After going 3-14 in Trevor Lawrence‘s rookie year, the Jacksonville Jaguars have gone 9-8 in the last two campaigns. Can they take another step forward this season? Impressive 2024 NFL Draft grades would go a long way toward sustainable success — and Lawrence’s first playoff victory.
Jacksonville Jaguars NFL Draft Grades
Round 1, Pick 23: Brian Thomas Jr., WR, LSU
With Calvin Ridley out the door, the Jaguars brought in Gabe Davis in free agency. Well, it seems they weren’t satisfied — rightfully so — as they selected Brian Thomas Jr. after trading down seven selections.
Brian Thomas Jr. has the profile to win as a vertical, red-zone, and RAC threat immediately at the NFL level. 👀#GeauxTigers | #DUUUVAL pic.twitter.com/bu2PDMZmtF
— Pro Football Network (@PFN365) April 26, 2024
Thomas has the speed to take the top off defenses with the size (6’3″, 201 pounds) and length (33″ arms) to capitalize downfield. His addition is a huge boon for Lawrence, who now has a slot weapon in Christian Kirk, a big body in Davis, and now a true future No. 1.
Grade: A
Round 2, Pick 48: Maason Smith, DT, LSU
After giving T-Law a new weapon in Round 1, the Jaguars attended to their defensive line. Maason Smith was built in a lab and will benefit from playing next to Arik Armstead. He needs time to harness his elite physical tools, but if he does, the NFL will be on notice.
Smith can rush the passer with reckless abandon and play in space just as well. He’ll stand up linemen against the run and could become a stalwart three-down defender in no time.
Grade: B
Maason Smith possesses high-end physical tools, and his raw power makes him a strong run defender. 😤#GeauxTigers | #DUUUVAL pic.twitter.com/mYi0WsHYzh
— Pro Football Network (@PFN365) April 27, 2024
Round 3, Pick 96: Jarrian Jones, CB, Florida State
The Jaguars have retooled their secondary this offseason, and Jarrian Jones is another piece to the puzzle. He spent his first four collegiate seasons on the outside but played his best football as a slot defender in 2023.
MORE: 2024 NFL Draft Grades For All 32 Teams
A shutdown cornerback by all accounts, Jones’ positional versatility drove his value up after a dominant season this past year. After a tumultuous career, when Jones put it all together on the field in 2023, there were few better coverage defenders.
Grade: B
Round 4, Pick 114: Javon Foster, OT, Missouri
Javon Foster doesn’t have the athleticism teams covet on the outside, but he has the length and width to hold up on the edge. However, with the Jaguars’ starting OTs locked in, he could kick inside to guard early on.
Grade: B
Round 4, Pick 116: Jordan Jefferson, DT, LSU
While not a flashy pick, Jordan Jefferson is a solid DT who can hold his own at the point of attack. Smith has the higher ceiling, but Jefferson may have the higher floor.
Grade: B-
Round 5, Pick 153: Deantre Prince, CB, Ole Miss
Although Deantre Prince is further down the board than some other CBs available, new DC Ryan Nielsen favors man coverage, which is where the Ole Miss defender thrives.
Grade: C+
Round 5: Keilan Robinson, RB, Texas
Travis Etienne Jr. and Tank Bigsby are on the roster. Keilan Robinson is a one-year starter, albeit a productive one, coming off a torn ACL.
He is a talented RB, but this pick doesn’t make too much sense.
Grade: D+
Round 6, Pick 212: Cam Little, K, Arkansas
With Brandon McManus on to Washington, the Jaguars needed a new kicker. They signed Joey Slye in March, but they bring in Cam Little for competition.
Little has an NFL leg and is accurate up to 40 yards. From there, he has to concentrate on becoming more consistent.
Grade: B
Round 7, Pick 236: Myles Cole, EDGE, Texas Tech
Myles Cole’s elite length pops on film, but he doesn’t have much in the natural instincts department. If the Jaguars can unlock his potential, Cole can wreak havoc in run defense and push the pocket on passing downs.
Grade: B
Jacksonville Jaguars 2024 NFL Draft Summary
As with most Trent Baalke drafts, the Jaguars went with high-upside players who could also flame out in a few years.
KEEP READING: Jaguars UDFA Signings and Rookie Camp Invites
But if they hit, such as Smith, Foster, and Cole, Jacksonville will be in a position to compete for deep playoff runs.
Overall Grade: B
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