Jaguars NFL Draft Picks 2020: Round-by-Round Results, Grades
The Jacksonville Jaguars missed the playoffs for the second consecutive season in 2019, finishing the year 6-10. Heading into last season, the Jaguars had signed quarterback Nick Foles to a four-year, $88 million contract, but Foles suffered a serious shoulder in Week 1 and the team turned to Gardner Minshew II instead. Foles was subsequently been traded to the Bears this offseason.
In the 2019 NFL draft, the Jaguars selected linebacker Josh Allen with the No. 7 overall pick. In the second round, they added offensive tackle Jawaan Taylor before selecting tight end Josh Oliver and linebacker Quincy Williams in the third round. Jacksonville used its remaining three picks on running back Ryquell Armstead, quarterback Gardner Minshew II and defensive tackle Dontavius Russell.
According to the MMQB's AFC South team needs, the Jaguars have potential draft needs at every position except for offensive line and linebacker.
Jacksonville has two top-20 selections, with No. 9 and No. 20, and adding a big-play wide receiver at one of those spots could be in play. A number of potentially instant impact defensive lineman are also options in the first round. The Jaguars are among the league's most cap-strapped teams, heightening the importance of their 2020 selections.
You can follow along with JaguarReport's draft live blog. A full list of Jacksonville's picks will be updated below as the draft progresses.
Round 1, Pick 9 (No. 9 overall): C.J. Henderson, CB, Florida
Andy Benoit's analysis: It’s pretty simple: The Jaguars were strapped for cap space and had to get rid of expensive veteran A.J. Bouye and, before that, soon-to-be expensive superstar Jalen Ramsey. So they did, and to compensate, they drafted the man some see as the best corner in this year’s class. One might argue that the Jags, who play a lot more Seahawks-style zone coverage than pure man-to-man, do not need to spend so heavily for a cornerback. But in that Seahawks-style scheme, the perimeter corners often have de facto man-to-man responsibilities. Henderson can perform those duties, via both press-man and mirror technique coverage. Grade: B+
Round 1, Pick 20 (No. 20 overall): K'Lavon Chaisson, LB, LSU
Andy Benoit's analysis: Just like with their previous pick, the Jaguars are filling a need that was brought about by a veteran departure. Or, an upcoming veteran departure, anyway. Defensive end Yannick Ngakoue wants to get paid and has been very publicly campaigning for a trade. The Jags seem likely to give him one, even though Ngakoue is an explosive, top-shelf edge-bender and Jacksonville’s Cover 3-based defensive scheme cannot work without a quality four-man pass rush.Chaisson won’t even be 21 until July, and naturally, much of his game still needs to be developed. But his raw talent is eye-popping, and the Jags, amidst a roster overhaul, can afford to be patient here. And if last year’s first-round pick, Josh Allen, builds on his encouraging rookie season, this defense can look forward to having one of the league’s most dominant edge-rushing tandems. Grade: B
Round 2, No. 42 overall: Laviska Shenault Jr., WR, Colorado
Andy Benoit's analysis: D.J. Chark is on his way to becoming a No. 1 receiver, and now he may have an equally talented sidekick. Shenault wowed with his straight-line explosiveness and versatility at Colorado. And stylistically, he gives Jacksonville another big-bodied target after this offense has been stuck playing with mostly thinner-framed, finesse-oriented guys. It might take Shenault a year or two, though. One concern is he needs some polish and refinement. New offensive coordinator Jay Gruden’s scheme is sharply built but dependent on smart, precise route running. Grade: B-
Round 3, No. 73 overall: Davon Hamilton, DT, Ohio State
Andy Benoit's analysis: Hamilton projects as an athletic nose shade tackle, lining up over the shoulder of the center and playing either one or two gaps, depending on the situation. He can develop comfortably because the Jaguars still have Abry Jones for this role in 2020, as well as recently-signed veteran Rodney Gunter. Jones will likely be allowed to walk in 2021, making room for Hamilton to join the back of the rotation. Grade: B-
Round 4, No. 116 overall: Ben Bartch, OT, St. John's (Minn.)
Round 4, No. 137 overall: Josiah Scott, CB, Michigan State
Round 4, No. 140 overall: Shaquille Quarterman, LB, Miami (Fla.)
Round 5, No. 157 overall: Daniel Thomas, S, Auburn
Round 5, No. 165 overall: Collin Johnson, WR, Texas
Round 6, No. 189 overall: Jake Luton, QB, Oregon State
Round 6, No. 206 overall: Tyler Davis, TE, Georgia Tech
Round 7, No. 223 overall: Chris Claybrooks, CB, Memphis
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