The NFL Draft is now five days away and mock drafts will be plentiful on the web. We’ll be doing at least one last full mock of our own before Thursday’s big event and will have plenty of news on prospects and more.
We’ve been also collaborating with others on draft related content in the form of radio appearances and podcasts, including a mock draft with KNID 107.1’s Corey Clark. I made both of the Jags’ first round selections taking Georgia offensive tackle Andrew Thomas with pick No. 9 and Louisiana State wide receiver Justin Jefferson with pick No. 20.
The addition of both would upgrade the Jags’ offense as they attempt to build around Gardner Minshew II. With no trades and the top defensive options gone off the board, I went with Thomas because he’s what the Jags look for in an offensive tackle in terms of size (6-foot-5, 315-pounds) and the competition he faced at Georgia.
When reflecting on the mock, South Carolina’s Javon Kinlaw may have been a better decision, however, as general manager Dave Caldwell believes there is a drop-off at defensive tackle early in the draft. Still, Thomas is a player that would be a tremendous addition as he could play guard himself or maybe kick Cam Robinson inside.
Jefferson, on the other hand, is a player who has been mocked to the Jags often. Pairing him with former LSU teammate D.J. Chark again could give the Jags their receiving duo for the next eight years or so. He’d also give the Jags a receiver to do the dirty work in the middle while Chark works the sidelines.
To hear the full analysis on both picks, feel free to listen via the media player below.