We’re another week removed from the 2019 NFL season, which means we’re that much closer to the 2020 NFL Combine. With another week passing by, that also means another mock draft was due from our comrades at Draft Wire, and managing editor Luke Easterling delivered just that on Monday.
In the first round, the Jacksonville Jaguars were able to land a monster in the defensive trenches in Auburn’s Derrick Brown, who would simply be a steal at selection No. 9.
9. Jacksonville Jaguars
Derrick Brown | DL | Auburn
Alabama wide receiver Jerry Jeudy is tempting here, but the Jags desperately need to improve their rush defense, and the receiver class is extremely deep this year. That makes them opt for Brown, a monstrous force who is a huge bargain at this pick. His rare combination of size, athleticism and power would be the perfect blend of need and value here.
I doubt many fans would complain with the addition of Brown, who has unreal power and could help push the pocket and help clear up the Jags woes against the run.
With their second first round selection, the Jags added Louisiana State’s Kristian Fulton to help out their secondary, fixing what will probably be a need in the coming weeks.
20. Jacksonville Jaguars (from LAR)
Kristian Fulton | CB | LSU
The Jags got this pick as part of the Jalen Ramsey trade, so why not use it to draft his replacement? While LSU freshman standout Derek Stingley, Jr. got plenty of press this season (and with good reason), Fulton’s play should not be overlooked. He’s big, physical, and has been tested by some of the nation’s elite pass-catchers, making him well worth the investment at this spot.
Not only is Fulton a good pick because the Jags traded Jalen Ramsey, but he’s also a good pick because the Jags may part ways with A.J. Bouye, too, to free up over $11 million in cap space. Even if the Jags land a player like Byron Jones in free agency, Fulton would still make for a good addition to pair with him.
Oh yeah, and there is the whole thing about the Jags liking Southeastern Conference players. With Fulton battling the nation’s best throughout his career (whether that’s on Saturdays or at practice), he has the type of résumé the Jags like out of a first rounder.
In the following two rounds the Jags went with some offensive help, drafting Arizona State receiver Brandon Aiyuk and Kansas offensive tackle Hakeem Adeniji.
Aiyuk (5-foot-11, 200 pounds) would give the Jags a do-it-all type receiver who could line up everywhere, regardless as to if it’s in the slot or outside. He also can return punts. With Marqise Lee being a cap casualty, the pick makes sense but I feel the draft is so deep at receiver that the Jags would’ve been better off drafting some help on the offensive line.
Drafting the 6-foot-4, 300 pound, Adeniji a round later also makes a lot of sense for the Jags. With him primarily playing left tackle, Cam Robinson would likely be kicked in to guard, which may be something that could work out after seeing his struggles at left tackle.
Adeniji would give the Jags a lanky option on the blind side who uses good positioning to thrive, however, he’s not quite the mauler the Jags like on their line. Instead, maybe based on who was available, picking a receiver here may have been better for the Jags USC’s Michael Pittman, Jr. was still on the board.
Lastly, in the fourth round, the Jags went with LSU linebacker Jacob Phillips. With us listing linebacker as the Jags top need, this would make a lot of sense. However, there are some parts of Phillips’ game that are concerning like his movement skills and processing. At 6-foot-4, 230-pounds, a lot of scouts feel like he’s more of a developmental guy, and while the Jags need depth at linebacker, too, they need a starting caliber player even more at the position.