American Football

Jaguars power rankings: Which draft picks were best?

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COLLEGE FOOTBALL: OCT 07 LSU at Missouri
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Every Jaguars 2024 draft pick ranked from worst to best.

It has been a little over a week since the 2024 NFL Draft wrapped up, and I always think this is a good time to look over and review the team’s selection. If you review it too closely to the actual event, fans and analysts can be too overjoyed or too critical of the team’s selections.

So without further ado, here are my official power rankings of every selection made by the Jacksonville Jaguars in this year’s draft.

8. Kellan Robinson, RB/RS, Texas

I want to start by saying there is nothing wrong with taking flyers in the late rounds — but besides Travis Etienne, this team’s front office has proven it has no idea how to identify a solid running back in the draft. They picked Tank Bigsby in the third round last year and traded up for Snoop Conner in the fifth the year prior.

I didn’t see Keilan Robinson on any big boards, and overall, I think this is a big reach for the Jaguars.

7. Cam Little, K, Arkansas

A kicker? A kicker??? I know he was one of the last picks for the team and had an outstanding college career. But Cam Little played for Arkansas, for goodness sake. Someone help me find the last meaningful game Arkansas played.

Plenty of kickers are available as undrafted free agents, and unless the NFL does a Madden-style fantasy draft, I don’t think you should ever draft a kicker. Guess where Justin Tucker was drafted (hint: he wasn’t).

6. Jordan Jefferson, DT, LSU

Spoiler alert: I like the Maason Smith pick in the second round. He’s a force to be reckoned with — but to then draft his backup in Jordan Jefferson (after the Jags had a productive year from their defensive line in the previous season) is very odd.

I think the offensive line could have been addressed more in this draft, and while Jacksonville did a good job improving the secondary, taking Smith’s backup instead of giving Trevor Lawrence extra protection was a head-scratcher.

5. Deantre Prince, CB, Ole Miss

This pick is right in the middle because I think it’s good, not great. Jacksonville’s three biggest needs entering the draft were cornerback, wide receiver and offensive line. Deantre Prince was one of two corners selected by the Jaguars. He played tight coverage in a very competitive and talented SEC.

4. Jarrian Jones, CB, FSU

Selecting a Florida state corner has worked for the Jaguars before — let’s just hope this one doesn’t end up hating the organization. His talented former teammate, wide receiver Keon Coleman, gave Jarrian Jones some high praise. I think Jones has the talent and skill to thrive in this league as a no. 2 or 3 cornerback.

3. Maason Smith, DT, LSU

If offensive tackle wasn’t a bigger need, I would have Maason Smith listed higher. LSU produces dawgs and I don’t think Smith will be any different.

This pick solidifies an already impressive defensive line for Jacksonville, and Smith will be learning from some of the best pass rushers and run stoppers in the entire league.

2. Javon Foster, OT, Missouri

And we finally get to one of my favorite picks. The Jaguars needed more offensive line help as much as my ex needs to text me back. Lawrence was under constant pressure, which led to multiple turnovers and ultimately cost Jacksonville a spot in the postseason.

While Javon Foster may not be the best blindside protector in this draft, he played in a very fierce and competitive SEC and should be ready for action soon with the right coaching.

1. Brian Thomas Jr., WR, LSU

Even after trading back, the Jaguars found a stellar wide receiver to help with the departure of Calvin Ridley and Zay Jones. I think Brian Thomas Jr. will be better than we can imagine playing alongside Trevor Lawrence. He can go and fight for the ball and make some spectacular plays after the catch.

The Jaguars had an okay draft overall, with an emphasis on defensive physicality and SEC prospects. I always love picking players from that conference because the level of play is much higher than others like the ACC or the Big 12.

While Jacksonville could have addressed the offensive line a little more, I’m content with these selections and hope these rookies can make instant impacts.

Let us know in the comments what you think of the Jaguars’ draft class this year!

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