Jags pick 1st again, but is this another slam dunk choice?

Posted April 22, 2022 7:00 am

By The Associated Press

1. JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS (3-14)

LAST SEASON: Urban Meyer's much-ballyhooed leap to the NFL was a debacle, landing the Jaguars the No. 1 pick for the second straight year. The three-time national championship-winning coach at Florida and Ohio State didn't know league rules, stars on other teams or seemingly how to effectively communicate with or properly lead his own players. He was fired with cause after 13 games in November, ending one of the worst coaching tenures in NFL history. He did leave behind quarterback Trevor Lawrence, the consensus No. 1 pick in last year's draft, as well as plans (and now construction) for a stand-alone football facility that will get the Jaguars out of their stadium for the first time since the team's inception in 1994. Lawrence's rookie year was far from impressive, however. The former Clemson star finished with 12 touchdown passes, 17 interceptions and plenty of room for improvement. Lawrence did look sharp in the regular-season finale, a 26-11 victory that kept AFC South rival Indianapolis out of the playoffs. Jacksonville hired former Philadelphia head coach Doug Pederson to replace Meyer, counting on his even-keeled approach and history of getting results from quarterbacks like Alex Smith, Donovan McNabb, Carson Wentz and Nick Foles to make the Jaguars more competitive immediately and ultimately a perennial playoff contender.

FREE AGENCY/TRADES: Jacksonville committed $260 million, including more than $155 million guaranteed, to sign seven free agents who could help reshape floundering franchise that's lost 35 of last 41 games. Added WR Christian Kirk, RG Brandon Scherff, LB Foyesade Oluokun, DT Folorunso 'œFoley'ť Fatukasi, CB Darious Williams, WR Zay Jones and TE Evan Engram. Cut veteran LB Myles Jack and were prepared to release longtime C Brandon Linder when he retired. Brought back several others, including LT Cam Robinson (franchise tag), WR Laquon Treadwell, C Tyler Shatley, OL Will Richardson and CB Tre Herndon.

THEY NEED: Edge rusher, OL, WR, ILB, TE, RB, DT, S, PK.

THEY DON'T NEED: QB, CB, P.

POSSIBLE FIRST PICK: Michigan pass rusher Aidan Hutchinson; Georgia pass rusher Travon Walker; North Carolina State LT Ickey Ekwonu; Alabama LT Evan Neal.

OUTLOOK: GM Trent Baalke gets a year without Meyer in the mix to continue shaping the roster. Baalke puts a premium on size '“ 'œI still believe it's a big-man's game, and I think that's proven over time to hold true'ť '“ so choosing between Hutchinson, Walker and two massive blockers at No. 1 has to be an enticing spot for him. Hutchinson appears to be the safest option, which makes sense for a team short on talent, but Baalke could take a chance on Walker's potential. The Jaguars have 12 picks in total, including four in the first three rounds. Getting immediate and productive starters with those top four selections could be key to getting Jacksonville out of the AFC South cellar and away from the top draft spot next year.

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In a photo provided by Melissa Hutchinson, Aidan Hutchinson takes a selfie with family and fans after Michigan's win over Ohio State on Nov. 27, 2021, in Ann Arbor, Mich. Jacksonville is expected to select Hutchinson with the No. 1 pick in the NFL draft on Thursday night, April 28. It's easy to see why the Jaguars would want him after watching what Hutchinson did last year at Michigan. Scouts who searched for more about his background found out Chris and Melissa raised a well-rounded son, uniquely shaped by a close-knit family that includes two older sisters. (Aidan Hutchinson via AP) The Associated Press

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