The Jacksonville Jaguars had a rough 2021. Instead of developing a brand for the future, the team had to worry about the negative media coverage daily. Whether it be dealing with former coach Urban Meyer and his antics or the ineptitude of general manager Trent Baalke, the Jags have had their fair share of controversy.
A new season emerges and with a new season comes optimism. Doug Pederson takes over as head coach, Trevor Lawrence is in his second year at the helm, and free agency was a solid mixture of quality players and positional needs. Another year, another opportunity to improve in the draft and the Jaguars need a few players to supplement the current crop of talent in Duval County. The Jacksonville Jaguars have the No. 1 pick in the first round and the three biggest needs for the Jags are defensive tackle, offensive line, and wide receiver. Enough stalling, here is the four-round mock draft for the Jacksonville Jaguars.
1.01 (1st Overall)
Travon Walker, DE, Georgia
Trent Baalke is well known for drafting players for their athletic traits rather than their college production. Take 2011, in which he would draft Aldon Smith over several high-quality pass rushers.
So, picking a guy like Travon Walker would fit into the narrative that Baalke would investigate the player’s prowess instead of his college production. Walker had a great combine performance in which he ran a 4.51-second 40-yard dash, had a 6.89-second 3-cone drill, one of the top times with edge rushers, and had a 35.5-inch vertical leap and a 10-foot 3-inch broad jump is good.
During his last season with the defending national champion Georgia Bulldogs, he only had 6.0 sacks as a defensive end. In his college career, he only had 9.5 sacks in three years, which is not the ideal stats for a potential No. 1 pick but maybe he can use that criticism to be a Pro Bowl defensive end. During the draft, the Jaguars need to find playmakers to truly maximize Trevor Lawrence’s rookie contract and maybe Walker will find a role on the defense. Maybe during the preseason, Walker can show the coaches his skills to possibly be a quality edge rusher besides Josh Allen.
2.01 (33rd Overall)
George Pickens, WR, Georgia
During the early days of free agency, the Jacksonville Jaguars spent most of their money on two big receivers in Christian Kirk and Zay Jones. While that wouldn’t be a basis of need, the Jaguars are dealing with a young quarterback in Lawrence who needs to develop into the generational quarterback that the Jags wanted when they drafted him No. 1 last season. May I present to you, another Georgia standout in George Pickens.
Pickens has a tough career with the Bulldogs. In his career, he recorded 90 receptions with 1,347 yards and 14 touchdowns. In his junior season, he was expected to have a major role on Georgia’s offense, but a torn ACL during the spring campaign sidelined him for a majority of the season. He would later play in four games, including the National Championship Game against Alabama.
The Jaguars need a receiver like Pickens to give Trevor Lawrence an upgraded wide receiver room. Pickens has the type of skill set that Lawrence will thrive in and has more upside than the players that were signed during free agency.
3.01 (65th Overall)
Dylan Parham, OG, Memphis
During free agency, Jacksonville made a quality move and signed former Washington Commander Brandon Scherff to shore up their offensive line. Also, left tackle Cam Robinson signed his franchise tender, so the biggest need would be left guard.
Dylan Parham, a four-year starter at Memphis had a very good showing at the combine and his athletic testing numbers were very impressive. Parham has experience in both left and right guard and could be a factor in the offensive line right away. With the left guard position in question, Parham has the testing grades and scouting report to become an immediate starter instead of being a one-and-done player.
3.05 (70th Overall)
Brian Asamoah, LB, Oklahoma
After Myles Jack was released in the offseason and the Jaguars signed Foyesade Oluokun, the Jaguars need a playmaker at the weakside linebacker position. Brian Asamoah is the guy who would fit with this pick.
He is completely different linebacker than Dylan Moses and Shaquille Quarterman due to his range and coverage upside. There are issues with his lack of anchor and his play against the run. Fortunately, there is hope that he can fit in Mike Caldwell’s defensive scheme and adds upside to a linebacker room at a time that Jacksonville needs it.
4.01 (106th Overall)
Zyon McCollum, CB, Sam Houston State
Another free agency bit, the Jaguars signed former Los Angeles Rams cornerback Darious Williams to a decent contract and re-signed Tre Herndon. Due to the injuries that piled up in the cornerback room, there is room for another quality corner on the team.
Zyon McCollum had one of the most impressive combine performances of the year as he ran a 4.33 which was third among 2022 draft eligible cornerbacks. He also posted a 39.5-inch vertical jump, 6.48-second 3-Cone Drill and a 3.94-second 20-yard shuttle. If he is selected by Jacksonville, it would give the Jags much-needed upside to develop for the long-term future.
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