The Jaguars drafted LSU's Maason Smith, a defensive tackle, seen here at the NFL scouting combine in February. | (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Published on April 28, 2024 at 7:16 pm
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It is foolish to place a grade on an NFL team’s draft before the players get on an NFL field. In truth, it typically takes at least two full seasons to have a fuller understanding of how the draft played out.
However, the draft strategy a team employs can be scrutinized right away.
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The Jaguars’ draft looks good on one hand, but further inspection brings up some key questions.
Let’s start with the good.
Coming into the draft, the Jaguars’ top needs were wide receiver, cornerback, defensive line, and offensive interior. In the first three rounds, they drafted a wide receiver (Brian Thomas Jr.) a defensive tackle (Maason Smith) and a cornerback (Jarrian Jones).
In the rest of the draft, they selected another defensive tackle, another corner, and then a running back, kicker, and edge rusher. Solid positional drafting if nothing else. The Jaguars found players they think can fill holes or become important contributors immediately.
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However, the Jaguars’ draft approach bears criticism, from a certain point of view.
Let’s take the first two rounds, where teams expect to find immediate starters or, at least, rotational players right away. Had the Jaguars drafted a corner first, then come back to select a wide receiver in the second round, they could have had Alabama corner Terrion Arnold, considered by some to be the top cornerback in the draft.
Assuming the rest of the draft went as it did, the Jaguars would have had a couple of options at wide receiver in the second round. Texas’ Adonai Mitchell and Western Kentucky’s Malachi Corley were both available. Mitchell was thought by some to be a potential first-round pick.
So what was the better approach? A speedy wide receiver who could develop into a top pass catcher and a defensive tackle labeled as a “tools player” by some draft analysts? In other words, a developmental talent. Or, a top corner and a wide receiver who isn’t likely to become a true No. 1 receiver but who can contribute early on?
It also bears mentioning that the Jaguars drafted three players from Louisiana State University in their first five picks. It’s not that LSU was a bad team. The Tigers went 10-3 this past season with a Heisman Trophy winner at quarterback. Thomas, the first-round pick, led the nation in touchdown receptions. Smith and fourth-round selection Jordan Jefferson made up the interior of the defensive line at LSU for a defense that allowed the second-most yards in the SEC last season. Only Vanderbilt allowed more total yards and rushing yards. Both Smith and Jefferson finished the season with 2.5 sacks each. It would be surprising if either started as rookies.
For now, I’m giving the Jaguars a draft grade of “Meh.” Perhaps in the next two years, it could develop into something better.
Cole Pepper has covered sports in Jacksonville since 1996, most recently for News4Jax. He is currently broadcast director for Sporting Club Jacksonville and has called play-by-play for a number of teams, including the Suns, Tomcats, Jacksonville University, Sharks and The Bolles School football. He also served as the studio host for the Jaguars Radio Network.
