Do the Jacksonville Jaguars' positional needs align with what the strength of this year's draft class is?
That element is an important one when it comes to when and how the Jaguars go about addressing those more pressing needs that are out there, specifically, what they are going to prioritize early on.
Lance Zierlein of NFL.com recently ranked the position groups in this year's class from first--the best--to 11th, or not the best.
What positions rank in the top three?
At the top of Zierlein's list was the edge rusher group, followed by the running backs and the defensive tackle spot.
This is, of course, very good news for the Jaguars, whose biggest need right now lies along the defensive line. This is a unit in 2024 that ranked 32nd in ESPN's pass rush win rate metric and 27th in run-stop rate.
"I think ultimately, you’re looking to add some competition in there," said Liam Coen about the defensive line at the NFL's league meetings via Big Cat Country. "We’ve got some really good players down there. I think we’ve got three first-rounders on our defensive line currently.
"Three guys that are going to have some good years, hopefully. They’re hoping to elevate that room. We’ll continue to evaluate it, but absolutely, you’re looking to add somebody to the D-line however that thing plays out, inside or outside.”
Running back may not be a pressing need with Travis Etienne and Tanks Bigsby returning, but with only three running backs on the roster currently, it is a position that will be addressed.
The running game is going to play an important role when it comes to getting the passing game back on track for the Jaguars, not to mention that in Coen's offense, the running backs were key factors in the passing game as well.
What about wide receiver, the offensive line, and the secondary?
The receiver position came in at No. 6 in Zierlein's rankings. The star power isn't there this year, but the opportunity to add players who can raise the floor of a receiver room certainly does exist. For the Jaguars, they have options on the roster, but are searching for someone to step into that No. 2 role alongside of Brian Thomas Jr.
As far as the defensive backfield goes, the additions of Jourdan Lewis and Eric Murray provided stability, but both depth and competition for playing time--with Jarrian Jones and Darnell Savage--should still be on GM James Gladstone's radar.
In regards to where these positions fall, Zierlein has cornerback tied for seventh and safety in last at 11th.
Finally, along the offensive line, the tackle spot ranks fifth, and the interior offensive line is tied for seventh with cornerback.
Although the Jaguars addressed the offensive line heavily in free agency, which, like at cornerback and safety, helped ...
