When you talk about the Jacksonville Jaguars……….wait a minute, who talks about the Jacksonville Jaguars? The team that has been the laughing stock of the league over the last few years is once again picking in the top 5 of the NFL draft. If you were to ask who they “should” draft, the answer maybe completely different than who they “will” draft. For a couple minutes I want to give you some of their options for the 3rd pick in the draft and talk about who I think they will and/or should draft.
It’s pretty safe to say that the Jaguars need help in a lot of areas. There is a difference when speaking about an upgrade with most teams and an upgrade with the Jaguars. The problem with that, the Jaguars have been 2 fold. First, they have had trouble attracting good free agents because they are looked at in a bad light. Second, they have not drafted well enough or gotten that star franchise player to help turn their losing environment around, despite their numerous time selecting in the top 5.
What Should They Take?
The Jacksonville Jaguars need and identity, a leader, and a face of the franchise. All 3 of those things can be obtained with 1 pick, getting a franchise QB. Missing on a pick of a QB in the 1st 10 picks of a draft can set your franchise back at least 5 years, enter Blaine Gabbert. The man that was arguably the worst starting QB in the league over the past couple years, was the 10th pick of the draft in 2011. He should be off the team by now, but no matter what you feel about him, the Jaguars should take a QB as long as they feel any of the consensus top 4 QBs is a frachise type.
What Will They Take?
The Jacksonville Jaguars appear to be stubborn when it comes to selecting a QB. Their General Manager, David Caldwell, backed Blaine Gabbert last year and now this offseason, he seems to be backing Chad Henne, who he re-signed recently. Because of this, it’s a very good chance that the Jaguars will either wait on a QB or wait till next year. That leaves Jadeveon Clowney, Sammie Watkins, or Khalil Mack for them. Clowney and Mack would be able to get some much needed pass rush, who Watkins could be the explosive weapon they need to either replace or go with their talented, but always in trouble, other WR, Justin Blackmon.
When all is said an done, the Jaguars could go in a various number of ways with their 3rd pick overall in the NFL Draft. I feel taking a Blake Bortles, if he fell, or a Teddy Bridgewater would be the best move. However, it is hard to argue with the immense talent of Jadeveon Clowney. I wouldn’t advise Sammie Watkins that early do to some route running issues I see, but no matter who they pick, hopefully for the few Jaguar fans that actually admit it, they get someone that can turn them back into the contender that they were when the franchise was 1st born, a time that seems like it was a lifetime ago.
