The best opportunity for a trade may be with the Jets. They are loaded with high draft choices and have a weakness at pass rush. If Huchinson and Thibodeaux do nothing to hurt their current draft stock, both may be gone by the time they pick (4th). They also have a strong need at cornerback and hopefully will be targeting one of the top players (Gardner or Stingley) at this position. They possess the following draft picks:

Rd. 1: Picks 4 and 7

Rd. 2: Picks 3 and 6

Rd. 3: Pick 5

There is no way they'd part with their two first rounders to just move up 3 places. However, what if the Jaguars offered their 1st pick for picks 4, 35 and 38? In order to do this, the Jaguars can't totally "fall in love" with one of the two pass rushers. If they believe Hutchinson is the next coming of Nick Bosa or Thibodeaux is the next Myles Garrett they would likely stay put and pass on this trade. It also depends on whether the Jaguars believe someone like Evan Neal would be just as valuable to them as the two pass rushers. Walker Little has looked very good the past two games and I could see the Jaguars believing the combination of Little and Neal would be the best thing for Trevor Lawrence.

This trade would enable the Jets to land the best pass rusher plus one of the top two cornerbacks. They still have a high 3rd round pick plus $50 million in salary cap to fill other needs. In my opinion, they'd be crazy not to make this deal. Are the Jaguars getting enough in return? I believe the answer is "yes.'" Neal could be immediately plugged in at right tackle and if Little got hurt he could move to the left side. The Jaguars could then use picks 33, 35, 38 on the BAP at positions of need (WR, TE, Edge, LB, G) and still have picks 65 and 71 (I believe in round 3). In my perfect world, the Jags draft would then look something like this:

Rd. 1(5): Evan Neal

Rd.2 (33) Trey McBride

Rd. 2 (35) Jahan Dotson

Rd. 2 (38) Cameron Thomas

Rd. 3 (65) Wan Dale Robinson

Rd. 3 (71) Zion Johnson


With this draft class, Lawrence has been helped immeasurably with the addition of 2 receivers who can fly, the top tight end and the makings of an offensive line which can give him the protection he needs. The Jaguars lose the opportunity to draft Hutchinson/Thibodeaux, however Cameron Thomas may turn out to be nearly as good. The only knock on him is the level of talent he faced at SDSU, but the tape doesn't lie and I believe he'd be a great complement to Josh Allen.

With the $70 million in salary cap, they should pursue help at linebacker which was notably ignored in my draft. Another player I'd be interested in would be Laken Tomlinson to further strengthen the line. Norwell will be gone and Linder gets hurt way too much. Teron Armstead is still target number 1 and if they were so fortunate to get him they would likely pass on Neal in favor of someone like Jameson Williams.

Bottom line, I believe the Jaguars are in a position to make major improvements next season. If they retain Baalke and he doesn't trade down as demonstrated above, I will be the most frustrated in my 27 years as a fan and ticket-holder.

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