USAT: Jaguars Wire audio clip

USAT: Jaguars Wire

Mar 19, 2022

All of the big free-agent signings could be over for the Jacksonville Jaguars, so that means it’s time to start looking forward to the draft. The team will head into the annual event with plenty of needs still, like bolstering the pass-rush, finding a dominant X receiver, and adding depth at running back, to name a few. - In the latest three-round mock draft by Pro Football Focus, the Jags were able to address some of those needs, though they couldn’t address all of them. They started the first two rounds off acquiring defensive help, drafting Michigan edge-rusher Aidan Hutchinson in Round 1, then Wisconsin linebacker Leo Chenal. - 1. Jacksonville Jaguars: Edge, Aidan Hutchinson, Michigan - This pick is a no-brainer at this point, especially after Jacksonville franchise tagged Cam Robinson yet again. There’s no reason to draft for need at the top of the draft, so go get the best overall player in Hutchinson. He was the highest-graded defender in college football last year. - As mentioned, the decision to tag Cam Robinson was the biggest giveaway in terms of what the Jags are potentially planning. Their moves in free agency were also an indicator as they didn’t pick up any edge-rushers so far. - As for the selection of Chenal, it makes sense as well. The Jags released longtime linebacker, Myles Jack. That move came after the Jags agreed to terms with inside linebacker Foyesade Oluokun. So Oluokun might be viewed as the player who will replace Jack, which would mean another interior linebacker may be on the Jags’ radar in April. - If that’s the case, Chenal could be one of the options who are of interest to new defensive coordinator Mike Caldwell, especially when considering how much of a downhill player he is and what he could bring as a blitzer. - In Round 3, the Jags were slotted receiver Justyn Ross and UCLA tight end Greg Dulcich, respectively. That would give the team two more pass-catchers in addition to the three they added in Zay Jones, Evan Engram, and Christian Kirk. - However, it’s possible the Jags could get Ross in the fourth-round after his pro day wasn’t eye-popping. He ran in the 4.6 range at his pro day and registered a 31.5-inch vertical leap, which would rank near the bottom of his position at the combine. At the same time, he impressed in position drills, so he could still be viewed as a third-rounder by some. - - Ross did look very good in positions drills, per scouts. Due to foot injury, was only able to train for a few weeks. - — Matt Miller (@nfldraftscout) March 17, 2022 - - - As for Dulcich, we discussed him earlier in the week. He’s a deceptive tight end who is hard to bring down and uses his wingspan well. And while he’s not the fastest or craftiest runner, he uses the tools that he has well and would be a great option to have on the roster as a player behind Engram and Dan Arnold. - Overall, this mock made a lot of sense for the Jags. Time will tell how they view the current roster after free agency, though, but it’s clear their aggression this past week gives them a little more flexibility than they previously had. - - - - - - - - - - - - Email - - - - - Sign up - - - - - - - - Like this article? - Sign up for the Jaguars Wire email newsletter to get our top stories in your inbox every morning - - - - An error has occured - - - Please re-enter your email address. - - - - - - Thanks for signing up! - - - You'll now receive the top Jaguars Wire stories each day directly in your inbox.

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