2009 NFL Mock Draft: Jacksonville Jaguars

After appearing very close to becoming a Super Bowl contender in 2007, the Jaguars fell off the map in 2008 finishing the regular season 5-11. They went aggressively after defensive impact players in last year’s draft to put some heat on Peyton Manning in hopes of winning the AFC South. While they were able to beat the Colts early in the season when Manning was clearly not yet recovered from his knee injury, they weren’t able to accomplished much of anything else, and their 2008 draft class has the early look of a bust.

Biggest Draft Needs – There were major issues on the offensive line last season. Left offensive tackle Khalif Barnes was not retained so the Jags will be looking for someone to protect David Garrard’s blindside. A lack of playmaking receivers has long been an issue for this team. Matt Jones and Reggie Williams just didn’t cut it last season. The Jags don’t have a good answer at cornerback opposite Rashean Mathis and they still don’t have an impact pass rusher unless Derrick Harvey or Quentin Groves comes around.

Likely Day 1 Targets – I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, I’m not big on this year’s offensive tackle class though I know some analysts are. We’re all entitled to our opinions and the players careers will either prove us right or wrong. With that said, the Jags don’t have much of a choice here and are going to have to pull the trigger on the best available offensive tackle to provide some protection for Garrard and someone who can aid the running game. They’ll take Alabama’s Andre Smith if he slips and they’ll also look at Virginia’s Eugene Monroe, Mississippi’s Michael Oher, and Baylor’s Jason Smith. Andre Smith has the highest ceiling of any tackle in this year’s class as long as he keeps his head screwed on straight and his fluctuating weight under control. He would be a great asset for the Jags’ running game as well. Monroe and Jason Smith are better pass protectors so the Jags may take a longer look at Ole Miss’ Michael Oher if they can’t get Andre Smith. At 6′5”, 318 pounds, he is quite the physical specimen. His long arms and very nimble feet make him a great possibility for the Jags.

There is quite a bit of wide receiver depth in this year’s draft so the Jags should be able to get a good one in round two. Florida’s Percy Harvin, Rutgers Kenny Britt, or North Carolina’s Brandon Tate or Hakeem Nicks are possibilities.

Recent Draft Track Record – General Manager Gene Smith will run the draft room for the Jaguars for the first time in 2009 and they are hoping that he will do a better job than James “Shack” Harris did. The Jags were aggressive last April and so far it has blown up in their faces. The Jags were so desperate for a pass rusher that they traded up to get Derrick Harvey with the 8th overall pick and then took Quentin Groves one round later. Neither player even contributed unless you can call their combined 4.5 sacks a contribution.

Own the NFL odds makers this season by doing your NFL betting on Jimmy Boyd’s NFL expert picks.

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