The Jacksonville Jaguars finished with the worst record in the entire NFL last season, which ultimately led to the slumping AFC South franchise receiving the No. 1 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.
With the Jaguars selecting what appears to be a once-in-a-generation type talent in former Clemson Tigers quarterback Trevor Lawrence at No. 1 overall this past weekend, Jacksonville went on to take a total of nine rookies in the 2021 NFL Draft.
Thanks to the team's pair of first round picks, pair of second-rounders and five additional selections, the Jaguars will now look to turn things around in a hurry under first-year NFL head coach Urban Meyer 2021-22.
Round 1
No. 1 overall: Trevor Lawrence, QB, Clemson — A+
Even if former Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence somehow doesn't pan out for the Jacksonville Jaguars in the end, this pick was still an absolute no-brainer. Far and away the best all-around player in the 2021 NFL Draft class for a variety of different reasons, Lawrence will now need to step up to the plate in Jacksonville as the former collegiate standout will immediately become the team's starting quarterback as a rookie in 2021.
Everybody and their mother knew that Lawrence would be the Jaguars' pick at No. 1 overall for months, but now that it has all become a reality, the pressure will be on for the NFL newcomer since the expectations are already sky high.
No. 25 overall: Travis Etienne, RB, Clemson — B
A teammate of Trevor Lawrence at Clemson, former Tigers running back Travis Etienne will also be making his way to the Jaguars, as the former collegiate colleagues both came off the board to the AFC South franchise in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft.
Despite the fact that the Jaguars already have the running back tandem of James Robinson and Carlos Hyde in place, it appears as though Jacksonville won't be taking any chances with Lawrence, as the team appears primed to put as many weapons–and familiar ones, at that–as possible around the rookie signal-caller.
Although Etienne is an absolute stud of an athlete and a more than capable running back, his pass catching ability will more than likely push him into a role as a third-down back for the Jaguars in 2021. Because Jacksonville is quite rich at this position, it is hard to give this pick a higher grade even with Etienne serving as a top talent since Jacksonville could have went in a few different directions here.
Trevor Lawrence and Travis Etienne are being introduced in Jacksonville. Clemson in Duval.
(📸 @ChrisPorterFCN) pic.twitter.com/LHTGDFKyyF
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) April 30, 2021
Round 2
No. 33 overall: Tyson Campbell, CB, Georgia — C
The Jaguars selected former Florida Gators cornerback CJ Henderson with the No. 9 overall pick in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft. However, it appears as though new head coach Urban Meyer isn't completely sold on Henderson since they used the first of the team's two first round picks in 2021 on former Georgia Bulldogs cornerback Tyson Campbell.
Although Campbell is no doubt a quality player, the presence of Henderson and former Seattle Seahawks cornerback Shaquill Griffin, who signed a three-year free agent contract with the team this offseason, would typically lead a team to look at other key positions with such a pick. Because it seems as though Meyers is being forced to cover the tracks of the previous regime, it is hard to give this selection a very high grade.
No. 45 overall: Walker Little, OT, Stanford — B+
There is a new name of the game down in Florida–protect franchise quarterback Trevor Lawrence at all costs. Even though the Jaguars have a pair of starting offensive tackles in Cam Robinson and Jawaan Taylor already in place for 2021, the selection of former Stanford Cardinal offensive tackle Walker Little not only gives the struggling AFC South a bit more depth along the offensive front, but also provides the organization with a viable option moving forward as well.
Round 3
No. 65 overall: Andre Cisco, S, Syracuse — A-
If the Jaguars are going to compete in the always competitive AFC South alongside the Tennessee Titans, Indianapolis Colts and even Houston Texans, the team has to improve on defense. While this is no secret, Jacksonville's safeties have posted just 10 picks between 2018 to 2020, so first-year head coach Urban Meyer was surely looking to improve in this category over the weekend.
Former Syracuse Orange safety Andre Cisco came off the board to Jacksonville in the third round. He notably led the country with 12 interceptions back in 2018. He finished his collegiate career with an impressive 13 picks in 24 games. It is hard to not like this pick, especially in the third round.
Round 4
No. 106 overall: Jay Tufele, DT, USC — B+
Former USC Trojans defensive tackle Jay Tufele unfortunately opted out of the 2020 campaign, which likely pushed him back into the fourth round. However, it wasn't long ago that Tufele was tabbed as an All-Pac-12 first-team selection in 2019.
The former USC standout produced 41 total tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks as a sophomore for the Trojans back in 2019.
#USC pro day is underway. DL Jay Tufele and others are running the 40 right now. pic.twitter.com/no2KMqOJyb
— Antonio Morales (@AntonioCMorales) March 24, 2021
No. 121 overall: Jordan Smith, OLB, UAB — C
Although physically impressive and often dominant along the defensive front, former UAB Blazers linebacker Jordan Smith encountered a bit of trouble throughout his collegiate career, which is never ideal heading into the NFL Draft.
A former starter for the Florida Gators, the Jaguars newcomer was previously dismissed from the team thanks to his involvement in a credit card fraud scam. He then attended Butler Community College before ultimately moving on to UAB.
Round 5
No. 145 overall: Luke Farrell, TE, Ohio State — D
The Jaguars had the right idea selecting a tight end in the 2021 NFL Draft–but not in the sixth round or a blocking tight end. Former Ohio State Buckeyes tight end Luke Farrell did play under new Jaguars head coach Urban Meyer for two years, however.
Round 6
No. 209 overall: Jalen Camp, WR, Georgia Tech — B
Every team in the NFL can use speed and some additional help on special teams, which is what the Jaguars will likely het out of former Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets wide receiver Jalen Camp in 2021.
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