Written by Michael Hull
Round 1- Josh Allen, DE, Kentucky- Tom Coughlin and Dave Caldwell went with the best available player strategy in round one and it was a great choice. Allen is an absolute monster who gets to the quarterback with ease. He had 17 sacks a year ago at Kentucky and was viewed as one of the top defensive prospects in the draft. While many thought the focus would be on the offensive line, Allen was too good to pass up and now joins pro bowlers Calais Campbell and Yannick Ngakoue to a scary defensive line group.
Round 2- Jawaan Taylor, OT, Florida- Taylor was projected to Jacksonville in most mocks at pick No. 7, so this could end up turning into an absolute steal. Known for his ferocious run blocking, Taylor slipped in the draft due to injury concerns. Caldwell and Coughlin decided that he was worth the risk in round two, and traded their second and fourth-round picks to Oakland for their second, fifth and seventh round selections. Jacksonville wants to get back to what worked in 2017 when they were a blown whistle away from the Super Bowl. Taylor should establish a bruising presence opposite Cam Robinson on what is shaping up to be a formidable offensive line.
Round 3- Ed Oliver, TE, San Jose State- The Jaguars are in desperate need of playmakers for new quarterback Nick Foles, and they found one with the 69th pick in Oliver. At 6’5, 250, he was originally recruited to San Jose State as a pass rusher, but the coaches converted him to tight end after seeing pass-catching potential. While he is not a great run blocker, his size and speed lined up in the slot could be lethal. He is a serious threat in the red zone as well and wins 50-50 balls with ease. Oliver was pegged as a sleeper tight end in this draft and could develop into a very solid starter for Jacksonville and a security blanket for Foles.
Round 3- Quincy Williams, LB/S, Murray State- Relatively unknown by fans, many were surprised with this pick, myself included. The older brother of third overall pick Quinnen Williams, Quincy is listed at 5’10, 239 pounds, making him fit in at the strong safety or weak side linebacker positions. He is a hard hitter, and it is rumored that multiple teams were interested in him, and that the Atlanta Falcons even considered trading up for Williams before Jacksonville selected him. He will probably start out contributing on special teams, but could easily carve a role for himself on a stacked Jacksonville defense.
Round 5- Ryquell Armstead, RB, Temple- More friends for Foles. Jacksonville was in need of a solid runner behind starter Leonard Fournette and they found one in Armstead. He is listed at 220 pounds, but ran a 4.55 40 yard dash at the combine and is known for his ability to weave through holes in the offensive line. While Jacksonville also added Alfred Blue, Thomas Rawls and Benny Cunningham in free agency, Armstead will head into camp as the most likely backup to Fournette.
Round 6- Gardner Minshew, QB, Washington State- While the Jaguars signed Foles to a contract worth nearly 100 million dollars, they need someone behind him, as right now their backup is Cody Kessler. Minshew put up huge numbers at Washington State and was First-Team all PAC-12 this past season. Minshew will be a long term project and will compete for the number two spot with Kessler and Alex Mcgough.
Round 7- Dontavious Russell, DT, Auburn- Jacksonville’s last selection of the night was Russell. At 6’3, 319 pounds, he started three years for the Tigers at nose tackle, registering 36 tackles in 2018. He will most likely compete for a backup role behind Marcell Dareus and Abry Jones at defensive tackle for the Jaguars.
Overall I would say the Jaguars had a great draft. They got two absolute steals in the first two rounds with Allen and Taylor, gathered some weapons for Foles in Oliver and Armstead and continued to add to depth to a great defense. While some may see third rounder Quincy Williams as a reach, Coughlin and Caldwell have done a good job finding hidden gems in the middle rounds. The 2019 draft class should make a big impact almost right away in Duval county.
