04-26-2019, 01:05 PM
One of the most interesting developments during this whole pre-draft period is the virtual silence when it comes to Little. For whatever reason, he is a guy that hasn't generated much buzz. Some believe he has never put it all together. But as I think about it, there are several reasons Little should be the choice for us if he is still on the board.
First, the value fits. At a base level, the consensus is that he carries a mid second round grade. While he didn't have as high a grade in the pre draft discussions as Taylor or Ford, if any team took him around the early to mid 2nd round, it wouldn't be a reach there.
Secondly, he fits a need. Without question, we have a gaping hole at RT. With his size and length, you could easily plug him in at RT and the hole is filled. However, when you consider he has the bulk to play RT, but is better equipped because of his feet than any of the other T prospects to play LT, his value is enhanced. All things being equal, you'd want a guy who plays a premium position (LT) over a guy who doesn't (RT). While many of the guys on the board offer versatility, none other than him could reasonably be expected to plug in when needed at LT and play at an acceptable level. Little played LT in the SEC and went against guys like Allen, Sweat, and Polite. At minimum, he could hold up in a pinch there. But I like the security that comes with a guy who could potentially upgrade LT should Cam Robinson falter for one reason or another. He would give the team quality depth at the position on the OL that matters the most.
Third, because he plays LT, even though he is perceived to have a second round grade, his position puts him in higher demand. At least two AFC competitors-the Texans and Browns-have holes at LT. He has the physical ability and pedigree to adequately fill those positions for those teams and make them more viable playoff contenders. If it comes down to the three of us battling for the playoffs and seeding, I'd rather the Jaguars have two guys who could offer quality snaps at LT than either of those teams to have one guy who could.
At the end of the day, his base value, enhanced by his ability to play LT, the Jaguars would be wise to consider making him the choice at 38.
First, the value fits. At a base level, the consensus is that he carries a mid second round grade. While he didn't have as high a grade in the pre draft discussions as Taylor or Ford, if any team took him around the early to mid 2nd round, it wouldn't be a reach there.
Secondly, he fits a need. Without question, we have a gaping hole at RT. With his size and length, you could easily plug him in at RT and the hole is filled. However, when you consider he has the bulk to play RT, but is better equipped because of his feet than any of the other T prospects to play LT, his value is enhanced. All things being equal, you'd want a guy who plays a premium position (LT) over a guy who doesn't (RT). While many of the guys on the board offer versatility, none other than him could reasonably be expected to plug in when needed at LT and play at an acceptable level. Little played LT in the SEC and went against guys like Allen, Sweat, and Polite. At minimum, he could hold up in a pinch there. But I like the security that comes with a guy who could potentially upgrade LT should Cam Robinson falter for one reason or another. He would give the team quality depth at the position on the OL that matters the most.
Third, because he plays LT, even though he is perceived to have a second round grade, his position puts him in higher demand. At least two AFC competitors-the Texans and Browns-have holes at LT. He has the physical ability and pedigree to adequately fill those positions for those teams and make them more viable playoff contenders. If it comes down to the three of us battling for the playoffs and seeding, I'd rather the Jaguars have two guys who could offer quality snaps at LT than either of those teams to have one guy who could.
At the end of the day, his base value, enhanced by his ability to play LT, the Jaguars would be wise to consider making him the choice at 38.