Analyst advises Jaguars to leverage their late start, focusing on targeted development rather than risky draft-day trades.
The Jacksonville Jaguars will have to wait until Day 2 to draft their first pick, and one NFL draft analyst thinks the team should stand pat, and draft and develop their new players next season.
Jacksonville does not have a first-round selection due to its trade with the Cleveland Browns to draft Travis Hunter with the second overall pick. This year, the Jags won't be on the clock until late in the second round, with pick No. 56.
General manger James Gladstone said the wait allows the team to narrow down their draft list and focus on key players.
"You probably hone in on your hot list, and then you're pretty refined at that point," Gladstone said in last Thursday's press conference previewing the team's draft strategy. "We got a really intimate and detailed understanding of who and what we want those types of elements. So, it trims the list a good bit."
Ben Solak, an NFL analyst for ESPN, wrote that he expects the Jaguars to stay put and make all 11 selections next week on Thursday.
Jacksonville is tied with the Miami Dolphins and New England Patriots in total picks, and trails the Pittsburgh Steelers (12).
Solak cited the pressing needs for the team are linebacker and defensive tackle, but there aren't many exciting prospects at those positions in the first round. He said he expects the Jaguars to use their first pick on a linebacker, whether Texas Tech's Jacob Rodriguez or Georgia's CJ Allen.
The linebacker position is a need for the organization after Devin Lloyd signed with the Carolina Panthers in the offseason. Lloyd's departure weakens the group's turnover creation, as he finished last season in a six-way tie for second in interceptions at five.
Rodriguez could slide in as Jacksonville's next turnover-generating linebacker with seven forced fumbles and four interceptions in his senior year as a Red Raider. Allen is a well-balanced linebacker known for his proficiency in stopping the run and dropping back in coverage.
Heading into round three and beyond, Solak expects the Jaguars to draft another running back, address the defensive tackle need and leave with a safety.
Gladstone said the expectation for first-year players is to find a way to contribute. He also highlighted that no player is complete, and that there are players in four or five years who will prove initial analysis wrong.
"There is development that occurs and surprises people," Gladstone said. "It's why day three and undrafted college free agents become Pro Bowlers and All Pros."
Miller, running back Bhayshul Tuten and wide receiver Parker Washington are examples of day three draftees becoming key contributors for Jacksonville.
None of them has made the Pro Bowl or an All-Pro team, but they are stepping into new roles with heavier responsibilities.
Coach Liam Coen said he's leaning more into Tuten's strengths next season. Washington led the team in receptions (95) and yards (847) last season, producing when Brian Thomas Jr. was struggling with drops and with Jakobi Meyers acquired mid-season.
With the draft a week away and 11 picks for Jacksonville, it is a year for the team to bolster its depth with players who can develop and become key contributors.
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