After finishing with a 1-15 record, the Jacksonville Jaguars enter the offseason with the most cap space, and the number one pick overall in the upcoming draft. After hiring Urban Meyer as their head coach, the franchise is setting itself up for future success. This is a crucial offseason, as each decision will depict the Jaguars' potential for the next three years.
It's nearly a foregone conclusion Jacksonville is going to draft Trevor Lawrence. He's been viewed as a potential number one pick since his freshman year at Clemson. The offense already has some talented players on the team in DJ Chark, Laviska Shenault, and James Robinson. However, finding one more target for their new quarterback would go a long way in Lawrence's development. There are a few big-name wide receivers still available in the free-agent market. Don't be shocked if the Jaguars make a move for one of them.
On the other side of the ball, Jacksonville's defense is just plain awful. It's going to take some time to generate a competitive defense. However, this offseason is a great opportunity for them to start building a solid defense for the future. With plenty of cash to play with, the Jaguars should be aiming to sign one of the top defensive linemen in free agency.
As for the NFL draft, Lawrence is likely going number one. Good news for Jaguars fans, this franchise has four picks in the first two rounds. After having one of the worst defenses in the league last year, the Jaguars should highly consider picking a cornerback later in the first round.
Jacksonville may focus on the defensive side of the ball during the draft, however, this roster doesn't have a deep tight end group. It's not likely this team selects Kyle Pitts in the draft, however, there are plenty of talented tight ends in this draft class with a ton of potential. Here are four bold predictions for the Jaguars in the 2021 offseason.
Sign Juju Smith-Schuster
After basically informing the world he's not returning to the Pittsburgh Steelers through a poll question on social media, Juju Smith-Schuster enters free agency as one of the top wide receivers available. He's an efficient route runner that finished with 97 receptions, 831 yards, and nine touchdowns.
If Jacksonville can sign Smith-Schuster, they'd be solidifying their offensive weapons for years to come. It'd allow him to play as the top receiver on the roster while having Shenault and Chark play as high-end compliments. With him on the roster, the Jaguars suddenly have the firepower to compete with some of the best offenses in the league.
Sign Solomon Thomas
The defense needs a lot of help in Jacksonville and signing Solomon Thomas would go a long way in righting the path. He's played his entire career for the San Francisco 49ers so far and he may be out the door this offseason. Thomas fell to injuries last season and didn't have the most impressive 2019 campaign either.
However, he's only 25 years old and has plenty of time to get back on track. He could be a sneaky signing for the Jaguars this offseason, as he still has the potential to be a staple for any defensive line in the league. Lining him up alongside Josh Allen and K'Lavon Chaisson might be exactly what this defense needs to improve in the front-seven.
Draft Asante Samuel Jr.
It's crazy to see Asante Samue's son being in the NFL draft this year. Asanete Samuel Jr. enters the draft as one of the most prolific cornerbacks this year. Similar to his father, Samuel Jr. plays aggressively and has a knack to find the ball in the air. He finished his final season at Florida Stae with 30 total tackles, three interceptions, and two fumble recoveries.
The Jaguars secondary is weak. Drafting Samuel onto this defense provides Jacksonville a bit more consistency when defending the pass. Additionally, he seems to have the mentality most teams want to see in a cornerback. He's someone who comes to fight and is a solid competitor overall. Samuel Jr. is exactly the type of player this Jaguars defense needs.
Draft Brevin Jordan
Once the Jaguars solidify a young prospect on defense, the front office could have the leisure to focus on the offense later in the draft. Tight end is a considerable need for the offense, as they don't have anyone that sticks out as a reliable starter right now. Also considering this team likely won't be competitive for at least another three years, drafting Brevin Jordan could be exactly what this team needs to help put the offense over the top.
Playing out of Miami, Jordan proved to be a consistent receiving option while also having the size to be a solid blocker in the run game. He ended last season with an impressive 38 receptions, 576 yards, and seven touchdowns.
Jordan likely needs a year or two of development before becoming a reliable starter in the NFL. However, his abilities are second to none, and he has a similar playing style to Delanie Walker. Jordan is strong after the catch, making him a great receiving option. Additionally, his blocking skills could earn him some early playing time in the Jaguars rotation. He has the potential to be a solid target for Trevor Lawrence for years, assuming the front office follows through with selecting prospect quarterback.
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