The storyline of what the Jacksonville Jaguars will do at pick No. 33 has become more interesting than what the franchise plans to do with the first overall pick recently. For Jacksonville, the No. 1 pick is down to four players, according to general manager Trent Baalke. Most seem to think those four players are offensive linemen Ikem Ekwonu and Evan Neal, as well as Michigan edge-rusher Aidan Hutchinson and Georgia defensive lineman Travon Walker.
With their next pick, the Jags can go in a variety of different directions, though. They could draft an offensive lineman, a wide receiver, or a linebacker. There is a bevy of players the organization is likely considering at each position.
Jags general manager Trent Baalke and head coach Doug Pederson met with the media on Friday to preview the upcoming 2022 NFL draft next week. In the process, Baalke discussed how important the pick at 33 overall is for the franchise.
“That second pick usually carries a lot of value because you sit there and 31 other teams have all day or the rest of the evening or all day the next day to think about that pick, who they may want,” Baalke said. “Generally, that’s a good pick for trade purposes. If our player’s there, and we have a couple in mind, I doubt whether we move out of that spot, but we certainly may consider it. I think it gives us time to think it through and talk it through as a staff.”
Some possible names Baalke and the Jaguars are likely considering are Iowa center Tyler Linderbaum, Georgia wide receiver George Pickens, Georgia linebacker Quay Walker, and the other star who played next to him, Nakobe Dean. And though he said there was doubt about the team moving from the pick, maybe there is a scenario where a really good player falls to the back of Round 1 who could entice them to come up.
Of course, if the Jags remain at pick No. 33, they should get several calls because of the break between Day 1 and Day 2. However, the Jags were such a bad team that they are likely to be in position to grab a Day 1 caliber player who they should take as opposed to moving back.
It was impressive how organized Pederson, Baalke, and the franchise seemed in free agency and now for the draft, which is refreshing to see after the past couple of seasons. However, it’s yet to be seen whether that coordination turns into wins.
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