The Jacksonville Jaguars have the opportunity to vastly improve this offseason and with the first overall pick could see somewhat of a revitalization of their 2017 glory. With new head coach Doug Pederson at the helm, the Jaguars could see their offense flourish. In addition to Pederson, the team has added eight free agents, however, they still lack game-changers at some positions. The top additions in free agency were Christian Kirk, Brandon Scherff, Folorunso Fatukasi, and Foyesade Oluokun. With the additions, it also met long time Jaguar Myles Jack had to be cut for cap space. As well, Brandon Linder retired, leaving several holes including middle linebacker, center, and outside wide receiver. Overall, this mock draft is based on what the team will likely do.
To help with this mock draft, I used The Draft Network’s mock draft simulator.
Make sure to check out all of our other NFL Team Mock Drafts.
Round 1, Pick 1: Aidan Hutchinson, EDGE, Michigan
Hutchinson has some problems against the run and plays upright which should raise some concerns about his ceiling. However, his leadership and mentality bring an added effect that the Jaguars’ defense has missed since the departure of Jalen Ramsey. He’s someone who can fire up the rest of the team and make impact plays. Hutchinson isn’t perfect, but at a minimum will be a very good edge rusher in the NFL for a long time.
For more on Hutchinson, check out our scouting report on him.
Round 2, Pick 33: Kenyon Green, iOL, Texas A&M
Green had an abysmal short shuttle testing number which will likely see him take a slight fall in the draft. It works out for the Jaguars as they can get another mauler in the run game with Scherff. In short spaces, Green can beat anyone in the run game but is solid as a pass blocker. He also brings versatility to any offensive line, playing almost every position.
For more on Green, check out our scouting report on him.
Round 3, Pick 65: Leo Chenal, LB, Wisconsin
With Jack being released, there is a void at middle linebacker as Oluokun should play the run and chase weakside linebacker position. Chenal had elite testing numbers which allowed him to make plays other linebackers cannot. He is someone who has a high ceiling as a middle linebacker and someone who could be the centerpiece of the Jaguars’ defense.
For more on Chenal, check out our scouting report on him.
Round 3, Pick 70: Jalen Tolbert, WR, South Alabama
Tolbert is one of the only receivers who fit the mold of an outside receiver at this point in the draft. At 6’1” he has some wiggle to his game, but with his natural ability to highpoint the ball he has developmental upside as an ‘X’ receiver or outside receiver. Tolbert could learn and play behind Marvin Jones Jr. this year and take on the full-time role next year.
Round 4, Pick 106: Myjai Sanders, EDGE, Cincinnati
Sanders has some concerns regarding play strength. These concerns are overblown since he’s going to be a weak-side defensive end whose primary role is rushing the passer. With that said Sanders’ pro comparison is Yannick Ngakoue, both of which have the ability to win with speed and quickness. Overall, Sanders will be able to carve out a role on the Jaguars.
For more on Sanders, check out our scouting report on him.
Round 5, Pick 157: Charlie Kolar, TE, Iowa State
In an offensive scheme, Pederson tends to run two tight end sets quite a bit, meaning the position has to have depth and developmental players. Dan Arnold and recent signee Evan Engram are an excellent short-term duo who can make plays in space. Yet Engram is only on a one-year contract, whereas Kolar has the potential to replace him for 2023. Kolar has excellent receiving ability and the upside to become a really good tight end.
Round 6, Pick 180: D’Vonte Price, RB, Florida International
James Robinson will likely not be back to full speed until midway through the season with his torn Achilles, whereas Travis Etienne is still healing from a Lisfranc injury. In short, the Jaguars need a capable workhorse running back. Price is one of the most underrated players in this draft with his complete skill set. He’s a three-down workhorse who excels in pass blocking and can catch the ball, but his best trait is the home-run threat ability. His 4.38 40-yard dash embodies the threatening ability he has and is what makes him an intriguing third option for Jaguars.
Round 6, Pick 188: Tyquan Thornton, WR, Baylor
During Pederson’s introductory press conference he mentioned that the team needs more explosive and big-play threats. Thornton has that big-play ability as well as good length. He ran a 4.28 which showed up play after play while playing at Baylor. Thornton has the chance to be a deep threat early on in his career while developing skills to become a well-rounded outside receiver in year two or three.
Round 6, Pick 197: Thomas Booker, DL, Stanford
The Jaguars need to bring in more interior defensive line depth and competition to push players such as Malcom Brown, Jay Tufele, and Roy Robertson-Harris. Brooker has the desired size to be a well-rounded defensive tackle who can play three-tech. Booker has the quicknesses and hand usage to be disruptive but is inconsistent. Overall, if Booker becomes more consistent, he has talent and could be a good starter.
For more on Booker, check out our scouting report on him.
Round 6, Pick 198: Zyon McCollum, CB, Sam Houston State
McCollum has great traits and could be a very good starter in the NFL one day. His 4.33 40-yard dash is complimented by his 6’2” and 199 lb frame. He has excellent ball skills which are illustrated by his 13 interceptions In his college career. His length allows him to contest the ball at the catch point. Overall McCollum offers excellent depth with developmental upside, who can also compete with Tre Herndon for a backup spot.
Round 7, Pick 222: Stanley Berryhill III, WR, Arizona
This is a dart throw, but Berryhill has exceptional quickness and could push for a role in the slot later on in his career. He’s a reliable catcher who generates separation in the medium to deep routes. He had 83 receptions for 744 yards and one touchdown in 2021, but it was some highlight-reel plays that show that Berryhill could be good.
Round 7, Pick 235: Dontario Drummond, WR, Ole Miss
Drummond is someone who could carve a role as a run after the catch guy backing up Laviska Shenault. He shines at making defenders miss and is still developing other receiving abilities including tracking and catching the ball. He had 76 receptions for 1,028 yards and eight touchdowns in 2021 and could be a viable depth player in year one.
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