Pass-Rush, Cornerback or Offensive Line? Ranking the Jaguars' Needs Ahead of Draft

The NFL is all about change.

No matter the resistance, change is the NFL's only defeated champion year in and year out. Even teams like the Jacksonville Jaguars which make their best efforts to retain as many players as possible will see their roster change each offseason, with their short- and long-term needs changing almost weekly in the process. 

No time during the offseason changes a team's needs quite like free-agency. The Jaguars are evidence of this after last year; the Jaguars entered March with wide receiver being their biggest need and left with the room filled, going on to not spend a single draft pick at the position. 

After a free-agency process this year that has seen the Jaguars lose two key players in right tackle Jawaan Taylor and pass-rusher Arden Key, the Jaguars' needs for April's draft have become that much clearer. The Jaguars have been busy overall, re-signing or extending close to 10 players from last year's team, while also signing three free agents on Wednesday. 

Now that the dust has settled and the draft sits just a month away, we take a look at which needs are the most critical entering the final stage of the draft process. 

We will separate the needs into four tiers: pressing needs, which are needs that are critical both in the short- and long-term. Moderate needs, which are needs the Jaguars need to fill in some fashion but are not dire. Low-priority needs, which are needs that do not need to be addressed immediately. And, finally, non-needs, which are positions the Jaguars do not need help at as things stand today.

Pressing needs

Nickel cornerback: The Jaguars went through most of 2022 without answers in the slot. Darious Williams was a more natural and effective fit on the outside, while Tre Herndon proved to be a solid depth player who at times could be exposed by opposing offenses. The Jaguars re-signed Herndon for flexibility and depth, but the Jaguars are still missing a true starting-level nickel corner who can make game-changing plays and keep up with No. 1 wide receivers who happen to align inside. 

Pass-Rushers: The Jaguars finished high in pressure rate figures last season, but for whatever reason they failed to bring the quarterback down on a consistent basis, ranking just No. 26 in sacks. On one hand, one can hope that changes with Travon Walker entering a full offseason of development. On the other hand, the Jaguars' two most efficient pass-rushers from a year ago, Arden Key and Dawuane Smoot, are not on the roster. The Jaguars are banking a lot on Walker, but he will need some help outside of Josh Allen.

Offensive tackle: The Jaguars were in the rare situation this spring where they could let a legit top-10 right tackle walk in free agency and still feel okay about their starting offensive tackles. But thanks to Walker Little and his strong play down the stretch last season, the Jaguars could do exactly that. He still has barely played at right tackle, but the Jaguars trust his versatility. With that in mind, finding depth at offensive tackle is key considering Cam Robinson's knee injury and uncertainty past 2023. 

Moderate needs

Cornerback: The Jaguars re-signed Tre Herndon and Tevaughn Campbell and still have 2022 draft picks Gregory Junior and Montaric Brown on the roster, but the simple fact is that only Tyson Campbell and Darious Williams have proven themselves as outside NFL cornerbacks. Williams' age and contract situation make this an even more important need.

Tight end: The only tight ends on the Jaguars' current roster who got playing time for them last year are Evan Engram and Luke Farrell, so more bodies are needed in  general for depth purposes. This could maybe get bumped down a tier if Engram was signed to a long-term deal.

Safety: The Jaguars are set at safety in 2023 with Rayshawn Jenkins, Andre Cisco, and Andrew Wingard in the fold, but they could still look to add to the room to find competition for Daniel Thomas. The Jaguars are an injury away from having shaky depth at safety.

Offensive Guard: With Ben Bartch coming off an injury and Brandon Scherff spending the final stages of 2022 banged up, the Jaguars could probably use some guard depth. Tyler Shatley filled in well, but a backup right guard is needed as well.

Low priority needs

Wide receiver: It is already known how the Jaguars feel about their top five receivers. Zay Jones and Christian Kirk are beloved inside the walls of TIAA Bank Field, Calvin Ridley is set to be a major piece of the offense, Jamal Agnew is a top-notch return man who has a role on offense, and Tim Jones is as good of a blocker as you will find at wide receiver. The sixth spot is a question spot after Kendric Pryor didn't get much playing time last year, but it isn't a pressing need or even a moderate one, but a pick could be justified. 

Interior defensive line: The Jaguars could always use more talent along the defensive line, especially after the departure of Key. But the Jaguars have made sure to retain Roy Robertson-Harris and Adam Gotsis, while also signing Michael Dogbe and hosting Calais Campbell for a visit. Some youth could be injected, but the Jaguars can enter Week 1 with their line as it. 

Non-needs

Running back: The Jaguars had a legit need for a fourth running back entering this week; Travis Etienne and JaMycal Hasty are set in their spots on the roster, but Snoop Conner is unproven and his spot is open to being challenged. But with D'Ernest Johnson signed this week, the Jaguars have at least three proven NFL backs and no longer need to spend a pick on one. 

Quarterback: With C.J. Beathard signing a two-year contract extension this offseason, any potential need the Jaguars had on the quarterback depth chart is erased. Perhaps they go after an undrafted free agent to bring to training camp as a fourth arm alongside Beathard, Trevor Lawrence, and Nathan Rourke, but they don't need to spend a pick on one. 

Off-ball linebacker: The Jaguars' key at linebacker in 2023 is development, not addition. The Jaguars know they will have iron man and tackling machine Foyesade Oluokun in the middle of the defense, while they will also be hoping for second-year leaps from Devin Lloyd and Chad Muma. They like Shaquille Quarterman a lot as a special teams and depth player, too. They are set here.