JACKSONVILLE – The Jaguars busily focused on offense on Day 1.
Four Jaguars media members – senior writer John Oehser, senior correspondent Brian Sexton, senior reporter/editor J.P. Shadrick and team reporter/producer Kainani Stevens – will share an observation following each day of the 2024 NFL draft.
NFL Draft Day 1 Observations
- Senior Writer John Oehser: We know this after four Trent Baalke drafts: He’s going to be active in Round 1, and he’s going to focus on big-school production early. Baalke, in his fourth draft as the Jaguars’ general manager, traded for a third consecutive offseason in Round 1 on Thursday – this time trading back from No. 17 to No. 23 overall to select Louisiana State University wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. Baalke, who traded back twice before selecting right tackle Anton Harrison from Oklahoma No. 27 overall in the 2023 NFL Draft after moving from Round 2 to No. 27 to select linebacker Devin Lloyd in ’22, has used five of six Jaguars Round 1 selections on players from “power schools.” He also selected quarterback Trevor Lawrence and running back Travis Etienne Jr. from Clemson in Round 1 in 2021 and edge Travon Walker from Georgia in Round 1 in 2022. The value of the fifth-round selection gained in Thursday’s trade is to be determined; many analysts question this class’s talent level in the later rounds. But the third- and fourth-round selections in what is expected to be a stronger ’25 draft could be very valuable. As for Thomas, he’s very definitely a “Baalke” selection – a combination of proven production (an FBS-high 17 touchdowns in 2023) and impressive measurables (sub-4.4 speed, 6-feet-2, 207 pounds). Many analysts believe Thomas is capable of developing into a No. 1 receiver. If that happens, this is a big-time selection.
- Senior Correspondent Brian Sexton: The Jaguars sent a strong message about their chosen identity Thursday when they selected Thomas. Sitting at No. 17 with top defensive…
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