After mostly steering clear of the free agency frenzy, the Jacksonville Jaguars will be looking to address the larger scale roster in the NFL Draft. Their approach makes sense when you take into account that they had limited cap space to work with. On top of that, the Jags were more interested in retaining key contributors. Already, they re-signed cornerback Montaric Brown and extended Travon Walker.
Now, general manager James Gladstone will need to focus on fixing the team's roster voids. Specifically, he'll need to bolster the interior defensive line, the pass rush, and the linebacker corps. What route he ultimately chooses remains to be seen, but Jacksonville will have no shortage of options.
With 11 draft picks at their disposal, the Jaguars have the ammo to throw a few curveballs throughout the process. Heck, don't be surprised if they're one of the busiest teams. And with this in mind, here are three predictions so bold that they may just become true.
The Jaguars will trade up into the first round (to draft a defensive tackle)
Michael DiRocco of ESPN doesn't expect the Jaguars to trade up into the first round unless it is for a "player at an impact position like edge rusher." But even then, he argues that they're better off looking for a good pass rusher in Rounds 2 or 3 because of how stacked this year's class is.
While DiRocco made some valid points, general manager James Gladstone also proved that he's not afraid to take a wild swing when the trade up for Travis Hunter last year. This is why nobody will bat an eye if the Jags make an aggressive effort to move into the late 20s. Anything from No. 26 to No. 32 makes sense, with the Buffalo Bills and the Seattle Seahawks emerging as two potential trade-up partners.
With the first-round pick the Jags get, they won't have to worry about other teams poaching the prospects they're setting their sights on.
So which position will the Jaguars target if they jump into the first round?
The Jaguars will double dip at defensive tackle
With the first-round pick the Jaguars get, they'll be in a position to select Kayden McDonald, one of the top defensive tackles available in the draft. He'll be gone by the time they're on the clock at No. 56, so it makes sense to move up to take him.
With that said, Jacksonville could use more than one defensive tackle when you take into account that DaVon Hamilton and Arik Armstead are entering contract years. And even if the Jags use some of their 11 draft picks to move up into the first round, they'll still have one or two left in the third round. They'll use one of them to keep fortifying the defensive front.
Domonique Orange and Darrell Jackson Jr. should still be available in Round 3, and either one could provide further reinforcements at defensive tackle.
The Jaguars will get a second 1st-round pick by trading Brian Thomas Jr.
Trading for Dexter Lawrence would be huge, but it wouldn't come cheap. Aside from having to compensate the New York Giants, the Jaguars might also need to give the three-time Pro Bowl nod a new deal. When you add it all up, they're better off keeping their draft picks and taking a young defensive tackle early.
And keeping with the premise that the Jaguars will trade up into the first round, they'll get another first-round selection when they trade Brian Thomas Jr. The New York Jets, the Cleveland Browns, and the Los Angeles Rams would be intriguing destinations for the three-year wideout.
With the pick the Jaguars get from Thomas, they'll get their hands on one of the top pass rushers in this year's class, whether it is Keldrick Faulk or Cashius Howell.