Last night, the Jacksonville Jaguars changed their future when they took Trevor Lawrence with the first pick of the 2021 NFL Draft. The former Clemson signal-caller was then later reunited with his former college roommate and blue-chip running back Travis Etienne, who Trent Baalke selected with the 25th overall pick.
As always with the NFL Draft, some players thought commissioner Rodger Goodell would be calling their name on Thursday night only to be left disappointed. Thankfully for the Jaguars, they hold the first pick of night two and can capitalize on some of the talent that could’ve been taken on Day 1. So, who are the best players available the Jaguars should take at 33rd overall?
Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, Linebacker, Notre Dame
NFL.com has Owusu-Koramoah as their eight ranked prospect of the 2021 NFL Draft. The linebacker is undersized for the position at 6-foot-1, 215 pounds, but that isn’t enough to explain his fall out of the first round.
The Notre Dame man has elite athletic traits and an extremely high motor, with versatility that reminds scouts of Arizona Cardinals safety/linebacker hybrid Isaiah Simmons. At his best when allowed to roam and use his wide array of skills, Owusu-Koramaoh shouldn’t be limited to a single position at the next level.
He is quick and feisty enough to line up and blanket running backs and tight ends but also has the explosiveness needed to break the line of scrimmage, blitz quarterbacks, and shut down running lanes. In fact, it might have been his versatility that scared teams away from him in the first round, as general managers may not know what to do with him. As we move into Day 2 he presents almost impossible value.
Simply put, don’t expect him to be on the board long come Friday.
Trevon Moehrig, Safety, TCU
This is who most analysts thought the Jaguars would take at 25, and their front office is incredibly fortunate that Moehrig is still available at 33. Moehrig is by far the best deep safety in the 2021 class and will be off the board very early as proceedings resume later this evening.
With prototypical size, speed, and solid coverage skills, the former Horned Frog could be a Day 1 starter for the Jaguars. Whilst his interception totals aren’t eye-popping, that doesn’t mean his ball skills leave anything to be desired. Overall, he exited the collegiate realm with seven career interceptions and 20 pass breakups in his last two seasons with TCU.
Teven Jenkins, Offensive Tackle, Oklahoma State
Jenkins is the best offensive lineman on the board and it may be by a comfortable margin. He’s an immediate plug-and-play starter in the NFL, which is great value for teams picking at the top of Round 2. Primarily a right tackle prospect, his lack of experience on the left side might be the main contributor to his slide.
Some teams may look to move the Oklahoma State man inside due to his shorter arms (33 1/2″), but whether he moves to guard or stays outside he has the thick frame and athletic traits to be a difference-maker in a zone-run scheme. He also has what it takes to be a solid pass protector. As second-round offensive line prospects go, it is tough to argue with Jenkins’ high floor and potential impact.
Azeez Ojulari, EDGE, Georgia
Perhaps the biggest swing remaining on the draft board is former Georgia Bulldog Azeez Ojulari. A 3-4 OLB with impressive burst and ridiculous strength, Ojulari could come in and contribute immediately on a team looking for situational pass rush help. Whilst the explosiveness and play speed will excite scouts, it is difficult to imagine Ojulari establishing himself as a team’s primary pass rusher early on.
Hampered by a limited repertoire of rush moves and a smaller frame, the Georgia man has at times struggled to set the edge despite his play strength as he just gets overwhelmed by bigger tackles.
Despite his physical and technical limitations, Ojulari is someone teams will fall in love with when they talk to him. As the first freshman that Kirby Smart named a team captain at Georgia, he is a great locker room presence and plays every down like it’s his last.