Here is how the Jags could end up with a top-18 pick from the Rams
The Jacksonville Jaguars secured the No. 1 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, but they will have to wait a little longer in terms of finding out where their pick from the Los Angeles Rams will be.
As fans can recall, the Jags acquired the pick last year when they traded cornerback Jalen Ramsey. With most fans feeling like Trevor Lawrence would be the first selection if he declares, another relatively early pick in the draft order could help the Jags get the Clemson star another solid weapon.
As of now, the Rams have the sixth seed in the NFC playoff picture. However, with a loss and a Chicago Bears win over the Green Bay Packers, the Rams would miss the playoffs. If the Indianapolis Colts or Tennessee Titans miss the playoffs, and the Rams missed the playoffs, too, the Rams would register a top-17 pick. If both aforementioned AFC South teams make the playoffs, and the Rams don’t, they would register a top-18 pick for the Jags.
Of course, a win Sunday would cement the Rams in the playoffs. If the Rams and Bears lose, the Rams would also make the postseason. In other words, the Rams could lose Sunday and still register a pick outside of the top-18.
The Rams, who play the Arizona Cardinals, will be without quarterback Jared Goff (thumb injury) Sunday, which might make a win difficult. Jacksonville native John Wolford, who has never started in an NFL game, will start in Goff’s place.
As for the Bears, they could face a Packers team that will be playing their starters. The Packers could claim the No. 1 seed in the NFC (which would give them a bye week) with a win. However, if the Seahawks and Packers end up with the same record (12-4), the tiebreaker would work in Seattle’s favor for the top seed. That said, a Bears win might be a tall task although they will be at home Week 17.
