Jacksonville Jaguars general manager Trent Baalke went into the 2024 NFL Draft looking to get help for Trevor Lawrence. The 2023 season began with great promise for Jacksonville after starting 8-3 and poised to win the AFC South for the second year in a row. But just as team CEO Tony Khan was attacked Wednesday night on AEW Dynamite, the Jaguars world was turned upside down. Jacksonville lost five of their last six games and finished outside the playoffs. The Jaguars needed to make quick work repairing their wide receiver room. While Calvin Ridley signed with Tennessee, the Jaguars added Gabe Davis from Buffalo to replace him.
Fortunately, a golden opportunity emerged on Thursday to help the franchise progress. Jacksonville gained a talented wide receiver and an extra third and fourth-round pick in 2025. The Jaguars have prepared for a return to the playoffs thanks to the draft.
2024 Jacksonville Jaguars NFL Draft Class Grades
Round 1, pick 23 wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr.
Heading into Thursday, the Jaguars originally owned the 17th overall pick. The Jaguars sent Minnesota the 17th overall pick in exchange for the 23rd and 167th picks. As well as a 2025 third-round and fourth-round pick. Despite moving back, the Jaguars add a talented wide receiver in Brian Thomas Jr. A favorite target of second overall pick Jayden Daniels, Thomas has impressive size at 6’3″ and 210 lbs. He will be an excellent target for Trevor Lawrence on deep routes. Working alongside a veteran like Gabe Davis and an experienced wide receiver coach in Chad Hall will greatly benefit Thomas’s development. His presence will make life easier for both Trevor Lawrence and Christian Kirk.
Grade: A
Round 2, pick 48 defensive tackle Maason Smith
After trading back to add to the wide receiver room, Baalke needed to provide Ryan Nielsen with some defensive help too. He received a raw defensive tackle who could become a steal as he develops. Maason Smith was the highest-rated high school recruit in Louisiana before committing to LSU. After earning Freshman All-SEC honors in 2021 with 19 tackles and four sacks, a torn ACL cost Smith his season in 2022. Despite the injury, Smith played in 12 games for the Tigers this season with 28 tackles and four and a half sacks.
A full year removed from the injury, Smith has the potential to be a steal if he can regain his pre-injury athleticism. Smith learning behind Arik Armstead should allow him to develop more as a pass rusher. It was a similar gamble the 49ers held when having Armstead learn from DeForest Buckner. But Ryan Nielsen should be impressed with his ability to pressure run blockers. When he’s healthy, he’ll demonstrate his value as a run-stopper.
Grade: B
Round 3, pick 96 cornerback Jarrian Jones
While the additions of Darnell Savage and Ronald Darby will benefit the secondary, cornerback remains a need with Tyson Campbell heading into free agency after this season. Alas, a slew of cornerback selections presented Jacksonville with few options in the third round. However, the fast Jarrian Jones out of Florida State has a strong future as a nickelback.
While he lacks the traditional size, he makes up for his ability to get after the quarterback and make plays in the backfield. He’ll show his worth if featured in zone-heavy coverage plays as a nickelback while learning from Savage. Should Jones prove productive, he could be a cost-effective replacement for Campbell should he test free agency.
Grade: B-
Round 4, pick 114 offensive tackle Javon Foster
Depth along the offensive line will always be a necessity. After agreeing to a contract extension for trade deadline acquisition Ezra Cleveland, Jacksonville adds a nice backup for him. Javon Foster played in over 40 games for the Missouri Tigers, starting primarily at left tackle. Foster will compete to earn reps at swing tackle on either side of the line. He is a difference-maker as a run blocker. Not as of a polished pass protector. Should Doug Pederson move him inside to guard, he can be very useful at creating running lanes for Travis Etienne.
Grade: B
Round 4, pick 116 defensive tackle Jordan Jefferson
You can’t fault the Jaguars for having a type. The team’s third LSU Tiger of this draft class, Jordan Jefferson offers a towering presence at 6′ 4″ and over 320 lbs. While his technique needs refining, his natural strength was on display at the combine. Jefferson outlifted every defensive tackle in the bench press by five reps. It’s a project for Ryan Nielsen but could turn into a nice run-stopper once his game is refined.
Grade: C+
Round 5, pick 153 cornerback Deantre Prince
After selecting Jarrian Jones in the third round, the Jaguars add their second defensive back in the class. The Ole Miss Rebel brings three seasons of starting experience with him to Jacksonville. The cornerback is effective in zone coverage doing well to follow the ball and has six career interceptions. Despite his small frame, his speed is going to allow him on the field with a 4.38 40-yard time. He needs to play with more physicality to truly make an impact.
Grade: C
Round 5, pick 167 running back Keilan Robinson
After signing Devin Duvernay earlier in the offseason, Jacksonville adds another Longhorn to impact special teams. Keilan Robinson had limited opportunities as a running back behind Bijan Robinson and Jonathan Brooks. He lacks the prototypical size at only five foot eight inches but is elusive enough to make plays. A reliable receiving back as well. He won’t challenge D’Ernest Johnson or Tank Bigsby for carries but can be useful during kick returns.
Grade: C-
Round 6, pick 212 kicker Cam Little
The kicker job is wide open in Jacksonville. The Jaguars add competition for Joey Slye with University of Arkansas kicker Cam Little. Little finished first-team All-SEC honors, finishing his three-year career as the most accurate kicker in Razorbacks history. He completed 83% of all his kicks, including 64% from 50 or more yards. He will need to improve his accuracy within 40-49 yards but could be a long-term answer if he proves his worth.
Grade: B+
Round 7, pick 236 edge rusher Myles Cole
Jacksonville finally landed a much-needed edge rusher. While they saved it for last, Myles Cole can earn a roster spot but it’s hard to envision him making much of an impact. Lack of production hurt his value, but scouts were impressed with him at the combine seeing him in person. The Texas Tech lineman stands a towering six foot six inches & weighs north of 275. His seven-foot three-inch wingspan and quick first step could turn him into an effective rotational piece. Especially if he can add more size in the weight room. The addition of Cole rounds out a productive weekend for Jacksonville as they attempt to return to the top of the AFC South.
Grade: C-
Overall Grade: B+
Main Photo: [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union] – USA Today Sports
