NEWSLETTER
After a heartbreaking late-season collapse in 2023, the Jacksonville Jaguars entered the 2024 NFL Draft with a sense of urgency. While Trevor Lawrence continued to show promise at quarterback, the team’s receiving corps continues to be a revolving door and the secondary remained a major concern. General Manager Trent Baalke had a war chest of picks at his disposal but did he prioritize the defensive needs or surprise everyone with a different strategy? Let’s analyze the Jaguars’ selections and give them a 2024 NFL Draft grade.
Jacksonville Jaguars NFL Draft Grade: A-
The Jacksonville Jaguars entered the 2024 NFL Draft needing to bolster a defensive backfield that struggled mightily and improve in the trenches. Based on what they accomplished in the draft, all the Jaguars’ Top NFL Draft priorities were addressed and then some. Their strategy, a clear response to their disappointing 2023 finish was clear from the onset of the draft.
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General Manager Trent Baalke prioritized shoring up their secondary which ranked near the bottom of the league last year and adding multiple bodies to their defensive line. Before attending to their most pressing needs though, the Jaguars added another weapon on the outside for Trevor Lawrence and the passing offense. Jacksonville’s draft was one of the better ones, and should have fans in the Duval excited about 2024. We give them an A-.
| Draft Pick | Selection |
|---|---|
| Rd 1 – pick 23 | Brian Thomas Jr., WR – LSU |
| Rd 2 – pick 48 | Maason Smith, DT – LSU |
| Rd 3 – Pick 96 | Jarrian Jones, CB – Florida State |
| Rd 4 – pick 114 | Javon Foster, T – Missouri |
| Rd 4 – pick 116 | Jordan Jefferson, DT – LSU |
| Rd 5 – pick 153 | Deantre Prince, CB – Mississippi |
| Rd 5 – pick 167 | Keilan Robinson, RB – Texas |
| Rd 6 – pick 212 | Cam Little, K – Arkansas |
| Rd 7 – pick 236 | Myles Cole, DE – Texas Tech |
Helping TLaw in the First Round
With the 23rd overall pick, the Jaguars grabbed LSU wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr., who was projected in the mid-first round. They were able to trade down, acquiring multiple picks in next year’s draft for that slot which makes his selection even more impressive.
All About Defense
The defensive theme to the Jaguars’ draft kicked off in the second round with the selection of massive defensive tackle Maason Smith, also from LSU. Smith’s presence should help a Jacksonville run defense that finished top 10 get even stronger while also freeing up linebackers for more impactful plays. In the third round, the Jags grabbed Florida State cornerback Jarrian Jones, adding depth and competition to the newly revamped secondary.
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Value and Depth Late
With six picks over the final four rounds, the Jaguars focused on bringing in more depth at most needed positions and a couple of fliers on probable special teams contributors. Missouri offensive tackle Javon Foster, their first of two 4th-round selections could pay dividends in the future with the futures of Cam Robinson and Walker Little still uncertain after this season. But also gives them a swing tackle in the unfortunate circumstance where either Robinson or Little misses time this year.
Jaguars sharpening their teeth
Overall, the Jaguars’ 2024 draft class was a clear statement of intent. By prioritizing defense, they’ve addressed glaring weaknesses and given Trevor Lawrence a better chance to succeed offensively with Brian Thomas Jr. The Jags faltered late last year but if this draft class has the impact it looks like it could have, Jacksonville is right back in the AFC South hunt. Having hit all their needs and adding one of the top-receiving prospects gives Jacksonville an A- NFL Draft grade.
