Coach Jimmy Smith 86 and his Jacksonville Jaguars needed to connect on a solid draft this year. They finished the 105th season in dead last in the AFC South at 3-13. Gardner Minshew II struggled behind center for the Jaguars, pass protection was among the worst in the league and the void left from the Ramsey trade had this defense ranked dead last in the league.
The Jaguars on draft day with pick #6 did not expect to see Trevor Lawrence available, he was available and the Jaguars drafted the best quarterback in the draft with their first pick. Later in the first round the Jaguars found themselves looking at a potential Ramsey replacement. Patrick Surtain II. He is the son of former Pro Bowl defensive back Patrick Surtain. Not bad for the Jaguars and coach Jimmy Smith 86, two picks in the books and two solid starters drafted. The next selection for the Jaguars came with the sixth pick in the third round, with that pick the Jaguars selected their third straight Hidden Development player and someone who can help shore up a poor offensive line with Right Tackle Spencer Brown. Brown is 6’9″ and 321 lbs, his size is very good for over powering defensive pass rushers and pushing the trenches in the run game.
Trevor Lawrence brings top shelf arm talent to the table and the best available quarterback in the draft this year. With a 84 overall rating, Lawrence also has 96 throwing power and 82 running speed. This duel threat can throw the ball deep or step up and run for the first down. Think of Josh Allen or Patrick Mahomes with the arm talent and mobile abilities.
Patrick Surtain II is good sized at cornerback with 6’2″ frame weighing 202 lbs. Surtain is also a 84 overall rated player with 93 speed and a solid 85 man coverage. Great catch ratings of 80 and 91 spectacular catch means Surtain will make a play on any football thrown with in his catch radius. Think of Jalen Ramsey with his ability to run with you in man coverage and make a play on the football verse any receiver in Pro League.
Last but not least, Spencer Brown is rated 73 overall. His size is something that will be tough for defenses to simply push around. brown has 83 Impact Blocking rating and mid 70’s to low 80’s Pass and Rush Blocking ratings. Don’t let his size fool you, Brown also has 74 acceleration making him as quick as some pass catching Tight Ends. Think of Trent Brown or Alejandro Villanueva with that size and quickness.
Coach Jimmy Smith 86 Draft Grade: A+
