The Jacksonville Jaguars add starters on both sides of the ball in a new mock draft
With just one more game remaining until the official end of the 2023 NFL season, most teams are fully in offseason mode. That includes the Jacksonville Jaguars, whose fans are now looking toward free agency, and the 2024 NFL Draft. To prepare all 32 fan bases for the upcoming draft, I published my first two-round […]
With just one more game remaining until the official end of the 2023 NFL season, most teams are fully in offseason mode.
That includes the Jacksonville Jaguars, whose fans are now looking toward free agency, and the 2024 NFL Draft.
To prepare all 32 fan bases for the upcoming draft, I published my first two-round mock draft of the cycle, in which the Jaguars landed two starters on both sides of the ball.
Round 1, Pick 17: Cooper DeJean, CB, Iowa
"The Jaguars have needs in the secondary and on the offensive line, which makes their first-round pick hard to predict. In this mock, I have them going with Iowa CB Cooper DeJean. DeJean offers some unique flexibility to whichever team drafts him. Some around the NFL believe he could be a better fit at safety, and he has experience playing outside and in the slot at corner. The Jaguars have a clear need across the board in the secondary and could allow DeJean to head into training camp and compete for multiple spots to find his ideal position in their defense."
The Jaguars' late-season collapse has caused multiple changes on their coaching staff and likely more changes on their roster. They need to figure out multiple spots in their secondary, and Iowa's Cooper DeJean's diverse skill set could be just what the doctor ordered. He will be able to compete for multiple starting jobs and help the Jaguars field the best secondary that their roster allows.
Round 2, Pick 48: Cooper Beebe, OG, Kansas State
"And with their second pick, I do have them targeting the offensive line with Kansas State's Cooper Beebe. Beebe played mostly LG in college but also spent time at both LT and RT. I think Beebe will most likely play guard in the NFL, but his experience at tackle would offer the Jaguars some flexibility to field the best five offensive linemen come training camp."
The Jaguars need more consistent play on the interior of their offensive line. Kansas State's Cooper Beebe can fit in at either guard position, which would be perfect for the Jaguars. If they pass on a center in the first two rounds of the draft, they would still need to figure out who their starting center would be, but given how the board fell, Beebe seemed like the best option available.
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