Perfect Picks: Jacksonville Jaguars
With the NFL Draft approaching we will be looking at each team and evaluating where they need to improve. In this particular series we will run a seven round mock using the Pro Football Network Mock Draft Simulator and find the ‘Perfect Picks’ for each franchise.
We will highlight four players that could help each team. This will feature picks 1 and 2, a mid round gem and a late round sleeper.
Round 1 - Evan Neal, OT, Alabama
The Jags have plenty of needs to address but left tackle Cam Robinson’s future is a major concern. By taking Evan Neal they would avoid paying Robinson beyond this year’s franchise tag, while providing excellent protection for their young QB Trevor Lawrence. Neal isn’t the finished product; he can overreach and lose balance but he is a physical freak with immense size and power who should be an elite tackle.
Round 2 - Drake Jackson, Edge, USC
Despite having spent serious draft capital on the edge rusher position it wouldn’t surprise me if the Jags went back to the well. Jackson is a long, speed rusher with quick hands and nice bend. Teams will be pleased to have seen him bulk back up for the combine. At times he looked to be lacking in power last year and that poses questions about how ready he is to face NFL rushing attacks. That said his pass rush potential makes him difficult to resist at this pick.
Mid Round Gem - Brian Asamoah, LB, Oklahoma
Outside of Myles Jack, the linebacker group in Jacksonville is nondescript. While Brian Asamoah lacks a little bit of size, measuring in at 6’0, he makes up for it in intensity. He flew around the Oklahoma defense, setting the tone with his instinctual tackling. He posted a coverage grade of 73.9 per PFF last year, showing he is a well-rounded modern linebacker that could prove to be a spark for this defensive group.
Late Round Sleeper - Velus Jones Jr, WR, Tennessee
DJ Chark could hit free agency this year, which would leave only Marvin Jones and Lavishka Shenault as the high profile receivers on this team. Jacksonville should be looking to add both a starter and depth piece in the off-season and Velus Jones Jr would certainly provide versatility due to his special teams experience. He would more than likely start as a kick returner but also offers a solid option in the slot. His 4.31 40-yard time shows the pure speed he has to offer.
Draft In Full:
1. Evan Neal, OT, Alabama
33. Drake Jackson, Edge, USC
65. George Pickens, WR, Georgia
70. Brian Asamoah, LB, Oklahoma
105. Matthew Butler, DT, Tennessee
157. Jamaree Salyer, OG, Georgia
179. Zakoby McClain, LB, Auburn
187. Kennedy Brooks, RB, Oklahoma
196. Peyton Hendershot, TE, Indiana
220. Velus Jones Jr, WR, Tennessee
223. Isaac Taylor-Stuart, CB, USC
