The draft is almost two weeks away, which means the Jacksonville Jaguars will be making the most important selection in franchise history soon with the No. 1 overall pick. Of course, with that pick, there is a high probability that they will select Trevor Lawrence, but figuring out who they will take with the No. 25 overall selection on Day 1 is a little tricky.
Many journalists have the Jags going with TCU safety Trevon Moehrig with their second first-round pick, which would address a huge need and likely fall in line with a best available player approach. Former Jags tailback turned journalist Maurice Jones-Drew is on the same boat in terms of addressing safety at pick No. 25 — just with a different prospect instead.
In his latest mock draft released on Tuesday, Jones-Drew had the Jags taking Lawrence first overall (of course), then Oregon’s Jevon Holland with the No. 25 overall pick.
1. Jacksonville Jaguars – QB Trevor Lawrence, Clemson
We’ve predicted Lawrence to go first overall in the 2021 NFL Draft for years, and Urban Meyer recently all but guaranteed it.
25. Jacksonville Jaguars – Safety Jevon Holland, Oregon
Having coached Holland at KT Prep, I know just how valuable he can be for the Jaguars’ secondary as a versatile player. He can play safety, cornerback, nickel or weak-side linebacker, and has the goods to cover slot receivers and tight ends. He’ll immediately boost any unit.
After speaking with Jones-Drew last week on the “Bleav in the Jags Podcast,” this isn’t the slightest bit surprising. Jones-Drew brought up Holland as one of his favorite prospects in the draft due to his versatility. As a result, it became clear that Holland would be a good fit for Joe Cullen, who could look for versatile defensive backs like he saw while with the Baltimore Ravens.
In our chat with @MJD, he listed Oregon safety Jevon Holland (who he coached in HS) as one of his favorite prospects.
As many #Jaguars fans are aware, the team could use a safety and the versatility mentioned here could catch their attention. pic.twitter.com/W9R14bgfMF
— Bleav in The Jaguars Podcast (@BleavInJagsPod) April 11, 2021
Most have Holland graded as a Day 2 pick, and in our latest mock we have the Jags taking him with pick No. 45. However, it’s worth noting that Jones-Drew has personally coached Holland and has seen his skill set up close, which would explain his praise towards him.
Holland opted out of the 2020 season and there are a few scouts who feel that playing in 2020 would’ve helped raise his stock. Still, many love his ball-hawking skills, loose hips, agility, and football intelligence.
With 2019 being his last collegiate season, he accumulated 66 total tackles (40 solo), four picks, and four pass breakups. Overall, he finished his career at Oregon with 108 total tackles, nine picks, and 10 pass breakups.