2013 NFL Draft: Jacksonville Jaguars 7-Round Mock Draft
By Chris Cheung
Oct 28, 2012; Green Bay, WI, USA; A Jacksonville Jaguars helmet sits on the field during warmups prior to the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. The Packers defeated the Jaguars 24-15. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
After yet another disappointing season the Jacksonville Jaguars find themselves with the 2nd pick overall, yet again, for the upcoming 2013 NFL Draft. However, unlike previous years, the Jaguars’ fans are excited that the draft will be spearheaded by new General Manager Dave Caldwell and new Head Coach Gus Bradley. A fresh start with a new direction is what this franchise needed after several years of questionable draft picks. It is easy to identify the needs of a rebuilding team, as there are many, and they will want to make sure they are building towards a team that can keep up in the AFC South. They have been mostly quiet in Free Agency, however, the one key signing they did make is for Roy Miller a defensive tackle, who previously played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and played next to Gerald McCoy.
Jacksonville Jaguars’ needs: OLB, S, CB, OG/C, RB, OT, QB, TE
1.02 – Dion Jordan DE/OLB, Oregon
At the number two position, the Jaguars have a lot of directions they can go, including quarterback, tackles, guards, etc. Ultimately, Dion Jordan was chosen because of his talent and versatility as an edge pass rusher. Gus Bradley is a defensive minded coach that knows the value of the pass rush during his time as the coordinator for the Seattle Seahawks. All indications points to Gus being creative and run a hybrid 3-4/4-3 scheme, which suits Jordan well. Jordan is capable of dropping in coverage when he plays the outside linebacker position, but his strength is his ability to disrupt the quarterback in the backfield. Jordan’s athleticism puts him heads and shoulders above any of the pass rushers in this class, and scouts have made comparison to Aldon Smith of the 49ers. The only concern that may have the Jaguars pass on him is his recent shoulder surgery. All in all, Dion Jordan will not disappoint Jaguars’ fans.
Alternate consideration: Geno Smith (QB), Eric Fisher (OT)
2.01 – Jordan Poyer, CB, Oregon State
After acquiring a distruptive pass rusher, Gus Bradley continues to put his finger print on his team by solidifying the defense through drafting the best available cornerback in Jordan Poyer out of Oregon State. Poyer will help in the depleted secondary of the Jaguars after they let go of Aaron Ross and Rashean Mathis. He is not the fastestdefensive back or possess exceptional height, but Poyer is an aggressive defender who will fight for the ball that is in the air. He will certainly tackle you if he knows that he cannot win the aerial battle and prevent any additional yards by the receiver. He has experience playing both man and zone. Poyer was once considered a bottom of the first round talent, and for him to fall into day two, Jaguars may have a steal in this young prospect.
Alternate considerations: Jesse Williams (DT), Kawann Shorts (DT)
3.02 – Justin Pugh OT/OG, Syracuse
Whether it is to protect a new signal caller or the frenetic Blaine Gabbert, there is no question that Justin Pugh will fill a need for the atrocious offensive line of last season. It is still up in the air whether Pugh fits better as an offensive guard or offensive tackle, but wherever he ends up, he will solidify the protection around the quarterback. Pugh is a very experienced player with good body control and balance. He will need to work on hand techniques and gaining better upper body strength. His short arms may make him a more ideal fit as a guard. Having Pugh fall to the third round is a blessing for the Jaguars.
Alternate considerations: Travis Frederick (OG/C), Tyler Wilson (QB)
4.01 – Montee Ball, RB, Wisconsin
Rumors are swirling about the possibility of letting Maurice Jones-Drew play out his contract and not offer another one after this season. Regardless of that situation, though, Jaguars lack any qualityrunningbacksafter Jones-Drew, and it was painfully apparent after he was sidelined after suffering an injury. The biggest issue with Ball is of course his usage in college and the off-field incident that left him injured and concussed. Montee Ball shows that he is capable of carrying the football 30-35 times per game, and an ability to be a natural receiver out of the backfield. Jaguars will do well to acquire another runnning back later in the draft or an undrafted free agent.
Alternate considerations: Travis Kelce (TE), Sio Moore (OLB)
5.02 – Gerald Hodges, OLB, Penn State
With a depleted and aging linebacking core, the Jaguars continue to fill their team with youth on the defense. Hodges is a hard nose tackler who was a safety before converting to the line back position. Though he is unrefined right now, easily fooled by misdirections, overpursues on blitzes, fails to take down faster and more elusive opponents. However, he has the tools and flashed skills that could turn him into a reliable Strong Linebacker for the Jaguars. Hodges is permitted time to develop behind newly acquired but aging Geno Hayes and maybe restricted free agent Kyle Bosworth.
Alternate considerations: TJ Macdonald (S), Sean Renfree (QB)
6.01 – Sean Renfree
A sleeper quarterback in this draft, Sean Renfree does not have the acomplishments or fanfare that his peers does in this draft. At the same time, he is the perfect person to push Blaine Gabbert for the starting quarterback spot. Fans will not be clamoring for Renfree to take the center immediately, therefore allowing him to develop at least for one year. He is a smart quarterback who throws with amazing touch. He is also capable of throwing to any types of distance, save for a hail mary, with better anticipation than most quarterbacks in this draft. Renfree is calm and calculated, and does not become jittery when under pressure.
Alternate considerations: Zac Dysert (QB), DJ Hayden (CB)
7.02 – Josh Johnson, CB, Purdue
The Jaguars has a steal here, with Josh Johnson, in building a stronger secondary. Johnson does not possess ideal height or strength of a prototypical cornerback, however his competitive spirit is almost unmatched. He will close in on his opponent quickly even when play off coverage. He struggles against stronger and taller receivers. However, with Gus Bradley, he may become an immediate contributor before long.
Alternate consideration: Levine Toilolo (TE), TJ Moe (WR)