The 2020 NFL Draft is just days away. Unofortunately, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this will be a virtual draft unlike any before it. Teams are doing what they can to adjust. In these last few days before the draft, let’s look at the Jacksonville Jaguars historical picks. With the ninth overall pick, there are some Duval favorites. Fred Taylor highlights the short list of past ninth overall picks made by the Jags. John Henderson and Reggie Williams round out the three former Jags selected at this spot.
Fred Taylor Highlights Jacksonville Jaguars Ninth Overall Picks
Fred Taylor, 9th Overall in 1998
Taylor’s Career Highlights: 11,695 rushing yards, 66 rushing touchdowns, 2,384 receiving yards, and eight receiving touchdowns. One Pro Bowl selection.
Taylor currently holds the 17th most rushing yards in NFL history. He’s also in the Pride of the Jaguars. The former Florida Gator has a case to be in the Hall of Fame. Unfortunately, nobody in Jaguars history has that honor yet. Tony Boselli has been a finalist the past four seasons. He’ll make it in before Taylor gets a serious look, but Taylor should get consideration. Though fans nicknamed him “Fragile Fred” due to injury woes at points in his career, he’s one of the most beloved Jaguars players in history. He’s still involved with the team today. Taylor is a regular commentator on game day at the stadium and on a radio show after games.
John Henderson, 9th Overall in 2002
Henderson’s Career Highlights: 382 solo tackles, 46 pass break ups, 29 sacks, eight forced fumbles, and five fumble recoveries. Two time Pro Bowl selection.
John Henderson was the epitome of smash mouth football. The man was about as hard as they come. Take this clip for example. Henderson had a pre-game ritual of asking a trainer to slap him to get him “juiced up”. Football is a contact sport and Henderson wasn’t afraid of it; in fact, he welcomed it. He was a fairly consistent sack producer, especially considering he was a defensive tackle. He was quite good at swatting the ball away, with 46 pass break ups in his career (39 with the Jaguars).
Reggie Williams, 9th Overall in 2004
Williams’ Career Highlights: 2,322 receiving yards, 18 touchdowns, and 44 rushing yards.
Though Reggie Williams came out of the 2004 NFL Draft with high expectations, he was a bust. He was the third wide receiver selected in the 2004 draft, behind Larry Fitzgerald and Roy Williams. Fitzgerald is still in the league and a future Hall of Famer. Roy Williams made the Pro Bowl one time. Reggie Williams had his best season in 2008. That year, he produced 10 touchdowns along with 629 receiving yards. Unfortunately, Williams had multiple run-ins with the police from 2006 to 2009 on drug-related issues.
The Jacksonville Jaguars 9th Overall Pick in 2020
The Jaguars could go in multiple directions early in this year’s draft. Some analysts have even mocked Justin Herbert to the Jaguars. That is unlikely though. After the recent statements from head coach Doug Marrone, it is clear that this team is committed to Gardner Minshew and giving him the best shot to succeed in the NFL. Drafting a quarterback at nine is highly unlikely.
Dave Caldwell, the Jaguars general manager, likes to draft defensive linemen early. It’s a strong possibility that is where the team will go at nine. Players like Derrick Brown or Javon Kinlaw would be good fits. The team could also provide Minshew help by upgrading the offensive line. Andrew Thomas, Mekhi Becton, and Tristan Wirfs would all be strong possibilities. In addition, there is the possibility the Jaguars find it too hard to pass up the receiving skills of Jerry Jeudy. One thing is for sure: the Jaguars must do well in this year’s draft to spark the rebuild.
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