The Jaguars were 1-15 in their worst seasons in the franchise’s history, but on the bright side are now drafting first overall. With the most cap space, they are expected to go after quality free agents. Most recently they franchise tagged left tackle Cam Robinson and there is hope from Urban Meyer that they expect to get a long-term deal done for him soon. In terms of the draft, the defense needs improvement and the three positions the team is likely to address and draft are cornerback, defensive tackle, and potentially edge rusher for depth. From the moves and coaching changes, the Jaguars are expected to go to a 3-4 defense making rotation pass-rushers a key aspect of the defense. On the offense, expect the team to go after a big named tight end and wide receiver.
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: Trevor Lawrence, QB, Clemson
Lawrence is going to be the pick, don’t let big media pundits in New York sway you. Jaguars need more explosive plays on the offense which is one of Lawrence’s strengths, along with his downfield accuracy and touch. Moreover, offensive coordinator, Darrell Bevell, had Russell Wilson when he was a rookie and the team ran lots of play-action down-field shots; expect Bevell to run a similar scheme with Lawrence his first year.
Round 1, Pick 25: Christian Barmore, IDL, Alabama
Barmore is consistently mocked to the Jaguars and for good reason, he’s a high-upside player capable of making a difference in the run and pass game. His explosiveness and first-step instincts make him a threat to blow up on any play. The negatives about his game, he only had 481 snaps in the 2020 season and isn’t experienced. Barmore is a raw player who might take a year to reach his full potential, yet the tools and ceiling are significant.
As I am grinding out final reports for this upcoming 2021 NFL Draft , I wanted to share a preview to one aspect of my report and grade of each player…
Each player will have a video similar to this below that will release just before the draft
‼️ Check out Christian Barmore ‼️ pic.twitter.com/pD0WgOpF7e
— Marcus Harvey (@MarcusHarvey_) March 2, 2021
Round 2, Pick 33: Ifeatu Melifonwu, CB, Syracuse
Lots of mentions to Greg Newsome II and Eric Stokes to the Jaguars, but they don’t complement C.J. Henderson like Melifonwu will. Henderson is best locking up against fast and crafty route runners, not strong receivers. Enter Melifonwu, a 6’2″ 212 lb corner who can move with the best of them. Overall, if Jaguars let Melifonwu press opposing wide receivers, he has the potential with his size and length to be a dominant press-man corner.
For more on Melifonwu, check out our scouting report on him here.
Round 2, Pick 45: Pat Freiermuth, TE, Penn State
Even if the Jaguars sign a tight end in free agency, Freiermuth needs to be considered. He’s a solid blocker and has mismatch ability as a receiver. His run after the catch ability and body control garnered him the “Baby Gronk” comparison. He doesn’t have the same speed and elite traits Rob Gronkowski had coming out of college, but the ceiling is high. Finally, the biggest connection to the Jaguars is recently hired tight end coach Tyler Bowen was Freiermuth’s coach this past year at Penn State.
For more on Freiermuth, check out our scouting report on him here.
Round 3, Pick 65: Carlos Basham Jr., EDGE, Wake Forest
Jaguars are switching to a 3-4 defense and need another pass-rusher. Basham is 281 lbs and can play inside or outside in terms of rushing the passer or stopping the run. He’s quick for his size and has the strength to take on tackles and set the edge. Ideally, he can be used in a rotational package and pass-rushing downs where he, K’Lavon Chaisson, Josh Allen, and Barmore could get to the passer. Basham isn’t necessarily a 3-4 outside linebacker like Chaisson or Allen, but a tweener, who could thrive on any down inside or out.
Round 4, Pick 106: Jaelon Darden, WR, North Texas
Meyers constantly talks about playing fast and picking up explosive plays. That’s what Darden specializes in, he’s not the best catcher but he is dynamic with the ball in his hand. The speed and quickness compared to other NFL athletes projects to be elite. Darden is a jitterbug and someone who can threaten vertically and take a slant to the house. Many will ask why it took him till his senior year to put up great stats with 74 catches, 1190 yards, and 19 touchdowns. One reason is strength and weight gain, where he bulked up to around 174 lb his senior year.
For more on Darden, check out our scouting report on him here.
Round 4, Pick 130: Janarius Robinson, EDGE, Florida State
Robinson would be added as a depth player who could rotate in as an edge rusher. He only had three sacks this past year and in 2019 but was effective at generating pressure. His value comes with power and setting the edge, but also his frame, where he has shown dominant reps. He just hasn’t consistently put it all together. He could be a viable 3-4 outside linebacker in the Jaguars system.
Round 5 Pick 146: Kary Vincent Jr., CB, LSU
Vincent has the technique and quickness to be a starting slot corner which is becoming a necessity with more three-receiver sets. While he might not start day one, there is the potential for him to turn into an every-down starter with his zone reading skills, speed, and quick transitions. Vincent is just one of those guys that will improve any team.
Round 5, Pick 171: Tay Gowan, CB, UCF
Gowan’s range of outcomes in mock draft simulators is everywhere. He’s PFF’s No. 51 players on their consensus big board. He opted out of the 2020 season but has some high-end tools including significant speed and size at 6’2″ and 185 lbs. The 2019 player showed high-level playmaking, making him easily worth a fifth-round pick. He consistently makes plays around the ball and has shown the traits to become a starting cornerback.
MY NAME IS TAY GOWAN…. THANK YOU GOD 🤲🏾. #KnightNation pic.twitter.com/ajRgpXQAL3
— Tay Gowan (@focused_4) December 20, 2019
Round 7, Pick 193: Dax Milne, WR, BYU
Milne was reported to have met with the Jaguars this offseason. He’s is effective in most levels of his game, offering good route running and contested catching ability. He had 70 receptions for 1,188 yards and eight touchdowns last season. He was the go-to target for Zach Wilson and became a functional piece for the BYU offense. Milne would offer great depth behind DJ Chark and Laviska Shenault.
Round 7, Pick 214: CJ Marable, RB, Coastal College
Meyer said the running back room will be built around James Robinson, however, the depth behind him is still poor. There is a need for someone to take the load off of Robinson and still be effective. Marable is exactly that, he’s not a change of back but quite similar to Robinson, a good pass catcher, great contact balance, and overall, effective.
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