(02-18-2024, 04:33 PM)flgatorsandjags Wrote:

(02-18-2024, 04:27 PM)jaglou53 Wrote: Thanks for sending that link. I always like hearing T. Wigg's thoughts on draft related topics. Couldn't agree more with this edition. Take free agents who will address areas of need so you can draft the most talented player at your spot. He specifically mentioned the Jags taking a guard,center, defensive tackle and cornerback in free agency beginning next month. They don't all have to be the highest priced players- just address positions of need that will be upgraded. Potential targets he mentioned were Robert Hunt, Damien Lewis and Lloyd Cushenberry. This strategy would then enable the Jaguars to take the most talented player at 17 other than quarterback. Some players they may feel that possess exceptional talent who could drop to 17 include Olu Fashanu, Quinyon Mitchell, Brian Thomas, J.C. Latham, Byron Murphy, Jared Verse or even Rome Odunze. None of these play interior OL, the team's biggest need, but there won't be an urgency to reach for a center or guard if they are rated lower on their board due to free agent acquisitions. That certainly doesn't eliminate JPJ from consideration if he is in fact their top rated player when selecting at 17. 

While this philosophy is certainly not groundbreaking, we need to hope that the Jaguars add a starting free agent interior OL (or 2) during the free agency period beginning in just about 3 weeks from now. That should be the number 1 priority as their are several good candidates and the cost for this position is one of the lowest. Finding a defensive tackle at the right price will be more difficult, but one player I'd strongly consider is Grover Stewart from the Colts. His 6 game suspension last season for PED's combined with the fact he is primarily one=dimensional ( great run stuffer ) should keep his price down. While I am not advocating the Jaguars select Jer'Zhan Newton at 17, he would be a pass-rushing force with Stewart by his side.

The best thing about this draft is our needs matchup great with the the top guys that could be available.

Now that the mock sites are updating post Senior Bowl this seems to be even more likely going forward. I think a small trade down in the 1st that could improve the position in the 2nd and 3rd rounds could be really helpful in this draft. While we might need to improve our depth, the fact is that we have a bunch of young backups already and we should be focused on getting 3 or 4 higher picks to draft starters on the lines and at WR/DB. I would be ok with only taking 6 guys in this draft if 4 of them are top 100 players who can start by the end of their rookie campaign.

Figure out a way to get (for instance based on current Big Boards):

1. JPJ, C
2. Jaden Hicks, S
2. Haynes, G
3. T'Vondre Sweat, DT

Along with a later round mix of WR, Dline, RB, and OT based on BAP. 

We don't need 10 rookies again, just get 4 guys who will step in as starters where we're weakest and some Jars in the late rounds.

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