2024 NFL Draft: Field Yates Projects Top Center to Jaguars in First Mock
The 2024 NFL Draft is set to be a big one for the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Jacksonville is equipped with nine picks in April's draft, with extra picks in the fourth and sixth rounds. And after a disappointing 9-8 campaign in 2023, the Jaguars will need to make the best use of those picks.
As such, we will keep up with major mock drafts from draft experts throughout the offseason.
This time, we take a look at the first mock draft of the year from ESPN's Field Yates.
"Super Bowl LVIII is behind us, and to borrow a phrase from Bill Belichick, we're onto the offseason for all 32 NFL teams. If there's one thing that can offset the sadness of the 2023 season being over, it's a first-round mock draft for the 2024 NFL draft," Yates said.
"So here's my first set of predictions for Round 1, including landing spots for five quarterbacks. The draft order is now set, and while three picks have already been traded, I didn't project any additional ones just yet. Things will change over the next two months as we get closer to April 25, especially since prospects still have the combine, pro days and interviews. And let's remember that free agency hasn't taken place yet -- that will impact the draft quite a bit."
So, who does Yates project to the Jaguars?
Round 1, No. 17: Oregon OL Jackson Powers-Johnson
One of the most frequent names tied to the Jaguars during the early mock draft cycle has been Oregon center Jackson Powers-Johnson, largely due to the lack of development from incumbent center Luke Fortner. As such, that is the same direction Yates goes here.
"Powers-Johnson was incredible for Oregon this past season and then went down to the Senior Bowl and looked like one of the best players on the field. Among the many traits that stand out about JPJ is that when he gets beat -- and that doesn't happen often -- he can recover quickly enough to keep his quarterback clean. He's the best center in the draft and addresses a big position of need in Jacksonville," Yates said.
Rated as a four-star high school prospect by 247Sports, Jackson Powers-Johnson was ranked as the No. 183 overall recruit, the No. 13 interior offensive line recruit, and the No. 3 recruit in Utah. He ultimately committed to Oregon over offers from BYU, Missouri, Nebraska, Utah, Utah State, Washington State, and Liberty.
Powers-Johnson appeared in 11 games as a true freshman in 2021, taking snaps at all three interior guard positions and starting games at right guard, left guard, and even defensive tackle. He then played 12 games in 2022, spending most of his snaps at right guard.
Powers-Johnson then became a full-time starter for the first time in 2023, starting 13 games at center and being named a Unanimous All-American and winning the Rimington Award.
The players Yates had the Jaguars passing on to select Powers-Johnson include Oregon State offensive lineman Taliese Fuaga, Toledo cornerback Quinyon Mitchell, Washington offensive lineman Troy Fautanu, Clemson cornerback Nate Wiggins, and Missouri cornerback Ennis Rakestraw Jr.
