2024 NFL Draft: Who Do Jaguars Land in ESPN Mock Draft?
The 2024 NFL Draft is set to be a big one for the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Jacksonville is equipped with 10 picks in April's draft, with extra picks in the fourth, sixth and seventh 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 latest mock draft from ESPN's Matt Miller, who delivers some post-Senior Bowl takes on this year's prospects.
"To be clear, there's still a lot of time for changes. The combine later this month will shuffle draft boards, just as NFL free agency next month will change up each team's specific needs," Miller said. "And we don't even know the complete draft order yet; the top 30 picks of Round 1 are set, but the final two are based on my personal pick to win Super Bowl LVIII."
So, who does Miller have landing with the Jaguars at No. 17 and No. 48? We break it down below.
Round 1, No. 17: Missouri CB Ennis Rakestraw Jr.
Like several other mock drafts in recent weeks, Miller goes with a cornerback for the Jaguars' first pick: Missouri cornerback Ennis Rakestraw Jr. Surprisingly, Rakestraw is the second cornerback off the board after Terrion Arnold went No. 8 to the Atlanta Falcons.
"Jacksonville could go in so many directions, but I'm operating under the belief the team will re-sign wide receiver Calvin Ridley, so let's look at the secondary," Miller said.
"Rakestraw is a feisty, tough competitor at the line of scrimmage. While not a hulking defender at 175 pounds, he will rough up wide receivers and ball carriers with his physical style. Jaguars veteran cornerbacks Darious Williams and Tyson Campbell are entering their final years under contract."
In a vacuum, it makes sense. The Jaguars need improved cornerback depth for 2024 and need even more help for the position past 2024. The bigger question here is whether Rakestraw is a better fit than Cooper DeJean, Kool-Aid McKinstry, and Quinyon Mitchell.
Round 2, No, 48: Michigan WR Roman Wilson
Whether the Jaguars go for a wide receiver early in the 2024 NFL Draft likey depends on what happens with the Calvin Ridley situation. It appears Zay Jones is safe to be on the roster entering 2024, which means Ridley will determine if the Jaguars need this kind of help at No. 48.
"If the Jaguars re-sign Calvin Ridley to a new contract this offseason, this pick goes to the Falcons. But for now, we're keeping it in Jacksonville and using it on a wide receiver to help quarterback Trevor Lawrence on the outside Miller said.
"Wilson had a fantastic Senior Bowl week and showcased his top-tier agility and hands. In a Michigan offense that didn't throw the ball a ton, Wilson had 48 catches in 2023 but scored 12 touchdowns with those opportunities. His toughness and quickness would fit in the Jaguars' offense perfectly.
