The Jaguars’ offseason was fine and the draft followed suit. They did a great job of moving from their original spot in Round 1 of the draft while still landing a big-time wide receiver prospect, which they needed after clumsily trading Calvin Ridley to a division rival in free agency had let go. Other than that, it doesn’t seem like they’re having too much of a positive impact, but if Thomas is the final key to ensuring the Jaguars’ passing game is consistent going forward, that’s fine. Getting a new receiver for Trevor Lawrence was priority No. 1 and they might have gotten the best out of the second wave of wide receivers.
Favorite pick: Brian Thomas Jr., WR, LSU (23rd overall)
Thomas has the ability to be a big threat in the NFL. He has the tools – size, speed, tracking ability – to scare defenses if he develops properly. In Year 1, his skills may overlap a bit with newly signed Gabe Davis, but Thomas is going to walk into the NFL as one of the best athletes in the league. That is valuable.
Least favorite pick: Maason Smith, DL, LSU (48th overall)
Smith has positives, but it has been a long time since he has played productive football. Last year he had just 2.5 sacks and 4.5 tackles for loss. The frame is something that NFL teams will always fall in love with. Still, it’s hard to see his profile becoming something that will catch on in the NFL, even if he has the physical tools and attributes to become a long-term defensive tackle. He could be Chris Jones or Ra’Shede Hageman, but he still has a long way to go before he reaches his peak.
Design choices
Round 1, Pick 23: Brian Thomas Jr., WR, LSU Round 2, Pick 48: Maason Smith, DL, LSU Round 3, Pick 96: Jarrian Jones, DB, Florida State Round 4, Pick 114: Javon Foster, OT, Missouri Round 4, Pick 116: Jordan Jefferson, DL, LSU Round 5, Pick 153: Deantre Prince, CB, Ole Miss Round 5, Pick 167: Keilan Robinson, RB, Texas Round 6, Pick 212: Cam Little, K, Arkansas Round 7, pick 236: Myles Coles, Edge, Texas Tech
