Jaguars receiver Calvin Ridley, left, celebrates his second touchdown catch with Christian Kirk, right, during the third quarter of an AFC South contest against the Tennessee Titans. The Jaguars improved to 7-3 following a 34-14 win over the Tennessee Titans at EverBank Stadium on Sunday, Nov. 19, 2023. | Will Brown, Jacksonville Today
Published on February 26, 2024 at 6:00 pm
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The NFL scouting combine kicks off this Thursday in Indianapolis. What should the Jaguars focus on?
In short, their key needs. Strength on the interior offensive and defensive lines, pass rushers, and cornerbacks. And don’t be surprised if the Jaguars take a close look at some wide receivers, depending on how they deal with Calvin Ridley.
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Let’s start with the big fellas.
On the offensive line, the Jaguars could upgrade both guard spots and the center position. The incumbent left guard is Ezra Cleveland, whom the Jaguars acquired in a trade during the 2023 season. Cleveland is set to become a free agent on March 13 if the Jaguars do not re-sign him. Veterans Tyler Shatley and Cole Van Lanen are both set to become free agents as well. There are some other options under contract. No other starting-level players at left guard remain on the Jaguars roster unless you consider tackle Walker Little as a candidate. Little has never been given a full chance to show that he can be a starting left tackle in the NFL, but when called upon, he has generally played well.
Little could take the starting job at left tackle if the Jaguars decide to cut Cam Robinson, which would save more than $16 million in salary cap room.
The other guard position is manned by veteran Brandon Scherff, who has played through multiple injuries in his two seasons in Jacksonville. His play has not lived up to his reputation as an All-Pro-level guard. The Jaguars could save around $9 million under the cap by cutting Scherff.
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Expect Jaguars scouts to pay close attention to the guard position at the combine. A few names to remember include Washington’s Troy Fautanu, Michigan’s Zak Zinter, and Duke’s Graham Barton.
At center, the Jaguars have a decision to make. Former third-round pick Luke Fortner has struggled to match the physicality of top defensive tackles. It’s one reason for the Jaguars’ poor performance in short-yardage situations.
Will the Jaguars draft his replacement? Barton can play both center and guard, but the top center prospect is Oregon’s Jackson Powers-Johnson. He could be the Jaguars’ pick at #17 in the first round.
On the defensive side of the line, the Jaguars simply have to get more physical. One option in the draft is T’Vondre Sweat, Texas’s massive 362-pound Outland Trophy winner. He could be available when the Jaguars select in the second round, although the Jaguars might have to move up in the round to get him.
The Jaguars’ needs could change before the draft begins on April 25 due to free agent signings. Regardless, Jacksonville’s roster will look much different by the time the team convenes for offseason mini-camp.
Lead image: Jaguars receiver Calvin Ridley, left, celebrates his second touchdown catch with Christian Kirk in a game against the Tennessee Titans at EverBank Stadium on Nov. 19, 2023. The Jaguars won 34 to 14. | Will Brown, Jacksonville Today
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.
