NFL mock draft, needs: Jaguars
Evan Silva (@EvanSilva) is the Senior Football Editor for Rotoworld's NFL Page, and Josh Norris (@JoshNorris) leads Rotoworld's college football and NFL draft coverage. Together, they're breaking down every team's biggest needs and offering potential draft-day solutions.
For a breakdown on every team, check out the team-by-team draft preview schedule.
No. 1 Team Need: End/Linebacker
Silva's Analysis
The Jaguars found their "Otto" linebacker in free agency, signing Dan Skuta to man the strong side. The "Leo" weak-side role was filled inadequately by Chris Clemons last season. In coach Gus Bradley's defense, the Leo is generally a long-armed player with explosive edge-rush ability. Aside from the Leo position and arguably middle linebacker, Jacksonville has the pieces in place to field a highly disruptive front seven.
No. 2 Team Need: Running back
Silva's Analysis
The Jaguars weren't shy about trying to upgrade their backfield in free agency, targeting DeMarco Murray but ultimately missing out. The top-three tailbacks on Jacksonville's current depth chart are Denard Robinson, Toby Gerhart, and Storm Johnson. Waiver addition Bernard Pierce isn't the answer. The Jags primarily run a zone-blocking ground game and therefore figure to target a one-cut runner. This is a pressing need as Jacksonville must complement second-year QB Blake Bortles with an efficient and high-volume rushing attack.
No. 3 Team Need: Safety
Silva's Analysis
The Jaguars have a lot of young talent at cornerback, but are short on experience. The best way for Jacksonville to support that group is with a rangy free safety. SS Johnathan Cyprien is a productive run defender, but has been exposed as a coverage liability through two NFL seasons. Incumbent FS Josh Evans is coming off a miserable year, while free agent pickup Sergio Brown is best suited to special teams. Former Seahawks defensive coordinator Bradley needs to bring his version of Earl Thomas to Jacksonville.
Norris’ Mock Draft
Round 1 (3): EDGE Vic Beasley, Clemson - Perhaps the best fit in this entire draft. In fact, even if Leonard Williams is on the board, I think the Jaguars should select Beasley. He might not have the desired wingspan, but he offers a ridiculous first step, upfield explosion and bend to turn the corner. He can feast from the wide Leo alignment and offers a progressing spin counter move.
Round 2 (36): RB Jay Ajayi, Boise State - Ajayi is a bit of a conundrum. There are plays where he puts it all together: accelerating through lanes created by the offensive line and then creating yards on his own with agility of power. But other times he hesitates at or behind the line of scrimmage and goes down too easily on first contact. Ajayi is one of the draft’s best receiving backs.
Round 3 (67): FS Ifo Ekpre-Olomu, Oregon - Many expect IEO to move to free safety in the NFL, and his skills match the conversion. He was too aggressive and bit on underneath routes, which allowed receivers to successfully win downfield. He was also lost in trash when working from the slot. However, Ifo can track sideline to sideline with timing and would be a nice counterpiece to Johnathan Cyprien.
Round 4 (103): LB Ben Heeney, Kansas - A personal favorite. Heeney can be very good if given space to operate. Like many linebackers, he struggles when taking on blocks. However, he is a great athlete and hopefully can package that quickness and explosion to work around blocks in an efficient manner, which is not a negative. He also seems comfortable in coverage.
Round 5 (139): TE Ben Koyack, Notre Dame - Marcedes Lewis is making a boatload of money this season, and this is his contract year. Julius Thomas does not shine inline, so for 12 personnel, Koyack would be a nice second tight end option. Koyack is also a fine receiver as he was used in an H-back role while Troy Niklas played for Notre Dame.
Round 6 (179): EDGE Marcus Rush, Michigan State - It is difficult to find late round rushers with athleticism and arm length. Maybe the Jaguars have one in mind that is not on my radar. Rush does not have the desired wingspan, but can convert speed to power on the edge. Disruption depth is what he offers.
Round 7 (220): C/G Dillon Day, Miss State - With Austin Pasztor as edge OL depth, Day could fill the interior OL utility role. He plays with tenacity.
Jaguars Current Offensive Depth Chart
QB: Blake Bortles
RB: Denard Robinson
WR: Allen Robinson
WR: Marqise Lee
TE: Julius Thomas
TE: Marcedes Lewis
LT: Luke Joeckel
LG: Zane Beadles
C: Luke Bowanko
RG: Brandon Linder
RT: Jermey Parnell
Jaguars Current Defensive Depth Chart
LE: Jared Odrick
RE: Chris Clemons
DT: Sen'Derrick Marks
NT: Roy Miller
MLB: Paul Posluszny
WLB: Telvin Smith
SLB: Dan Skuta
CB: Davon House
CB: Demetrius McCray
FS: Sergio Brown
SS: Johnathan Cyprien