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Every Jacksonville Jaguars mock draft begins with Trevor Lawrence, arguably the best draft-eligible quarterback prospect since Andrew Luck. What will determine this team’s future and how successful Lawrence is, will be how the rest of the 2021 NFL Draft unfolds.
Urban Meyer took this job for a reason. The opportunity to coach Lawrence is rare and the Jaguars have even more to offer with tons of draft capital, plenty of cap space and a young roster. After years of disappointment, often brought down by atrocious quarterback play, Jacksonville might finally have entertaining years ahead of them.
There is plenty of work to be done on this roster. If Lawrence is going to live up to the hype, he’ll need a lot more help to increase his odds of success. Fortunately, Meyer and general manager Trent Baalke have an outstanding chance to build this team the right way and it all starts with the 2021 NFL Draft.
With the help of The Draft Network’s simulator, let’s dive into our Jaguars mock draft.
Jacksonville Jaguars mock draft: Building around Trevor Lawrence
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First round, 1st overall: Trevor Lawrence, QB, Clemson
The moment the Jaguars’ secured the No. 1 pick, the choice became obvious. While there might be one team willing to list Zach Wilson as the No. 1 prospects in the draft class, it is really Lawrence. His feel for how to handle pressure resembles that of an NFL veteran, the ability to manipulate defensive backs with his eyes is reminiscent of great quarterbacks. We haven’t even touched on his physical talents.
Statistically, per Pro Football Focus, Lawrence is the only quarterback to receive a 90-plus PFF grade as a freshman and he did nothing to hurt his standing ever since that breakout year. The 21-year-old’s arm strength is outstanding, with the velocity and touch that help him put the football anywhere he wants. He will enjoy Darrell Bevell’s quarterback-friendly scheme. Now, the real fun begins in our Jaguars mock draft.
First round, 25th overall: Terrace Marshall Jr., WR, LSU
LSU is so loaded at wide receiver that it’s understandable why Marshall Jr. got overshadowed. He hauled in 46 receptions for 671 yards and 13 touchdowns in 2019, but Ja’Marr Chase and Justin Jefferson stole the spotlight. After Joe Burrow departed and Chase opted out of the 2020 season, Marshall put on a show.
As the Tigers’ No. 1 receiver, Marshall snagged 48 receptions for 731 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns. Those numbers are impressive under normal circumstances, given the state of LSU’s quarterback play in 2020. Now, factor in he did all of this in only seven games and the numbers become ridiculous.
Marshall is so much more than a 6-foot-3 vertical threat and his 4.38 40-yard dash certainly proved that speed. He can operate out of the slot, creating easy separation to get into open space and then putting his YAC ability on display. He also shows comfort going into the air to snag contested catches, using his size and strong hands to make plays. As a complement to D.J. Chark Jr., this receiver duo would be outstanding for Lawrence.
Second round, 33rd overall: Liam Eichenberg, OT, Notre Dame
Jacksonville placed the franchise tag on Cam Robinson, at least providing some stability at left tackle for the 2021 season. That’s fine as a bridge option, buying time until a greater investment is made, but Jawaan Taylor can’t be starting at right tackle in Week 1. After all, this is the same player who surrendered 58 total pressures, eight sacks and committed six penalties last season.
In a shallower draft class, Eichenberg might be a top-20 pick. Thanks to the depth of this tackle class, he falls to the Jaguars to begin the second round. He is a pro-ready player, with his time at Notre Dame’s offensive line factory playing a huge role in that. Eichenberg is particularly strong in pass protection and that will be even more valuable in the Jaguars’ eyes. While he won’t be a Tristan Wirfs-like player as a rookie, Eichenberg would be a fantastic investment in protection for Jacksonville’s franchise quarterback.
Second round, 45th overall: Asante Samuel Jr., CB, Florida State
The son of the pick-six legend, Asante Samuel Jr. is going to make a name for himself in the NFL. At 5-foot-10, he doesn’t have the prototypical size teams want in a modern cornerback. It’s a legitimate knock on his game, but there’s also so much to like.
Quite frankly, Samuel’s instincts are reminiscent of his father. He knows how to read the quarterback’s eyes and he reacts so quickly that a pass others might get a finger on, he jumps for an interception. Put him in a position where he can react to receivers’ routes and the action going on in front of him, Samuel Jr. becomes a dynamic playmaker at the next level.
Third round, 65th overall: Brevin Jordan, TE, Miami (FL)
Urban Meyer isn’t happy about the state of the Jaguars’ tight ends. He has made it repeatedly clear that the position needs a complete overhaul and that’s coming via the 2021 NFL Draft. While waiting to address the position until Round 3 is risky, the reward pays out with Brevin Jordan.
Get the football to Jordan in open space. While he doesn’t have the typical size (6-foot-3) for a tight end, his athleticism is off the charts. College linebackers stood no chance against him in coverage and it’s tough to think guys in the NFL will fare significantly better. He averaged 9.3 yards after catch, per PFF, the second-best mark in college football last season. With opponents so focused on covering Marshall and Chark, Trevor Lawrence will have a field day finding Jordan underneath and getting him the football for huge YAC plays.
Jacksonville Jaguars mock draft: Day 3 targets in 2021 NFL Draft
- Fourth round, 106th overall: Alim McNeil, iDL, North Carolina State
- Fourth round, 130th overall: Cameron Sample, EDGE, Tulane
- Fifth round, 145th overall: Kylin Hill, RB, Mississippi State
- Fifth round, 170th overall: Caden Sterns, S, Texas
- Seventh round, 249th overall: Cornell Powell, WR, Clemson
What do you think about our Jacksonville Jaguars mock draft? Let us know in the comments below.