After the NFL Draft in 2024, the Jacksonville Jaguars were a superior team. Using all nine of its draft selections, the team selected a running back, an offensive tackle, two defensive tackles, two cornerbacks, a receiver, a kicker, and an edge rusher.
The Jaguars’ 2024 draft class is as follows:
Jr. Brian Thomas
On the first night of action, the Jaguars made a trade down to secure draft capital for 2024 and 2025, allowing them to still choose their top prospect. Jacksonville selected outstanding LSU receiver Brian Thomas Jr. with the No. 23 pick.
Thomas had 68 receptions, 1,177 receiving yards, and a Division I-high 17 touchdowns in 2023 with quarterback Jayden Daniels. Calvin Ridley’s replacement, Thomas, looks promising because he can be counted on to be a deep threat and come down with 50-50 balls.
Smith Maason
The Jaguars selected defensive tackle Maason Smith, Thomas’s college teammate, with the No. 48 overall selection the night after adding Thomas. The Jaguars’ decision is more unexpected, particularly in light of the presence on the roster of former first-overall pick Travon Walker and DPOY contender Josh Allen. Smith is a strong candidate at tackle because of his 6-foot-6 frame and strong upper body strength, so it may be part of the team’s plan to move Walker inside.
Smith had a successful season in 2023, logging 2.5 sacks, two passes defended, 4.5 tackles for loss, and 28 tackles overall.
Jones Jarrian
On the third round, the Jaguars selected Jarrian Jones of Florida State to fill their cornerback need. The cornerback played five years in college, so he has a lot of snaps under his belt. He played for the Seminoles for four of those five seasons, where he made a name for himself as a competitor worthy of the NFL. Jones recorded 25 total tackles, five tackles for loss, three pass deflections, and three interceptions returned for 32 yards, all of which contributed significantly to FSU’s remarkable undefeated regular season.
Foster, Javon
With pick number 114, the Jaguars selected 6-foot-5 offensive tackle Javon Foster of Missouri. Foster led the Tigers in team captaincy twice and was a three-year starter. Foster makes up for his lack of natural athleticism with his fortitude and arm strength.
Jefferson Jordan
Jordan Jefferson, a defensive tackle from LSU, was the third player selected by the Jaguars with the 116th overall selection. During his one and only season with the Tigers, Jefferson recorded a career-high 36 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and one pass broken.
Prince Deantre
The Jaguars added another cornerback to the roster 57 picks after adding Jones to the secondary. Jacksonville selected Ole Miss standout Deantre Prince with pick No. 153. During his final season in 2023, the cornerback racked up 46 tackles, five tackles for loss, five pass deflections, one sack, and one interception. One of the team’s main problems in 2023 was big offensive plays; in 2024, Prince and Jones will be counted on to reduce those.
Robinson Keilan
Keilan Robinson joins Tank Bigsby, De’Ernest Johnson, and Travis Etienne Jr. in the running back room. The former Texas running back only had 134 rushing yards in 2023, so his stats are not particularly impressive.
Robinson’s ability to return kicks accounts for much of his value; in 2023, the RB gained 494 yards on 22 returns. Trent Baalke, the general manager, made a wise decision by adding a returner in light of the league’s 2024 kickoff regulations.
Cam Small
With Brandon McManus leaving in free agency, the Jaguars needed assistance at kicker. Baalke and Co. brought in Cam Little of Arkansas to fill the void. The sixth-round pick just finished a stellar 2023 season in which he converted 20 of 24 field goals and 30 of 33 extra points. Joey Slye was released by the Jaguars on Tuesday, suggesting that Little will take over as head coach in 2024.
Cole, Myles
The Jaguars selected Texas Tech edge rusher Myles Cole with their final selection. Cole made 44 tackles, nine tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, and one pass deflected in his two seasons at Texas Tech.
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