Meet the Jaguars’ 2024 NFL Draft class: Grades for all 9 picks

Here we’ll look at the Jacksonville Jaguars’ 2024 NFL Draft class and provide our grades for all of their 9 draft picks.

Brian Thomas Jr, WR, LSU

Grade: A

At first, we thought the Jags would try to address cornerback and add a receiver later in the draft. However, it became apparent following the selection of Brian Thomas Jr that the Jaguars simply wanted to counter the loss of Calvin Ridley one way or another. They explored veteran options and none came to fruition. As such, the Jaguars were going to take a receiver in round one, one way or another. Thomas will help this team immediately.

Maason Smith, DL, LSU

Grade: B

This was likely one of the more shocking picks of the draft. Smith was ranked outside of the top 50 on most mock draft boards after a lackluster 2023. That said, there are few players with his kind of frame and movement skills out of the college ranks. Players with Smith’s traits always go early. Maybe he would not have gone top-50, but we do not think there is a chance Smith would have been available at No. 96.

Jarrian Jones, CB, FSU

Grade: C

Jones was another player who was seen as a reach by many. It seems most mocks had Jones going on Day 3. Taking him at the tail end of Day 2 isn’t awful value, though. This is especially true considering his athletic traits and the fact that there was a run on nickel defenders in the third round. We do like Jones’ tape and measurables. We see some untapped potential there despite his age and experience.

Javon Foster, OL, Missouri

Grade: A

It wouldn’t surprise us at all if Javon Foster ended up being one of the best picks the Jaguars made in this draft. In most cases, teams need to spend an early pick on the offensive tackle position to find a worthwhile contributor. Finding a potential starting talent in Day 3 doesn’t happen often at the position. That said, the Jaguars managed to find one here in Foster.

Jordan Jefferson, DL, LSU

Grade: C

This was the most questionable pick of the draft for us. Jordan Jefferson is a true nose tackle prospect and should have a relatively high floor as a rotational player at the position. However, with bigger needs on the roster, it seems like this was an odd time to trigger the nose tackle depth option. Jefferson isn’t a bad player by any means, but the reason he was projected to go later than this is because rotational nose tackles just don’t carry that much value.

Deantre Prince, CB, Ole Miss

Grade: B

The Jaguars waited until the fifth round to add to their depth on the outside. Still, they did so with a player they were clearly high on throughout the process. Prince had a nice showing at the NFL Scouting Combine and should be a core special teams player at the very worst. He has more traits than most of their backup cornerbacks, too. That suggests there is some upside.

Keilan Robinson, RB, Texas

Grade: C

It is hard to imagine that Robinson would not have been on the board later than this. That said, the Jaguars added arguably the draft’s top kick returner at a time where every single team now needs two starting returners. If Robinson can provide a few sparks in the return game as a rookie, he will have earned his draft slot. His speed and third-down ability make him interesting on offense. Still, he will be a returner first and foremost. This is early to take such a niche role, but he is a good one.

Cam Little, K, Arkansas

Grade: C

Little does have incredibly accurate numbers. The Jaguars likely saw the kicker run start and decided this was the time to pull the trigger on their guy. It will always be a philosophy for some people to wait until undrafted free agency for a kicker. However, I can’t knock this pick much.

Myles Cole, EDGE, Texas Tech

Grade: B

There isn’t much to say about seventh-round picks. Still, Myles Cole is as interesting as you can get in this range. We would be a bit surprised if he made the 53-man roster since he is so raw and so far away from being able to contribute. However, he is genuinely one of the best athletes in the entire draft class. Those are the bets to take this late in the draft.

Looking Ahead

In summary, the Jacksonville Jaguars’ 2024 NFL Draft class reflects a deliberate blend of strategic foresight and calculated risk-taking. From addressing immediate roster needs to unearthed gems with untapped potential, each pick contributes to the mosaic of the Jaguars’ future aspirations. Yes, some selections may invite scrutiny or diverge from conventional wisdom. That said, the overarching narrative underscores the Jaguars’ commitment to charting their path toward sustained success. As these rookies embark on their NFL journey, their collective impact will shape the narrative of the Jaguars’ resurgence, symbolizing the dawn of a new era in Jacksonville football.