There’s no such thing as too many mock drafts. With the Free Agency period largely at its conclusion, most of the once available big names are now under contract. But the off-season fun is a far from over, meaning that it’s time to once again delve into the unadulterated fun which is the NFL Draft season.
Prior to the rush of Free Agency and the NFL Scouting Combine the Jacksonville Jaguars department here at lastwordonprofootball.com already took one look at who the Jaguars should take in the NFL Draft – which is now little over two weeks away. So it is only right that once the dust had settled we publish a revisited, post free agency Jacksonville Jaguars Mock Draft.
Post-Free Agency Jacksonville Jaguars Mock Draft
Round One, Pick Four
Leonard Fournette, Running Back, LSU
While Jaguars fans across the world will be hoping that one of the three teams before them aren’t smart enough to pick up Solomon Thomas before Jacksonville are on the clock, the likelihood is that he won’t be an option.
Jacksonville have had major problems moving the ball over the past few seasons. While many thought that the addition of former New York Jets running back Chris Ivory would solve some of our offensive issues in 2016, he left a lot to be desired after a disappointing campaign.
With new head coach Doug Marrone looking to excite fans ahead of next season, it makes sense to draft an offensive superstar. That’s what you get in Fournette. The LSU product is universally renowned as the top offensive talent in this year’s draft class, and would do wonders in Jacksonville’s backfield if he’s picked up here.
Round Two, Pick 35
Dion Dawkins, Offensive Lineman, Temple
If the Jaguars want a successful season, they need to pay much more attention to the offensive line in than they did in free agency.
Regarded widely as a top five offensive tackle in this draft class, Dawkins looks as though he could become a Swiss Army knife on any NFL line. While he may not have worn one of the infamous single digit numbers whilst at Temple, he’s powerful enough to make life difficult for defenders.
He started three full seasons at left tackle but with the addition of Brandon Albert this off-season Dawkins would likely find himself filling the void left by Luke Joeckel inside. However he has the potential to provide some much needed competition at the right tackle position.
Viewed widely as a plug and play starter from day one, expect Dawkins to make an impact wherever Nathaniel Hackett has him lined up.
Round Three, Pick 68
Bucky Hodges, Tight End, Virginia Tech
Hodges is the embodiment of big play potential. An impressive 28 percent of his catches went over 20 yards last season and at 6″6 and 257 pounds Hodges has the physical attributes to be a nightmare for defenders.
While his 39 inch vertical highlights Hodges’ extended catch radius, he has shown at times that he struggles to bring down the more challenging catches. Having used his natural size and speed to beat defenders in college, Hodges will have to work on his route tree in order to find extended success at the pro level.
Hodges possesses an excellent football IQ. The former quarterback has extensive knowledge of different defensive coverages which should help him to isolate defenders in the NFL. With Julius Thomas lining up for the Miami Dolphins next season, this is an ideal addition to a thin looking tight end group in Jacksonville.
Round Four, Pick 110
Danny Isidora, Offensive Guard, Miami
There’s the potential that general manager Dave Caldwell will have to move back into the third to get Isidora. Nevertheless, whether it’s at pick 110 or higher this is a selection that the Jaguars really should be looking to make.
There’s not many question marks on the defensive side of the ball for the Jaguars. However the same cannot be said for the offense which is why the Jaguars should take as many future starters as possible. With only two of the five offensive line positions filled prior to the draft, Isidora comes in and plugs one of the guard spots immediately.
The Florida native comes in at 6″3, 306 pounds and moves like an NFL athlete. While there are some question marks surrounding his core strength, a full camp with pro-level conditioning will rectify any shortcomings in his physical attributes.
A three year starter in Miami, his strong hands and quickness means he can establish himself early at the second level, which should help boost the Jaguars’ destitute run game.
Round Five, Pick 148
Eddie Jackson, Safety, Alabama
Jackson would likely have been picked much higher than this if he had decided to go pro last year. Unfortunately, a devastating leg break early into the 2016 season prevented him from helping Alabama reach the NCAA National Championships second consecutive season.
An established kick returner and ball hawking defender, Jackson can contribute as soon as he’s healthy on both special teams and defense.
Although some would say that Jackson was helped by his supporting cast at Alabama, the new secondary in Jacksonville should allow him to sit back and make important plays when he is used in rotation.
Round Six, Pick 187
Freddie Stevenson, Fullback, Florida State
The third Florida native in a row. Stevenson has natural athleticism and plays with a mean streak that vice president Tom Coughlin will love. Whie he’s somewhat inexperienced in pass-protection, his ability as a lead blocker should make life for the aforementioned offensive rookies easier.
Never shying away from contact, Stevenson is a malleable athlete with the intangibles to succeed at the next level. If he’s able to work on his pass-catching and blitz protection, he could become a legitimate stud in Jacksonville.
Round Seven, Pick 222
James Onwualu, Outside Linebacker, Notre Dame
At 6″1, 232 pounds, Onwualu hasn’t got prototypical size for his position. Often used in blitzing situations but doesn’t have the rush moves or necessary power to elevate off of NFL blockers.
He has fluid hips and can break well on the ball, making him ideal as a special teams contributor. Onwualu is widely regarded as a phenomenal teammate and was voted Notre Dame’s defensive player of the year for 2016. There should be no trouble in cementing his roster spot in Jacksonville.
Round Seven, Pick 240
Ricky Seals-Jones, Wide Reciever, Texas A&M
Injury plagued for the majority of his young career, Seals-Jones struggled to set the college world alight despite being a five-star high school recruit. Even though he’s 6’5″, he isn’t big enough to gain separation and needs to add weight to become a presence on the field.
By adding to his 235 pound frame, Seals-Jones will be able to claim contested catches, and could also feature in a two tight end set on passing downs. Whether he lines up as a receiver or tight end, he’s a good weapon to have in a pass happy league.
