Now that the major free agent signings have been finalized, the Last Word On Sports NFL department will be looking at the top three needs for each team heading into the 2015 NFL Draft. Today, the Jacksonville Jaguars are the focus. The Jaguars have the 3rd pick in the first round and they will look to build around franchise quarterback Blake Bortles.
Jacksonville Jaguars 2015 NFL Draft: Top 3 Needs
Defensive Line
A pass rushing defensive lineman is sorely needed. Tyson Alualu and Ziggy Hood have never been talented pass rushers and Chris Clemons turns 30 in September. A potential replacement for Clemons could be drafted now and used as an upgrade at another defensive line spot in 2015.
If Leonard Williams is available, he would be hard to pass up. He would form a dominant pass rushing duo with Chris Clemons and he is arguably the best prospect in the class. If he is not available, this need will have to wait until a later round. Preston Smith (Mississippi State) and Trey Flowers (Arkansas) are two potential fits in the second round and third round, respectively.
Outside Linebacker
A pass rushing outside linebacker that could fill the Jaguars “Leo” role is needed and this position will probably be addressed in the first round. Luckily, there are plenty of talented edge rushers in this class.
If Leonard Williams is off the board, the Jaguars could take Dante Fowler Jr. or Vic Beasley to play in their Leo position. Fowler Jr. played a similar role at times for the Florida Gators and he is the hometown favorite. If the Jaguars decide to take Leonard Williams or an elite receiver in the first round, they will still have a few options later on. Eli Harold is one second-round option that could fill this role excellently.
Wide Receiver
While the Jaguars possess a few solid targets in Allen Robinson, Marqise Lee, and Allen Hurns, they lack an elite receiver that Bortles can consistently trust. Additionally, leading receiver Cecil Shorts left in free agency. While they possess a few complementary receivers, the Jaguars do not have a guy that will be feared by opposing secondaries.
A pass rusher will probably be the pick if the Jaguars keep the 3rd overall selection, but they could trade back and take Amari Cooper, Kevin White, or even DeVante Parker, depending upon how far they move back. An elite receiver would give the Jaguars a great wide receiver corps and allow Bortles to sling the ball all over the field. A second-round receiver like Nelson Agholor or Devin Smith would help, but they already have a couple second-round receivers who would make a similar impact. If Dorial Green-Beckham makes it to the second round because of his off-field issues, he has the talent to be the elite receiver the Jaguars are looking for.
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