The draft is under two weeks away and is set to be a virtual experience like no other when looking at how the NFL has conducted the annual experience in the past. With that being the case, we started our series of articles this weekend in which we’ll be looking at early-round options at the Jacksonville Jaguars’ positions of need starting with cornerback.
Now, it’s time to switch over to the offensive side as the Jags have holes there, too. The position we’ll start with in particular is the offensive tackle spot, where there are several options for the Jags to add. Here are some prospects in each of the Top-3 rounds who could be on the Cardiac Cat’s radar:
Round 1 – Andrew Thomas, Georgia
At 6-foot-5, 315-pounds, Andrew Thomas is exactly the type of offensive lineman the Jags gravitate towards and it’s hard to envision them not being high on him. Jawaan Taylor (6-foot-5, 312-pounds) and Cam Robinson (6-foot-6, 322-pounds) are prime examples of their love for massive Southeastern Conference linemen who bring a gritty mentality to the field.
Coming from the running backs capital of the world in Athens, Thomas made a name for himself by paving lanes for D’Andre Swift and company. He’s no slouch as a pass protector either but needs to clear up some things with hand placement and his weight distribution (can be a leaner at times). However, a lot of his issues can be fixed with coaching and Doug Marrone (a former OL coach himself) could certainly help him maximize his potential.
Round 2 – Isaiah Wilson, Georgia
Andrew Thomas wasn’t the only stud at tackle for the Bulldogs as right tackle Isaiah Wilson proved to be a baller, too. There have been rumblings that he could end up being a Day 1 pick, however, I believe he’s more along the lines of an early second-round pick.
At 6-foot-6, 350-pounds, scouts really love his upside as Wilson still has a lot of developing to do as a player. However, his physical traits are quite impressive and his power at the point of attack really stands out on film. Of course, the Jags appear to be set at right tackle with Taylor improving late but maybe the Jags could consider Wilson at right guard where A.J. Cann has struggled
Round 3 – Matt Peart, Connecticut
Matt Peart is a player with plenty of experience and was a four-year starter for Connecticut. At 6-foot-7, 317-pounds, Peart offers impressive athleticism and there aren’t many tackles in the draft who move better than him.
As for the cons, he needs to improve his strength as he could struggle with powerful defenders on the next level. Add in the fact that the competition level at Connecticut could be better and it’s easy to piece together why he’s viewed as a third-round pick by some. If the Jags are in a scenario where they can’t address the offensive line in the first two rounds, he could be a Day 2 option and could kick Robinson in to guard where the Jags need upgrades.
