INDIANAPOLIS — Jacksonville Jaguars GM Trent Baalke is open for business with the first overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. While he won’t force a trade up top, Baalke won’t rule out a swap if the right deal comes around. If the Jaguars decide to stay put, Baalke is enthusiastic about the top talent available, especially in the trenches.
Protecting Trevor Lawrence is a priority
Baalke knows the importance of protecting his young franchise quarterback, Trevor Lawrence. The Jaguars are picking first overall for the second consecutive offseason — at least partially — because Baalke didn’t do enough work on the offensive line to protect Lawrence throughout the season.
The Jaguars could land a stellar prospect to protect Lawrence with the first overall pick, but Baalke doesn’t want to pass up the opportunity on landing a defensive difference-maker, either. Baalke said the top offensive tackles and edge rushers in the class will create a dialogue within the Jaguars’ facility leading to the draft.
Tight end is also a major priority for Baalke, Jaguars
New Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson has had a lot of success with tight ends during his coaching career. Zach Ertz set the league record for catches for a tight end in 2018 and was a hero of the Eagles’ Super Bowl LII run. Dallas Goedert, a 2018 second-round pick, has blossomed into one of the best players in the league at the position.
Travis Etienne Injury Update: Ahead of his recovery schedule
Baalke said running back Travis Etienne, who missed all of his rookie year with a Lisfranc injury, is ahead of his recovery schedule this offseason. The Jaguars GM said Etienne took his time on the sideline to improve his physique and understanding of the game.
Baalke has been pleased with Etienne’s progress and the first-round pick is likely to be a notable weapon within Pederson’s offense this season.
Jaguars not giving up on Laviska Shenault
Baalke said he believes former second-round pick Laviska Shenault can still be a special weapon on offense. The GM said it’s Pederson’s job to figure out how to get the ball in his hands, but the decision-maker is still optimistic about Shenault’s future.
Last season, Shenault caught 63 passes for 619 yards, but he failed to reach the end zone. He caught 58 passes for 600 yards and 5 touchdowns as a rookie. Entering Year 3, Shenault’s draft pedigree scholarship is over, and he needs to show significant improvement to be a main focus of the offense.
Trent Baalke and Doug Pederson are bonding
Baalke has been a lightning rod for controversy over the past year due to his history of ruffling feathers in front offices. But the GM is working on his relationship with Pederson, who had his own issues with front-office politics in Philadelphia.
Baalke said he and his wife went golfing with Pederson and his wife last year. Both Baalke and Pederson are also avid outdoorsmen and they’ve bonded over their love of fishing and hunting.