NFL Draft 32 for 32 - Jacksonville Jaguars Outlook

April 2, 2019

Brandon Murchison's 2019 NFL Draft team previews moves on to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Will the acquisition of Nick Foles lead this team back to the playoffs? What impact will the rookies drafted have on the fantasy values of this team?

Following a near trip to the Super Bowl in 2017, the Jaguars came crashing back down to Earth in 2018. The team was seemingly in the mindset that things would play out the same as the previous season, just by showing up on the field. Nothing could be further from the case. Blake Bortles regressed back to the form of an overachieving quarterback, while Leonard Fournette's absence for a majority of the season caused the offense to lose its identity.

Changes had to be made, and changes were made. Enter Nick Foles as the Jaguars hope that he can bring some of his Philly magic down south. Much will be expected from Foles in his first season, but can he live up to the hype of the contract? I lean more towards him not living up to expectations as the team struggles to find wins yet again in 2019. Foles will also struggle to provide value as a fantasy QB this season as well, playing in a more subdued offense than what he is accustomed to with the Eagles. After some speculation that he may be dealt, Fournette will again be counted on to carry the load for this team and could sneak back into the RB1 discussion if he can stay healthy.

As for the draft, the Jaguars are an interesting team. They have a talented roster to work with, it just seems as though the offensive scheme is what is holding this team back. The defense has shown it can hold its own, they just need help from the other side of the ball. Look for the team to add depth where needed while also attempting to find playmakers to bring out the best in this offense.

Top Three Projected Selections

First Round- Rashan Gary, DT Michigan (7th overall)
Second Round- Hakeem Butler (38th)
Third Round- Jace Sternberger, TE Texas A&M (69th)

Remaining Selections
Third Round- 98th
Fourth Round- 109th
Sixth Round- 178th
Seventh Round- 236th

Even though the Jaguars have a very sound defense, especially up front, adding a player with the quality Rashan Gary only adds to the potential. A combo DE-DT hybrid, he can line up both inside or out and not lose a step in either spot. He's a face-up rusher that uses his amazing strength to get blockers back on their heels as he advances into the backfield. Gary has all the makings of an elite defender that could reach the pro bowl in short order. His addition only adds to a Jaguars defense that will be one of the early units off the board in fantasy drafts.

With their second pick, I have the Jaguars dipping their toes into the receiver pool with the addition of Hakeem Butler. With the departure of Donte Moncrief, there is an added need for depth at the position. Other receivers in this group (Keelan Cole, Dede Westbrook, D.J. Chark) have all shown inconsistencies in their game. Butler brings another dimension to this offense as a potential deep threat. He's not the greatest route runner in this class, but he can get downfield as well as any. He also has a knack for coming down with contested catches by setting up defensives backs with his stride. Butler will have some late-round appeal in seasonal drafts in 2019, but his true value lies as a dynasty pick in the late first to early second round of rookie drafts.

The third pick by the Jaguars could hit a need that the team has been searching for some time now in TE Jace Sternberger. Finding any production from this position has been an issue for years. But with Foles at QB, the Jaguars will need a player that fits into the scheme. He is an athlete that has above-average ball skills and can be a defensive mismatch lined up out wide. Similar to how the Eagles Zach Ertz or the Giants with Evan Engram. If he builds up his strength early on to work through the rough contact of the NFL, Sternberger could make an impact late in his rookie year. As 2019 unfolds, Sternberger could become an option to play in DFS lineups, but he is truly just a roster stash in dynasty formats this season.

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