16 guys I like for the Jaguars in Round 1
The draft is a tricky beast. Most people have a handful of guys they liked and if they aren’t there, they then scream “Trade Down!” However, it takes two teams to trade down and if there isn’t a player available you like, what are the odds another team sees a player it likes? So then, it is always good to make sure you have at least one player on your board you think is worth that pick. Since the Jaguars are picking 16th, that means you’ll need 16 guys.
1. Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri
Gabbert has all of the physical tools you want out of a QB. While he played in a spread offense at Missouri, he should make the transition to the NFL quickly.
2. Jake Locker, QB, Washington
Locker is ahead of the curve thanks to playing in a Pro style offense his last two years at Washington. Like Gabbert, he has all of the tools, but hasn’t shown he can put them all together. His Senior Bowl performance has been ok so far. It’s clear that whoever takes him will need to wait a year.
3. Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU
Peterson is an elite CB that could also play free safety. Allowing Peterson and Mathis to duel it out in the preseason, with the loser going to FS, would immediately improve the Jags secondary 10 fold.
4. Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska
Amukammara struggled somewhat his senior year, but he is still 1B to Peterson’s 1A as far as corners are concerned.
5. Akeem Ayers, OLB, UCLA
The Jaguars LB corp was supposed to be a strength for the team and instead was a severe weakness. Ayers could play any LB position in the 4-3, and more importantly, has the pass coverage ability to cover the Dallas Clark’s of the world.
6. Cameron Jordan, DE, Cal
Tyson Alualu’s former teammate helped himself perhaps more than anyone else at the Senior Bowl. Jordan can play as a 4-3 DE and has the kind of motor that makes you fall in love with a player.
7. Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue
I’m not quite as high on Kerrigan as I was before the Senior Bowl. Weighing in at 255 Lbs, he’s going to need to really bulk up to be a 4-3 DE. After watching the Quentin Groves experiment fail so spectacularly, I’m a little leary. Still, Kerrigan’s work ethic and motor are commendable.
8. Nate Solder, OT, Colorado
Considering the investment the Jaguars have made at the OT position, it may be surprising to see Solder here. However, Eben Britton is coming off on injury and hasn’t been the healthiest player. Solder would give the Jaguars another option and provide much needed OL depth.
9. JJ Watt, DE, Wisconsin
Like Kerrigan, I love Watt’s motor and versatility. However, I have to wonder how he would fit in a 4-3 in the NFL. If the Jaguars do select Watt on draft day, it gives them a perfect 3-4 defensive line with Alualu and Knighton.
10. Cam Newton, QB, Auburn
College football’s most exciting player will get taken sometime in the first round. However, like Locker he’ll be something of a project. Unlike Locker, he still hasn’t played in a pro style offense and his history of screw ups in well documented.
11. Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa
Heading into his senior year, Clayborn was a Top 5 pick. He simply took games over in college the way Bruce Smith, Reggie White, and other great DEs do. Then his senior year came along and things his a brick wall. Clayborn still has elite talent and would help the Jaguars pass rush.
12. Aldon Smith, DE, Missouri
Smith is this year’s Jason Pierre-Paul. The two words you’re going to hear with him are “raw” and “potential.” He’s more of a swing for the fences pick than Gene Smith has made in the past, but is still certainly in the realm of possibility.
13. Brandon Harris, CB, Miami
Harris is a prototypical cornerback who could start day one. He is easily the best corner after Amukamara and Peterson.
14. Allen Bailey, DL, Miami
Bailey is an athletically gifted player who played both DE and DT at Miami. Most have him pegged as a 3-4 DE but he could play as a 4-3 end as well.
15. Von Miller, LB, Texas A&M
Miller is your prototypical 3-4 rush linebacker and would almost necessitate the Jaguars go to a 3-4 by drafting him. However, he may be the best pure pass rusher in this year’s draft.
16. Anthony Castonzo, OT, Boston College
While not a franchise LT, Castonzo could be a very good RT and could be an average LT if needed.
And for a bonus, I’ll throw in a few guys I definetly don’t like
1. Julio Jones, WR, Alabama
People keep telling me about Jones’ speed and play making ability. Yet when I watched Alabama games last year, I saw Reggie Williams.
2. Ryan Mallett, QB, Arkansas
Jimmy Clausen’s personality and Vince Young’s IQ aren’t a good mix
-Jonathan Loesche
