The Jacksonville Jaguars’ last two seasons quickly went awry after Trevor Lawrence was injured. Amidst a tumultuous offseason, the team has many questions to answer. With a new head coach in place, one of their key decisions will be regarding the No. 5 overall pick.
They have plenty of needs after finishing second-to-last in PFSN’s Defense+ metric. Luckily, one analyst has the perfect solution to revive the momentum in Jacksonville.
Jacksonville Jaguars Predicted To Find Creative Solution for Problems
For most people, the first order of business in Duval has to be protecting their franchise quarterback. Lawrence has been consistently solid when on the field and even led the team to the second-biggest comeback in NFL postseason history.
However, with their ample needs on both sides of the ball, Charles Davis of NFL.com believes their focus needs to be on the reigning Heisman Trophy winner, Travis Hunter. “The Jaguars could use Hunter full-time on either side of the ball.”
Of course, Hunter cemented his legendary season at Colorado thanks to his exceptional play as both a wide receiver and a cornerback. But, most people are hesitant to believe he’ll be able to survive the physicality of the NFL playing as much.
As a result, it might come down to one position primarily, while he has special snaps on the other. In that scenario, Davis knows where Jacksonville should go. “How would they ultimately decide to deploy him? I’m guessing it’d primarily be on offense first.”
The shocker from his mock draft is that Hunter falls so low in the first place. But with all three of Tennessee, Cleveland, and the Giants needing quarterback help, he has them selecting Shedeur Sanders, Cam Ward, and Jaxson Dart consecutively. That would leave the door open for Hunter, who could find his way to the Jaguars that way.
Last season, despite their limitations, rookie Brian Thomas Jr.’s excellent season powered the team to a No. 18 finish in PFSN’s Offense+ metric. A returning Lawrence should boost those numbers, and Hunter would certainly help.
However, their defense is where the team is falling way behind. Finishing as the second-worst defensive unit in the league, a major change needs to happen, and it all begins with their front line.
According to PFSN’s latest mock draft, the Jags will shore up their front by drafting defensive tackle Mason Graham out of Michigan with the No. 5 pick. Brentley Weissman believes the move is tailor-made for the Jaguars for one key reason.
“Graham is a powerful and explosive force inside at defensive tackle and can add some much-needed aggression to this Jacksonville Jaguars defense. His playstyle is perfect for a new regime to build around.”
With the help needed on both ends, Jacksonville could go in either direction. Ultimately, the choice may alter the fate of the Trevor Lawrence era for the franchise.