We’re officially just three short days away from the biggest event of the NFL’s offseason, and that is the 2019 NFL Draft. Of course, throughout the last few months, fans of the Jacksonville Jaguars have heard all sorts of rumors throughout their heavily anticipated wait, but it goes without saying they’re just too unpredictable. Considering this, we still managed to put together a list of draft week predictions (some bold, and some not) and here are four things we could see happening when it’s all over:
The Jags will draft their starting TE
Simply put, tight end is a big need for the Jags heading into this week’s draft, and with the position being a strength of the 2019 class, they would be unwise not to come out of it with a starter. Sure, the team was able to bring in Geoff Swaim via free-agency, however, his statistics don’t say that he can be what John DeFilippo needs in terms of a receiver.
Additionally, the recent comments of newly signed quarterback Nick Foles will probably be on the minds of the front office, who are well aware of the connection he had with Philadelphia Eagles Pro Bowler Zach Ertz. That said, it would be a shocker if the Jags didn’t land one of the draft’s top tight ends like Irv Smith Jr., Dawson Knox, Foster Moreau by the time Day 2 ends.
Their starting tight end won’t come in the first-round, though
Personally, I’m a big fan of Hockenson and believe he has first-round caliber talent, but the tight end class is so deep this year the Jags may elect to address a premium position in Round 1instead. Additionally, nothing in Tom Coughlin’s history (or Dave Caldwell’s) indicate that they would go that route in the opening round.
All that in mind, I think when the Jags take the podium for the No. 7 overall pick, the top-2 players on their board could be defensive end Montez Sweat and/or offensive tackle Jonah Williams, with Hockenson and maybe even Dwayne Haskins (because they did a ton of work on him) not far behind. There is also a small possibility that defensive lineman Quinnen Williams could fall to them, which would be huge for the simple fact that most believe he’s the first or second best player in the whole draft.
The Jags will also land a starting offensive lineman in the draft
This is another obvious statement many fans can agree with as the right side of their offensive line is questionable. Sure, offensive guard A.J. Cann will be returning on the right side, but he hasn’t shown a lot of growth since being drafted. Also, it appears Will Richardson is penciled in to start at right tackle, who didn’t see the field during his rookie season and ended up on injured reserve in 2018.
Both of the aforementioned players are reasons why Jonah Williams has to be under heavy consideration for the No. 7 overall pick as he has the talent to be better than both at their respective positions. Even if the Jags pass on Williams in Round 1, there almost certainly will be a marquee name like Dalton Risner, Chris Lindstrom or Kaleb McGary available in Round 2. Alabama State’s Tytus Howard could be a sleeper there, too, as his draft stock is silently increasing.
But that starting offensive lineman won’t be Jawaan Taylor
Just about every national media outlet has mocked Taylor to the Jags recently at some point or another, but I personally don’t think the Jags will take him. Despite their love for Florida Gators, Jonah Williams strikes me more of a Coughlin type player than Taylor as he plays a lot like some of the players he’s dealt with in the past. Additionally, he offers more versatility than Taylor as he can play right tackle, left tackle (if Cam Robinson sustains an injury) and scouts even think he has Pro Bowl potential at guard. That said, the Jags may feel he’s the only offensive lineman worth taking at No. 7 and not Taylor.
Additionally, most scouts tend to think Williams is a much safer pick, while Taylor has some question marks. For someone who hasn’t done a spectacular job in drafting like Coughlin, the “safe” route may be the right one.
The Jags will draft a starting defensive lineman for 2020
It’s easy to get caught up in all of the Jags’ offensive needs, but the team also needs to address their defensive line depth in the draft — and early as possible. When looking at the options behind Calais Campbell and Yannick Ngakoue, fans should be concerned about the Jags’ defensive end rotation as Dawuane Smoot, unfortunately, hasn’t shown much. Same could be said about the depth at defensive tackle regardless as to who starts between Marcell Dareus, Taven Bryan, and Abry Jones.
Due to the flaws listed above, I could see the Jags drafting a defensive lineman like Sweat with the No. 7 pick, or if not him, maybe take some help in the defensive trenches in Rounds 3-4 like defensive tackle Khalen Saunders or defensive lineman Jalen Jelks.
