The Jacksonville Jaguars in a position many NFL teams would love to be in right about now. A team with the second pick in the upcoming NFL Draft and a decent amount of money to spend in free agency (should the team decide to go that route), the Jaguars could be a team that shocks the NFL world by getting quality and quantity for its roster of nondescript players.
Team general manager David Caldwell has already stated the team is not looking to be major players in the upcoming free agency period, but you never know what can happen should a player catch their eye and could help on either the offensive or defensive lines.
The NFL Draft could be the beginning of the savior of this team. Here are a few names the Jaguars need to remember when their time comes to making the right choice.
1. Luke Joeckel OT Texas A&M;
The Chiefs may have this one locked up. Andy Reid has a habit of selecting huge linemen in the draft on both sides of the line. This year will prove to be no different.
2. Bjoern Werner DE FSU
The former Seminole Defensive End reminds me of Howie Long, who dominated the NFL in the early 1980s. Werner reminds me of the Hall of Fame defensive end. Werner and Jason Babin would be a great combination that meets at the quarterback.
3. Sharrif Floyd DT Florida
The Jaguars could get a few extra picks to move down and get the best run stuffer in the draft. After talking with knowledgeable writers, Floyd could be the best player taken in this draft. The Jags have had issues with Florida players in the past. Not this time around. I think should the Jags get to the tail end of the top 10, Floyd is the pick.
4. Barkevious Mingo OLB LSU
He is the type of player new head coach Gus Bradley had on Seattle’s defense last year. Mingo is a good selection as an outside backer and pass rush specialist. But he is not worth the second pick overall. Trade down to seventh or eighth in the first round and may be take a flier on him.
5. Eric Fisher OT Central Michigan
If you cannot get Joeckel with the second pick, Fisher is not a bad runner-up prize. With the size and power comparable to Joeckel, Fisher could be the best tackle in the NFL in five years. His stock is rising and teams know how good he really could be.
If the Jaguars do trade down and out of the Top-10, there are more options to consider. Teams like New England have been famous for trading up and down in the draft to get the best possible player for their needs. This could be the year Jacksonville and its new brain trust does the same thing.
