New Jaguars General Manager James Gladstone has continuously preached building the core of the team through the NFL Draft. Our first peek at that ideology in practice, will be at pick 5 (for now) in the first round. The Jaguars are in the midst of reshaping their roster as they look to add to several position groups that currently lack the elite talent needed to compete with the teams at the top of the AFC. This year’s draft class offers a wide variety of high-upside prospects who could immediately elevate Jacksonville’s roster at a multitude of different positions. From game changing defenders to core pieces of the offense and even a generational running back prospect, here’s a look at six prospects who could help usher in a new era of Jaguars football.
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Mason Graham
Graham was a true game wrecker throughout his tenure with the Michigan Wolverines. He is a dynamic interior defensive linemen who creates havoc in the run and the pass game from a multitude of alignments, playing anything from 0-tech to 5-tech and everything in between. Graham has a wrestling background and that influence can be seen in his exceptional use of leverage and incredible hand fighting ability. Exceptional talent is not the only thing Graham brings to the table, he also brings with him impressive agility, a high motor, and a hard working mentality alongside exemplary leadership traits. The Jaguars interior defensive line was among the leagues worst last year but a high profile defensive tackle prospect could turn that around in a hurry.
Ashton Jeanty
Jeanty is a special talent, a true blue chip prospect and one of the cleanest evaluations of any prospect in the class. Coming with solid size at – 5 foot 9 215 pounds – he has proven to be able to take a heavy workload while staying healthy and efficient. His remarkable efficiency is aided by an incredible toolbox of skills including elite contact balance which helps him break and force missed tackles at never before seen rates. He pairs incredible burst and above average long speed with elite vision and processing abilities to create big play after big play. Jeanty is also incredibly accomplished in the passing game displaying effortless hands as well as a fairly nuanced route tree for the position. The Jaguars do not have a back with the skillset that Jeanty has, and having the opportunity to take such a special prospect is rare. If selected by Jacksonville, Jeanty would quickly grow into the workhorse role and have the ability to put his elite talent as a runner, receiver and pass protector on full display in his ever-entertaining game breaking fashion.
Tetairoa McMillan
The man better known as “T-Mac” is a highly intriguing prospect! Boasting an incredible frame at – 6 foot 4 215 pounds – T-Mac remarkably has the movement ability of a much smaller player. He is a polished route runner and excels from multiple alignments including the slot, similar to former prospect Drake London. T-Mac pairs his size and route running prowess with exceptional hands both in routine situations and when tasked with attacking the ball at the catchpoint in jump ball situations. He also displayed improved ability in dissecting zone coverage as well as making big plays after the catch. The Jaguars have a big need at Wide Receiver across from ascending superstar Brian Thomas Jr. and if they opt to take T-Mac, he would immediately help form one of the scariest Wide Receiver duos in the NFL.
Kelvin Banks
Banks has seemingly started to fall under the radar through the draft cycle with people unable to pinpoint the range he will be selected. Pick 5 may seem rich for Banks but he is a truly clean prospect who profiles as both a fantastic tackle and guard at the next level. Banks has an incredibly high IQ and understanding of the game which also shows in his incredible attention to detail and technique. He is an easy mover whose movement ability and footwork are second to none in this class. Add in Banks explosive power and tenacity and you have the foundation of a pro-bowl caliber linemen at the next level. The Jaguars value competition and have made additions to give themself the luxury of rolling out the best 5 guys up front. The addition of Banks would add to that flexibility as well as greatly improving the line’s ceiling as a whole.
Jalon Walker
Walker is a jack of all trades player who displays impressive ability at the off ball linebacker position as well as off the edge. The team that selects Walker must utilize his unique skillset properly to unlock his true potential. One trait that continuously jumps off the tape is Walker’s blazing closing speed, which he displays consistently while rushing the passer, playing quarterback spy or even dropping in coverage. He also boasts an impressively developed set of pass rush moves and pass rush counters for somebody who has not been a full time edge rusher. With the Jaguars, Walker would likely slot in as a linebacker on early downs and let loose off the edge in passing situations. A young explosive linebacker and edge rusher like Walker could develop into a unique difference maker if that is the direction the Jaguars decide to go.
Armand Membou
Armand Membou is without a doubt one of, if not THE top offensive linemen in this class. Membou is an incredible mover both with his feet in pass protection and out in space in the run game. He pairs incredible movement ability with great physicality displayed in his deadly strong and precise punch. Intelligence and football IQ are also very high for Membou as he shows clear understanding of leverage, stunt and blitz pickups and patient punch timing. Membou does have slightly below average height for the tackle position but his passable length and movement fluidity make up for any height deficiency. The Jaguars have preached competition at all positions and whether they prefer his fit at tackle or guard, Membou will find his way into the starting lineup and has all the talent to be a true impact player if selected by Jacksonville.
Outlook
The Jaguars have no shortage of options at Pick 5 with potential stars available on both sides of the ball. The potential to trade down is also prevalent and offers even more opportunity for General Manager James Gladstone and co to build the roster in their image. It is yet to be seen what direction the Jaguars opt to go but one thing is for sure, Thursday is going to be a fun night in #DUUUVAL!
