Jacksonville Jaguars 2014 NFL Draft: The Players, The Picks, The Fit
By Ben Natan
Oct 18, 2013; Louisville, KY, USA; UCF Knights quarterback Blake Bortles (5) scrambles with the ball against Louisville Cardinals defensive tackle Roy Philon (93) during the first quarter of play at Papa John's Cardinal Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Rhodes-USA TODAY Sports
Blake Bortles, UCF
6’5″, 232
The Player
Bortles has the ideal size and upside a team would want in a quarterback. That being said, Bortles has a lot of work to do. Despite having incredible pocket presence, he has serious footwork issues. His poor mechanics really hurt his accuracy and it is not helped by his inconsistent decision making. He has the ability to develop, but he is anything but a sure thing.
The Pick
Bottom line is that the Jaguars needed a quarterback and they took their guy. Bortles has some very translatable tools that could really help him early, but I think this is a very risky pick. I am very low on him and think Teddy Bridgewater, Derek Carr or Johnny Manziel would have been a much better pick if they were set on going quarterback. That being said, it is always good that a team is looking to find their franchise guy.
The Fit
You take a quarterback Top 5, you start him. Bortles has the size and ability in the pocket to start early and develop his tools while starting. If he can develop, he has the arm and has flashed the accuracy to be a very good quarterback long term.
Marqise Lee, WR, USC
6′, 193 lbs.
The Player
Lee is one of the most electric players, if not the most, after the catch. He has great vision, acceleration and long speed and can score from anywhere on the field. However, he has horrible catching technique and drops a lot of passes, not to mention he has injury concerns. However, if he is healthy, his YAC ability combined with his tremendous playing demeanor should give him success, especially if he starts catching the ball.
The Pick
This is good value and even better if Lee is healthy.
The Fit
Lee figures as one of the top receivers on the team. He will help work the middle of the field and take short passes for long gains. Whoever is starting at quarterback will be very happy with a healthy Lee.
Dec 21, 2013; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Southern California Trojans receiver Marqise Lee (9) is pursued by Fresno State Bulldogs safety Derron Smith (13) on a 40-yard reception in the fourth quarter in the Las Vegas Bowl at Sam Boyd Stadium. USC defeated Fresno State 45-20. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Allen Robinson, WR, PSU
6’2″, 220 lbs.
The Player
Robinson is another phenomenal player after the catch and flashes ability to use his frame at the catch point. However, that is not often. He needs to play his body type, be more physical, run better routes and improve his hands. He has great upside, but has his fair share of flaws.
The Pick
I think this was a bit of reach trying to fill a need, but the I know Jacksonville has a very good receiver’s coach that can hone Robinson.
The Fit
Robinson is likely to see the field quite a bit due to the need at receiver and he can also be a big time threat after the catch and really allow the Jaguars to ask their quarterback to throw short passes, making it easier on the team and the the offenses development.
Brandon Linder, G, Miami
6’6″, 311 lbs.
The Player
Linder is a high motor, tough player who can bully defenders in a phone booth but is limited in his movement skills. He also has room to get stronger, but he loves to maul people.
The Pick
This was a reach for a need.
The Fit
The Jaguars need competition at the interior of their line and Linder adds fuel to that battle. He is a smart tough player who could see the field early and often given his skill set.
Aaron Colvin, CB, Oklahoma
5’11”, 177 lbs.
The Player
Colvin is a smart player who moves well vertically and can play the ball well. He is not very physical though and his short area quickness can hurt him when changing direction. There is also a worry with his knee as he recovers from an ACL tear.
The Pick
There is some risk to this and I am not sure a healthy Colvin is worth this high of a pick.
The Fit
Colvin, if healthy, could compete as the slot corner and a free safety, but it is hard seeing him win either of those battles right now. Likely a special teams player if healthy or a stash player if not.
Telvin Smith, LB, FSU
6’3″, 218 lbs.
The Player
Smith gets knocked for being small, but he plays anything but that. He is a very fast linebacker who is very good in coverage, but also has the length to get off of blocks and make plays in the run game. He needs to improve sifting through traffic, but I love his overall game and is perfect for today’s NFL.
The Pick
Smith is actually the highest ranked player the Jaguars took off my board coming in my Top 32. This is a steal.
The Fit
Smith could and should start day one at outside linebacker where he can cover and play the run. At the very least, I see him making an impact in nickel and dime packages.
Jan 6, 2014; Pasadena, CA, USA; Auburn Tigers tight end C.J. Uzomah (81) is tackled by Florida State Seminoles linebacker Telvin Smith (22) during the first half of the 2014 BCS National Championship game at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Chris Smith, DE, Arkansas
6’1″, 266 lbs.
The Player
Smith is a very talented player physically. He has very good burst, flashes a very good anchor and also flashes good strength. His issues are more mental where he is too often coming too high out of his stance and often seems disinterested playing the run. If he can fix those things, he is an ideal defensive end.
The Pick
I am a big fan of Smith and I think the jaguars got very good value for him.
The Fit
He may not see a lot of snaps early on, but Smith is an ideal player in the LEO role where he can just use his burst to close from the outside and rush the passer.
Luke Bowanko, C, UVA
6’5″, 303 lbs.
The Player
Bowanko has good size, but that is about it. Average strength and athletic ability and isn’t a very sound blocker.
The Pick
This guy should not have been drafted.
The Fit
The Jaguars need help inside their offensive line so I don’t doubt Bowanko’s opportunity to win that job. I just doubt it happens.
Storm Johnson, RB, UCF
6′, 209 lbs.
The Player
Johnson has very good size and athletic ability, but he just doesn’t play like it. He is a small runner trapped inside a big runners body. He often avoids contact despite having his size and strength, but doesn’t have the agility to elude defenders. He leaves a lot yards on the field and will also put the ball on the ground a lot.
The Pick
I am not a Johnson fan, but he has good tools and this is perfect value for him.
The Fit
I think that Johnson eventually works himself up to the second running back spot and should see more carries in the second half of the season.