting cast in the offseason. If he can stay healthy in 2024, the Jaguars will return to the playoffs and he'll join the conversation of the top 5 quarterbacks currently in the NFL.

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