With March coming to a close, there’s only one major event left for the Jacksonville Jaguars to reshape their roster ahead of next season. In the 2024 NFL draft, the Jaguars are set to pick 17th overall and have seven more picks after that.
In free agency, the Jaguars addressed many of their biggest needs, adding Arik Armstead to the middle of their defense, Mitch Morse on the offensive line, and Gabe Davis to the wide receiver corps. Still, there’s work to be done. Jacksonville lost Calvin Ridley to the Tennessee Titans and the team needs to add more pieces that fit the scheme of new defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen.
With the draft just a few weeks away, here’s a guess at how the Jaguars could use all eight of their picks in the 2024 NFL draft:
Round 1, No. 17 overall: Brian Thomas Jr., WR, LSU
The Jaguars’ recent interest in LSU’s Malik Nabers and Washington’s Rome Odunze seemingly suggests the team is entertaining the possibility of moving up to land one of the top receivers of the class. In the event that the teams sits back at No. 17, Jacksonville could look instead at upgrading the cornerback position.
But if Toledo’s Quinyon Mitchell and/or Alabama’s Terrion Arnold are off the board, which doesn’t seem unlikely, it puts the Jaguars in a spot where they could go a number of directions. Given the team’s indications that receiver will be a high priority, we’ll go with Thomas in the first round. The 6’3, 209-pound receiver has 4.33 speed and could become the missing piece that Jacksonville needs to open things up for other weapons like Christian Kirk, Gabe Davis, and Evan Engram.
Round 2, No. 48 overall: Marshawn Kneeland, EDGE, Western Michigan
Cornerback may be a bigger priority heading into Day 2 if the Jaguars address wide receiver first, but there’s a drop-off in talent after the first six or seven defensive backs. If players like Kamari Lassiter, Cooper DeJean, Ennis Rakestraw and Kool-Aid McKinstry are all gone, there’s no reason to reach for another player too soon.
Instead, the Jaguars use this pick to address the dearth of talent behind starters Josh Allen and Travon Walker on the edge. While that duo combined for 27.5 sacks, Jacksonville parted with Dawuane Smoot and K’Lavon Chaisson, who combined for only three sacks. The Jaguars have to find players who can contribute as rotational rushers and Kneeland, who fits the long-armed physical mold Trent Baalke typically covets, could be a great fit.
Round 3, No. 96 overall: Cam Hart, CB, Notre Dame
While his 4.5 speed raises concerns about his ability to stay with receivers downfield after taking a misstep, Hart is a 6’3 corner with a 39.5-inch vertical and the skills the Jaguars will want to add as they transition to more press coverage in 2024. Ohio State star Marvin Harrison Jr. managed only three receptions for 32 yards against Notre Dame largely because Hart was able to use his size and athleticism to lock the All-American down.
Round 4, No. 114 overall: Mohamed Kamara, EDGE, Colorado State
The Jaguars have 2023 fifth-round pick Yasir Abdullah and the newly signed Trevis Gipson on the depth chart on the edge, but it’s hard to be too optimistic about either being a significant contributor. After getting Kneeland earlier, the Jaguars double dip at edge by adding Kamara, who racked up 45.5 tackles for los, 30.5 sacks, and five forced fumbles during a stellar collegiate career. While he’s not quite a prototypical build, he’ll add another player at a position that needs depth.
Round 4, No. 116 overall: Leonard Taylor, DT, Miami (Fla.)
The Jaguars hope swapping Arik Armstead in for Folorunso Fatukasi and getting DaVon Hamilton back to full strength will shore up a defensive line that struggled to generate pressure or stop the run in 2023. Adding another young player to the mix wouldn’t hurt, though. Taylor is a 6’4, 303-pound tackle with 34-inch arms that could be an intriguing addition. While he’s a raw talent, there’s a lot of upside and potential to like.
Round 5, No. 153 overall: Trevor Keegan, G, Michigan
The Jaguars seem to have their starting offensive line set with Cam Robinson, Ezra Cleveland, Mitch Morse, Brandon Scherff, and Anton Harrison. But after the team struggled up front in 2023, adding depth and competition is important. While the Jaguars wait until late to address the line in this mock, they still wind up with a two-time All-Big Ten selection to compete on the interior.
Round 6, No. 212 overall: Andrew Coker, T, TCU
Like the edge rushers early, the Jaguars double dip on the offensive line late. Coker is similar to 2023 draft pick Cooper Hodges as a four-year starter at tackle who could potentially kick inside at the NFL level. Jacksonville values verstaility and Coker could compete at a few different spots.
Round 7, No. 236 overall: Jaden Shirden, RB, Monmouth
The Jaguars probably don’t need much help at running back, but Baalke has never finished a draft without one. Given his history, let’s assume he adds to a room that didn’t get much from anyone other than Travis Etienne Jr. in 2023. Shirden was a tremendously productive player at the FCS level and could be a change-of-pace home run threat for the Jaguars.
