2024 NFL Draft: Expert Slots 2 Offensive Playmakers to Jaguars

Who does Dane Brugler project to the Jaguars in his two-round mock draft?

The 2024 NFL Draft is set to be a big one for the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Jacksonville is equipped with 10 picks in April's draft, with extra picks in the fourth, sixth and seventh rounds. And after a disappointing 9-8 campaign in 2023, the Jaguars will need to make the best use of those picks. 

As such, we will keep up with major mock drafts from draft experts throughout the offseason.

One of the first mock drafts we will take a look at is from The Athletic's Dane Brugler. Brugler frequently has his pulse on the draft world, and on Tuesday he released a two-round mock draft. 

So who did Brugler project to the Jaguars and what do we make of his reasoning? We examine below.

Round 1, No. 17: LSU WR Brian Thomas 

This is one of the most interesting picks we have seen made for the Jaguars this draft season. Brugler ultimately opted to give the Jaguars the No. 3 receiver drafted after players like FSU EDGE Jared Verse, Clemson cornerback Nate Wiggins and Texas defensive lineman Byron Murphy going right before Thomas. 

As for the players Brugler passed on, interesting names are Iowa cornerback Cooper DeJean, Oregon offensive lineman Jackson Powers-Johnson, and Oregon State offensive lineman Taliese Fuaga.

"The Jaguars need long-term help at multiple positions, and it wouldn’t be a surprise if this pick addresses the defensive or offensive line. But adding another playmaker is as good a plan as any. Thomas is an outstanding size/speed athlete with a basketball background and huge upside. By the time April rolls around, he might not be an option outside of the top 15," Brugler said.

While I get wanting to pick value in the trenches early on, I do think wide receiver is a sneaky need for the Jaguars. Calvin Ridley may or may not return in 2024, and the Jaguars haven't exactly gotten much out of the Zay Jones contract so far.

Of 80 wide receivers with at least 50 targets in 2023, Zay Jones finished No. 80 in receiving yards and No. 71 in yards per route at 1.05. Jones finished No. 43 in yards per route out of 84 such receivers a year ago, too, so it isn't as if he was efficient when he was healthy in 2022. 

Out of 68 wide receivers with 100 targets over the last two years, Zay Jones ranks: 

• No. 58 in yards per route 
• No. 67 in drop %
• No. 60 in yards per target

Jones was the benefactor of a large volume of targets, and a decreased volume share and injuries in 2023 have made it a legitimate question as to whether the Jaguars should move on. And if they do, they will need to find a replacement quickly.

Round 2, No. 48 overall: Kansas State OL Cooper Beebe

This is where Jaguars fans are likely rejoicing. The Jaguars' interior offensive line finished bottom five in blown block rate in the running game, and there is a real chance they need to find a new starting left guard and right guard at the same time. As a result, it is no surprise to see Brugler go with a versatile lineman in Cooper Beebe.

"The Jaguars could upgrade several spots on their interior O-line. Beebe logged snaps at left guard and right guard in college and worked at center during practice, so he’d give Jacksonville options," Brugler said.

Beebe may not be the largest blocker, but he has enough positional and athletic versatility to entice teams like the Jaguars who want to do a little bit of everything on offense. At this stage, it really does seem like the Jaguars need to spend an early pick on the offensive line to get the offense back on track.