2013 NFL Draft Spying: The Jacksonville Jaguars

Wow… Things are getting weird in Jacksonville…. Credit: Phil Sears-USA TODAY Sports

Today we we’re going to do a little spying on the Jacksonville Jaguars as the 2013 NFL Draft nears. The Jaguars hold the 2nd overall pick and have been linked to everything from a CB, to a QB, to trading back. As a non-follower of the Jaguars, it’s nice to get a little perspective as to what’s going on behind the magic curtain. Today, Luke Sims, editor of Black and Teal, gives us an idea of what the Jags are thinking.

What positions are the Jaguars targeting in the first round of the draft?

The Jaguars are keen to either fill a major void at pass rusher with a DE/OLB hybrid type player or they are looking at an offensive tackle prospect that can play right tackle for a year before taking over at left tackle if Eugene Monroe can’t be retained.  Geno Smith or some other top ranked quarterback would be a popular pick but the team doesn’t seem sold that anyone is “the guy” to beat out Blaine Gabbert or Chad Henne.

Are there any players the front office seems to covet at this point?

The Jaguars are looking to trade out of the number two overall selection, so I don’t think there is anybody they really covet in the first round.  I think the team would be immensely pleased if USC quarterback Matt Barkley slipped into the second round, especially if the team is able to trade back and add another second rounder.

Did the Jaguars fill any major needs through free agency?  What were they?

Defensive tackle has had two of its top three players leave during free agency or get cut and the front office has filled them nicely.  Ex-Titan Sen’Derrick Marks was signed to be a rotation guy following the cutting of C.J. Mosley, and Roy Miller was brought in to start with Tyson Alualu following Terrance Knighton’s departure to the Denver Broncos.

What was the Jaguars best free agent signing?

Roy Miller is easily the team’s best free agent signing at this point.  He fills a need and is a starter who demands double teams.  Tyson Alualu, his counterpart, will be able to rush the passer more effectively because of the “tilt” stance that Miller uses.  He is an upgrade over departed starter, Knighton, and is a major loss for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.  I’m shocked they let him walk.

Which needs still exist after free agency, heading into the draft?

The Jags have so many needs that it’d be easier to list positions that aren’t needs.  The team is extremely thin at cornerback, strong safety, outside linebacker, defensive end, left guard, right tackle, and fullback.  They also need depth at wide receiver and could arguably use a major upgrade at quarterback.  GM Dave Caldwell expects to fill these needs in the draft and college free agency, mostly.

And there it is. Thanks to Mr. Sims over at Black and Teal for giving us the inside scoop, though the picture of who they’re going to draft seems just a blurry as before.

If you’re up for another crazy mock draft like the one we did here at Titan Sized, be sure to pop over to Black and Teal where they just put up a 3-rounder. I feel pretty good about myself after looking at it, as it also has the Jaguars taking CB Dee Milliner, something I’ve been saying since the beginning of the season. They also have the Titans taking a guy I love… Check it out!