The Jacksonville Jaguars coaching staff and front office have turned their sole attention to the NFL Draft after they made a bevy of moves in free agency. It’s an exciting time for Jags fans because their team holds the No. 1 overall pick again after a tumultuous 2021 season where the franchise finished 3-14.
Now that Jacksonville has found its franchise quarterback in Trevor Lawrence, general manager Trent Baalke can focus on improving things around him at receiver and on the offensive line. With the draft inching closer and closer, here are three reasons Jags fans should be optimistic and look forward to the draft:
The Jaguars will get a good player with the top pick
Michigan defensive end Aidan Hutchinson high-fives fans Saturday, Sept. 4, 2021, as he walks up the tunnel after the Wolverines’ 47-14 win over Western Michigan at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor.
Michigan edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson is the presumable favorite for the Jaguars to take with the first overall pick. But even if the franchise decided to opt for Georgia defensive lineman Travon Walker, that would be a good get for Jacksonville because of his potential.
It’s unlikely the Jaguars use the first pick on an offensive lineman like Alabama offensive tackle Evan Neal or North Carolina State’s Ikem Ekwonu. However, they would be considered excellent choices, too, because they would give Lawrence an upgraded line.
The Jaguars are tied with the Chiefs for the most picks in the NFL Draft
Apr 29, 2021; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; NFL commissioner Roger Goodell announces Jamin Davis (Kentucky) is selected by the Washington Football Team as the number 19 overall pick in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft at First Energy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Jacksonville currently holds 12 picks in this year’s draft, which is tied for the most with the Kansas City Chiefs. The Jags have hoarded quite a bit of sixth- and seventh-round draft picks that they could offer in trades.
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