2024 NFL Offseason: Jacksonville Jaguars

Jacksonville Jaguars (Last Year: 9-8)

NFL Draft Team Grade:

C- Grade

Goals Entering the 2024 NFL Draft: The Jaguars had a miserable pass defense last year, which absolutely must be addressed with the improved quarterback situation of the teams in the AFC South. Adding more protection for Trevor Lawrence will be crucial as well.

2024 NFL Draft Accomplishments: Four of Jacksonville’s initial six selections were used on the defensive side of the ball. This does not include the first pick, however. The Jaguars had a number of talented defensive players fall to them at No. 17, but ended up moving down for Brian Thomas Jr. While Thomas is a very talented receiver, a selection used on Terrion Arnold may have been the better decision.

The Jaguars found a cornerback in the third round in Jarrian Jones, but reached for him. Reaching can describe what Jacksonville did for many of its selections, including Maason Smith in the second round and Javon Foster in the fourth. Smith is a skilled player who could really help Jacksonville’s defense, but he comes with a ton of risk because of medical issues. Foster was considered a late-round prospect.

In the end, I don’t think the Jaguars really improved their roster. I like that they traded down from No. 17, but they ended up squandering too many resources, so it didn’t end up mattering.

NFL Draft Individual Grades:

23. Brian Thomas, WR, LSU – A+ Grade

Contrary to popular opinion, the Jaguars didn’t want Calvin Ridley back. They viewed him as problematic in the locker room. However, they knew they were going to miss Ridley’s production, which would explain this selection. I love that the Jaguars traded down and acquired Thomas when they could have just as easily taken him at No. 17 without any complaints. This is an A+ pick for that reason.

48. Maason Smith, DT, LSU – C Grade

Maason Smith is another talented player available here in the second round because of health issues. I thought Smith could be chosen later than this, perhaps in the third round. This pick has upside, especially with Smith potentially filling a big need, but there’s a lot of risk with this choice as well.

96. Jarrian Jones, CB, Florida State – C Grade

Jarrian Jones is a very raw player who could end up being a decent starter, or could be out of the NFL in two years. Jones should have gone a round later than this, so the Jaguars definitely reached with this pick.

114. Javon Foster, OT, Missouri – C Grade

This is a reach, as Javon Foster was seen as a late third-day pick. He’s very limited athletically, though he’s coming off a solid year for Missouri last year. I don’t hate the Jaguars finding more protection for Trevor Lawrence.

116. Jordan Jefferson, DT, LSU – B Grade

he Jaguars love these LSU defensive tackles. Jordan Jefferson isn’t as good as Maason Smith, obviously, but he doesn’t have the same injury issues. Jefferson is a solid Round 3-4 prospect who fills a need, so this is a solid pick.

153. Deantre Prince, CB, Ole Miss – B Grade

Deantre Prince is a speedy cornerback who needs to really bulk up to avoid injuries. We had him pegged here in the fifth round, so he fits the range. He also satisfies a need, as the Jaguars had some major problems stopping the pass last year.

167. Keilan Robinson, RB, Texas – D Grade

I’m not giving out a Millen grade for a fifth-round pick, but this is close. Keilan Robinson barely played at Texas, and he was seen as a UDFA player. He doesn’t even fill a need. What a waste.

212. Cam Little, K, Arkansas – D Grade

Our top two kickers went off the board to the Vikings and Rams, but we didn’t have Cam Little ranked. So, I’ll grade this worse than the other kicker picks.

236. Myles Cole, DE, Texas Tech – B Grade

Myles Cole is a mediocre player with mediocre production at Texas Tech. He was also mediocre at the Senior Bowl. This gets a mediocre grade, as Cole was projected in the seventh round.

Season Summary:
The Jaguars were once 8-3 after beating the Texans. They capsized after that, only beating Carolina down the stretch. Trevor Lawrence suffered countless injuries, so the collapse was at least excusable.

Offseason Moves:

Jaguars acquire QB Mac Jones from Patriots for 2024 6th-round pick

Team Needs:

Two Interior Offensive Linemen: The Jaguars must improve Trevor Lawrence’s pass protection. Two interior blockers are needed if Ezra Cleveland leaves via free agency. Regardless, center has been a huge liability. Signed Mitch Morse
Cornerback: Jacksonville had one of the worst pass defenses in the NFL last year. They allowed the fifth-most production to outside receivers. Signed Ronald Darby
Defensive Tackle: Calais Campbell is still missed. Jacksonville has to finally replace him. Signed Arik Armstead
Edge Rusher: Jacksonville had two very talented edge rushers last year, but one of them, Josh Allen, is set to hit free agency. Allen is one of the top defensive players in the NFL, so retaining him is a must. Franchised Josh Allen
Wide Receiver: Calvin Ridley is another impending free agent, so he’ll need to be retained or replaced. Signed Gabe Davis
Kicker: Brandon McManus is another player whose contract is set to expire. Signed Joey Slye

Follow me @walterfootball for updates.

2024 NFL Free Agent Signings:

Jacksonville Jaguars Free Agents:

Salary Cap: TBA.

Greg Jones, FB, Jaguars. Age: 32.
Signed with Texans (1 year)

Greg Jones has been one of the top run-blocking fullbacks in the NFL, but at 32 (in May), his best days are behind him.