In this scenario, the Titans take Quarterback Cam Ward 1st Overall, Browns take Pass rusher Abdul Carter 2nd Overall, Giants take Athlete Travis Hunter 3rd Overall, and Patriots take Interior defensive lineman Mason Graham 4th Overall. Leaving the Jaguars war room in disarray.
Who are the best prospects at that point? Jeanty is the best available according to my board and professional draft analysts. Or you could add another offensive line prospect in Right tackle Armand Membou or Left tackle Will Campbell. The Jaguars could look to trade down for Jahdae Barron or WR Tetairoa McMillan, which could provide maximum value depending on a package. Let’s dive into each prospect and what the best scenario in this worst case scenario is.
Blue-Chip Running Back
At fifth overall if you’re sticking and picking, you have got to look at your overall board and get the best value. Depending on your board and of course the Jaguars board, that player may be the last blue chip player available. Ashton Jeanty out of Boise State whom is also a Jacksonville, Florida native. This is a running back prospect who totaled 397 touches, 2,739 total yards, and 30 total touchdowns last year. You may see fans crying about running back value in the first round, but every few years there is a can’t miss guy, and it just so happens this one is from the area.
Offensive Line
Next, we could talk about solidifying a room that your favorite Jaguars nerd will love to talk about. The offensive line, prospects being Membou out of Missouri and Campbell out of LSU. Both young men are top 10 non-QB prospects, and could potentially play either tackle or guard spot. I prefer Membou to Campbell, but selecting offensive linemen at fifth overall is immense pressure for a player to start immediately. While the Jaguars could upgrade at numerous spots, they have 5 capable starters. Going offensive linemen so early invites competition but if your draft selection loses the battle or isn’t prepared immediately, they run the risk of being a bust. The likeliest open spot would be left guard, as you could move on from Cleveland after this season.
Trade Down
The best case scenario in this worst case scenario is moving down to 8 or 9 and selecting McMillan (WR) or Barron (CB). Both of which provide immense value at the bottom of the top 10 and upgrade two rooms the Jaguars desperately need help in. I personally have both in my top 10 prospects ranking, which I will dive into in the future. McMillan allows for Brian Thomas Jr to operate in a Z role, as Tetairoa would be a traditional X receiver in the NFL. He provides a deep threat who also has possession traits, excellent size and has yards after catch upside. Barron is the most versatile DB not named Travis Hunter, he has experience at safety, slot, and outside. He shined outside this year and allows new Defensive Coordinator, Anthony Campanile, to have chess pieces in the secondary and focus on matchups.
The best scenario in this worst case scenario is trading down from 5th and 182nd with the Saints for 9th, 40th and 131st, allowing them to jump up for Shedeur Sanders -Quarterback out of Colorado- over the Raiders and Jets. At 9th overall the Jaguars select Jahdae Barron versatile DB out of Texas, maximizing a secondary that can move Jourdan Lewis and Jarrian Jones around. This also gives the Jaguars a new top outside corner in Duval that has drawn comparisons to former 5th overall selection Devon Witherspoon via Seattle.
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