2024 NFL Draft: Post-First Wave of Free Agency Jaguars Projections
For most intents and purposes, the first-wave of free agency is over.
There are still some talented players left, but most of the premier free agents have signed during the first days of the open market. Teams like the Jacksonville Jaguars have been busy adding players to their roster, and may continue to do so. But nearly every move that can impact first-round draft selections has been made.
With this in mind, and with players like Gabe Davis, Arik Armstead, Mitch Morse, Darnell Savage, Ronald Darby, and others in tow, the Jaguars have answered some clear needs and left the door open for others to be filled.
So, who do project to the Jaguars in our post-first wave mock draft? We break it down below.
For context's sake, I used Pro Football Focus' mock draft simulator to conduct my mock.
No. 17 (1st): Alabama CB Kool-Aid McKinstry
One of the smartest moves the Jaguars made in free agency was signing Ronald Darby, with the proven man-coverage cornerback giving the Jaguars a viable starter across from Tyson Campbell if the season started today. But the season doesn't start today, and no draft is just about 2024. Plus, it isn't like the Jaguars paid Darby a substantial amount of money. He is a small cap hit for 2024 and could easily be released next year. He raises the floor of the room and brings in a reliable veteran who can play right away, but there is zero reality where his presence means the Jaguars can ignore a cornerback early.
As things stand today, the Jaguars don't have the cornerback depth to stick with the best passing offenses in the NFL. Considering the air attack in Houston, the high-upside quarterback in Indianapolis, and the receiver duo in Nashville, the Jaguars need a better cornerback depth chart than Montaric Brown, Christian Braswell, and Gregory Junior. Kool-Aid McKinstry is one of the best press corners in the draft and would fit in Ryan Nielsen's scheme like a glove.
No. 48 (2nd): South Carolina WR Xavier Legette
I can already feel you throwing your tomatoes at the stage, claiming I am a hack for doing a mock draft where Xavier Legette falls to No. 48. But consider the fact that he is an older prospect with little career production before 2023 and it isn't hard to see the NFL passing him over for more proven receivers.
For the Jaguars, though, Legette is worth the risk. He has the high-point skills that translate to a quarterback like Trevor Lawrence, while also having the athletic traits to win at all areas of the field and be used in multiple roles. The Jaguars' offense currently doesn't have a pass-catcher who defensive coordinators stay up at night thinking about how to defend. With time, Legette could become that pass-catcher.
No. 96 (3rd, comp): Western Michigan DL Marshawn Kneeland
Marshawn Kneeland fits a lot of Trent Baalke's and Ryan Nielsen's prototypes for an edge rusher. He is big, physical, can act as a big end on rushing downs, and has the ability to be moved all over the line. He had a terrific showing at the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine and could function as a rotational edge rusher for the Jaguars early on in his career, similar to 2017 third-round pick Dawaune Smoot and the start of his career. I wouldn't be shocked if the Jaguars sign a cheap veteran as their No. 3 edge, which is a big reason I waited until Round 3 to take one.
No. 113 (4th): Michigan CB Mike Sainristil
There is a good argument to make that the Jaguars still don't have don't a slot cornerback on the roster. Darnell Savage has played in the slot at times, but he seems more like the Jaguars' starting safety (I will take the L on my Antonio Johnson prediction). As for Johnson, he isn't an every-down slot cornerback. He is a safety. A potentially good safety at that. But you don't want to see him cover slot receivers in man for four quarters. That brings us to Mike Sainristil, who an undersized but athletic, aggressive, and instinctual corner who has shown the ability to thrive in the slot. Getting a future starting cornerback on a fourth-round contract would be a big win.
No. 115 (4th): Texas OL Christian Jones
The Jaguars need insurance at offensive tackle considering Cam Robinson and Walker Little are entering contract seasons. This would likely make 2024 a redshirt season for Christian Jones, who has experience at both left and right tackle. It would make sense to invest in a swing tackle a year early though, giving the Jaguars flexibility in terms of options at the position entering 2025.
No. 152 (5th): USC WR Tahj Washington
Is two wide receivers overkill after the Jaguars signed two in free agency and, in this case, took another one early? Perhaps, but the Jaguars need to continue to throw darts at the position and Washington can compete with 2023 sixth-rounder Parker Washington for a role as a backup slot receiver behind Christian Kirk.
No. 212 (6th, comp): Penn State LB Curtis Jacobs
The Jaguars love drafting linebackers, taking three in the first four rounds in the past two drafts. There is less of a need for one this year with the return of Caleb Johnson and the fact that 2023 fourth-rounder Ventrell Miller will be returning from a season-ending injury as a rookie. Jacobs brings good speed and explosion though and is worth a late-round flier, even if just as a core special teamer.
No. 236 (7th): Iowa TE Erick All
Despite being a clearly athletic and high-ceiling prospect, back and ACL injuries in recent seasons will push Iowa tight end Erick All way down the board. The Jaguars can take a chance on a tight end with injury questions, though, considering they already have three veterans locked into place in Evan Engram, Luke Farrell, and 2023 second-round pick Brenton Strange. All has a lot of similar traits to past training camp standout Gerrit Prince.
