2024 NFL Draft: Jaguars’ Trent Baalke Is a Fan of the Cornerback Class

Could the Jaguars add a cornerback with the No. 17 overall pick?

It’s officially draft season and the NFL Combine is upon us in Indianapolis. This class is highlighted by talented receivers, interior offensive linemen, defensive lineman and, lastly, cornerbacks. The last of which might be heavily considered by the Jaguars with the 17th overall selection.

The Jaguars’ defense will likely see a shift in philosophy as new defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen brings a man-heavy scheme to Jacksonville. Add in the loss of nickel cornerback Tre Herndon and the Jaguars could look for some cornerback help early, come draft weekend.

The team will return Tyson Campbell and Darious Williams, among depth pieces, however, the group still needs some young talent. Trent Baalke spoke about the possibility of finding additional competition to the unit and finding the team’s third starting cornerback.

“That’s a good question, who is going to be the third. We’ve got to add to that group, I think Coach Nielsen [Defensive Coordinator Ryan Nielsen] spoke on it, Coach Pederson [Head Coach Doug Pederson] probably spoke on it. Now, I’m speaking on it. It’s a group we need to address. We feel good about the group we have, we feel like we’ve got some good, young guys to work with. We’ve got some veterans in there, but we’re definitely going to look to add to that group,” noted Baalke.

It’s a star-studded class, featuring names such as Alabama’s Kool-Aid McKinstry and Terrion Arnold, Clemson’s Nate Wiggins, Iowa’s Cooper DeJean, the Senior Bowl favorite from Toledo Quinyon Mitchell, among many others.

The draft could see as many as six or even seven cornerbacks taken in the first round. Florida State and Missouri have two pairs of really good corners as well, who could slide into the back end of the first round. Those being FSU’s Renardo Green and Jarrian Jones, as well as Missouri's Kris Abrams-Draine and Ennis Rakestraw Jr.

Trent Baalke seemed quite impressed by the position group when talking to the media at the NFL Combine.

“I think the draft at the corner position is going to be strong, I think it’s a good group. I think there’s going to be good players at the top end of the market and good players all the way through in the developmental range. I think it’s going to be a pretty good group of players in that specific position group,” Baalke said.

As far as the combine itself, the cornerback group will perform on-field drills Friday afternoon, set at 3 p.m. ET. For NFL Draft connoisseurs, that afternoon should be must see television as a few of the group are expected to put up some silly numbers. Sadly DeJean, a projected first round selection, won't be doing any activities due to a foot injury.

Nonetheless, it should be a fun weekend, especially for Jacksonville fans as the NFL Draft’s strengths perfectly line up with the team’s needs. The team still has some cap flexibility to bolster the roster through free agency, yet, this year's draft class looks to have been hand-picked, just for the Jacksonville Jaguars.