NFL Draft insider reveals what Jaguars should do with 24th pick
The NFL Draft expert answered everyone’s biggest question about the Jaguars.
One thing is clear for the Jacksonville Jaguars heading into the offseason: It's all about helping out quarterback Trevor Lawrence.
But what does that look like? Does it mean adding a talented wide receiver? A top-tier offensive lineman?
Or should the help come in the form of a strengthened defense? After all, the Jaguars finished 2022 as the 26th overall defense and 30th pass defense per Football Outsiders' DVOA.
NFL Network's Draft insider Daniel Jeremiah answered that question in a recent conference call with the media.
"I'm always a proponent of giving the young quarterbacks as much help as they can early on in their careers as they can develop their confidence, and then once they become who they are, you can afford to maybe cut some corners around them and allocate your resources to the other side of the ball," said Jeremiah.
But in the NFL, it's impossible to generalize. And the Jaguars' situation on defense can't be ignored.
"But to me, I think right now the defensive needs cry out. Especially more pass rushers, the ability to improve on third down. (The Jaguars) were 29th in third down last year. More corners, more pass rushers."
To Jeremiah, this draft class presents an opportunity to get Lawrence more help in the late rounds. As such, he'd lean defense early if he was in charge of the Jaguars.
"I would probably be leaning more in that direction even with their second pick as well. 24 and 56. I think you can find -you can find the tight end, a wideout a little bit later in the draft."
As always, it's important to remember the Draft is always about the best players available. Plans have to be very flexible. But all things considered, the front office could very well be thinking defense early just as Jeremiah is.
Featured image via Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
