We’re in a a quiet portion of the NFL year. The main free agency signings are complete but the draft isn’t here yet. Yes, the head coaches and general managers are meeting this week, but as far as players are concerned we’re in full mock draft mode. The Jacksonville Jaguars signed their franchise quarterback in Nick Foles. They also added some weapons such as Chris Conley and Geoff Swaim. A few others were added for depth, but it’s time to focus on the draft.
Jacksonville Jaguars Post-Free Agency Draft Needs
Round One
With the addition of Foles, it’s almost certain that the Jaguars pass on a quarterback in the first round. The team needs to build around their new signal caller. For the first round, the Jags could go in multiple directions. An obvious pick for fans would be tight end T.J. Hockenson. He’s considered one of the top tight ends in the draft and is an able receiver and a good blocker too. But seventh overall may be too high for the Jags to take Hockenson.
Another option in the first round would be a tackle. The Jaguars need to fill out the right end of their line and there’s some good talent at the top of the draft. With players such as Jawaan Taylor, Jonah Williams, or even Andre Dillard they could easily look to strengthen the offensive line in the first round.
Tight end or offensive line are the most obvious choices for the first round, but it’s also possible the team decides to take a top tier defensive end such as Montez Sweat. They need to build around Foles, but the front office may want bookend the defensive line and add another pass rusher outside of Yannick Ngakoue.
Round Two
The second round should be a much easier decision for the Jags. If they don’t take a pass catcher such as Hockenson in the first, they should go after one in the second. The 2019 receiving class is pretty deep both on the wideout side and with tight ends.
The Jaguars took a wide receiver in the second round last year, but still don’t seem to have a true number one receiver. Disregarding combine wonder D.K. Metcalf, there are plenty of receivers with a lot of college production. Players such as Parris Campbell, Deebo Samuel, and J.J. Arcega-Whiteside could all be available.
If the Jags go for a tight end in the second round, Noah Fant, Irv Smith Jr., or Caleb Wilson should be their targets if available. Foles has a history using tight ends a fair amount in the passing game and would benefit from proven players at the position.
Round Three
The Jaguars have two picks in the third round thanks to their trade with the Los Angeles Rams last season. This is potentially the first round the team could go defense, assuming they don’t take a defender at seventh overall.
If going defense at the beginning of round three, the Jags could target a safety to replace Tashaun Gipson. Ronnie Harrison was impressive as a rookie, but the team also cut Barry Church. Some options could be Nasir Adderley, Chauncey Gardner-Johnson, or perhaps Darnell Savage if he makes it to round three.
With Jacksonville’s second third-round pick, they could look to give Leonard Fournette a capable backup. Bennie Snell Jr., Myles Gaksin, and Miles Sanders would all be intriguing choices. With T.J. Yeldon and Carlos Hyde gone, the team needs someone to fill in, especially given Fournette’s injury history.
The Last Word
The 2019 draft is an important one for the Jaguars. The trio of Doug Marrone, Tom Coughlin, and Dave Caldwell‘s jobs could partly depend on it being successful. The team needs to add some weapons for Foles on the offensive side as well as some players of depth on both sides of the ball.
