2022 PRE-COMBINE PREDICTIVE 7-ROUND JAGUARS MOCK DRAFT

Brett Davis/USA TODAY Sports

How will the Jaguars attack the 2022 NFL Draft? I have some early predictions. 

BY JORDAN DE LUGO

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As new head coach Doug Pederson rounds out his coaching staff, the identity of these new-look Jaguars is beginning to come into focus. Trent Baalke still holds the title of general manager, but owner Shad Khan is looking to insulate Baalke with an EVP, an assistant GM, and more overall brainpower in the front office. Knowing Doug Pederson's philosophies and the tendencies of some of the coaches that Pederson has added to his staff, it's time for a fully predictive Jaguars seven-round mock draft! That means for each of these picks, I'm predicting what the Jaguars might do in late April, not what I would do. 

#1 OVR - EDGE Aidan Hutchinson, Michigan
6'6", 261-pounds, Senior

I expect the Jaguars to make several splashy moves in free agency along the lines of scrimmage. For this simulation, I have the Jaguars shoring up their offensive line with a couple of veterans at the tackle and offensive guard spots. Those additions give Doug Pederson the comfort of knowing Trevor Lawrence should be well protected in 2022. That gives Jacksonville the freedom to go get their top guy, which according to Tony Wiggins of Locked on Jaguars, is Aidan Hutchinson. 

While I don't value Hutchinson quite this high, I completely understand why a team would fall in love with the Michigan product. He's a big, powerful, technically refined edge defender with good overall athleticism. He plays the run and the pass with equal effectiveness. Hutchinson's relentless effort and intensity will allow him to be a tone-setter at the next level. Pairing him with Josh Allen makes sense for the Jaguars in this scenario. 

#33 OVR - WR George Pickens, Georgia
6'3", 203-pounds, Junior

The Jaguars will address the WR position in free agency. But will they be able to land a potential number one outside receiver? I remain skeptical about their odds of landing a legit number one like Amari Cooper, Davante Adams, or Calvin Ridley. Instead, they're more likely to land someone like Chris Godwin, Allen Robinson, Michael Gallup, Mike Williams, DJ Chark, Juju Smith-Schuster, or Christian Kirk. 

Pickens suffered a torn ACL in the spring of 2021 and rushed his recovery to get back on the field late in the season. He may have been better served planning out his return with a little more caution because he didn't look like the same player we saw during his first two years at Georgia. Still, you could make the argument that George Pickens would have a claim for the WR1 throne had he remained healthy throughout the 2021 campaign. Trent Baalke loves jumping on prospects whose talent exceeds their draft position, and Pickens appears to be exactly that. So if Baalke is still calling the shots on draft day, I'd expect Pickens to draw his eye. 

#65 OVR - LB Chad Muma, Wyoming
6'2", 241-pounds, Senior

With Damien Wilson set to hit free agency, the Jaguars could be looking for a new starter at inside linebacker. Duval native Shaquille Quarterman could play his way into the role. But adding a talented linebacker who knows how to communicate defensive calls, read, react, shed, and fill as a run defender AND make plays dropping into coverage makes too much sense in the third round. Like Aidan Hutchinson, Muma can be a tone-setter for the Jaguars' defense. 

#70 OVR - iOL Ed Ingram, LSU
6'3", 317-pounds, RS Senior

After adding a starting offensive guard and tackle in free agency, the Jaguars could still use more talent/depth along the interior. Ben Bartch could compete for a starting role, as could Tyler Shatley (if he's retained). But Ed Ingram has more talent than both and could win one of the starting guard jobs straight away. He has the length to play anywhere on the offensive line but has plus-starter talent at guard, where he has the power and athleticism to fit in any scheme. 

Lawrence Pederson 22

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#88 OVR - CB Marcus Jones, Houston
5'9", 185-pounds, RS Senior

Traded #104, #178 to DAL for #88

Rudy Ford was the primary nickel for the Jaguars in 2021, but he's best served as a role player instead of as a full-time starter. What Marcus Jones lacks in size, he makes up for in athleticism, quick feet, sticky coverage, and ball skills. He should be a long-time starter in the slot at the next level, and he's a truly dangerous return-man to boot. He returned NINE total kick and punt returns for touchdowns during his time in college. Should Jamal Agnew struggle to fully recover from his injury or suffer another one, Marcus Jones could fill in as the starting returner on both kick and punt teams. 

#156 OVR - iDL Otito Ogbonnia, UCLA
6'3", 326-pounds, Senior

In the middle of the defensive line, Jaguars' veteran defensive tackle Malcom Brown is their primary run-stuffer. However, he's soon to be 29 and is entering the final year of his contract. If the Jaguars want to prepare for Brown's potential departure, adding Otito to the mix could go a long way. Ogbonnia is a massive presence on the interior who has raw power and incredibly long arms for his size. He has the potential to be a high-quality early-down run stuffer at the next level.

#186 OVR - S Markquese Bell, Florida A&M
6'2", 200-pounds, RS Senior

The Jaguars signed strong safety Rayshawn Jenkins to a starter contract less than a year ago. Despite being named a team captain, his play on the field left as many questions as it did provide answers in 2021. There's a team-out in his contract after 2022, so the Jaguars aren't tied to Jenkins long-term. Should he fail to impress the new coaching staff, his days in Jacksonville could be numbered. Daniel Thomas, who is entering his third year as a pro, has shown some promise too, but shouldn't be relied upon as a long-term solution at this point.

Adding Markquese Bell to the mix as another prospect who is more talented than his draft selection indicates is on-brand for the Jaguars. As a former four-star recruit, Bell has more natural talent and athleticism than you'd expect from an HBCU redshirt senior. Bell started his college career at Maryland but was removed from the program due to a code of conduct violation. He took the long road to the NFL, but his play at FAMU suggests Bell is worth a shot on day three. He's a fluid mover in space who shows good instincts and can impact the game in coverage, pursuit, and as a blitzer.

#195 OVR - RB Tyler Allgeier, BYU
5'11", 220-pounds, RS Junior

The Jaguars have a potentially impressive 1-2 punch at running back with James Robinson and Travis Etienne. But both are coming off major foot injuries and could need time throughout the offseason to get back up to full speed. Allgeier is a perfect fit for a zone running scheme, which the Jaguars will employ heavily. He's squatty, elusive, shows contact balance, and powers through one-on-one tackles. He should be able to make the roster as the third running back if Robinson and Etienne make quick recoveries, but his lack of special teams experience could hurt in that regard. Still, Allgeier clearly has an NFL skill set and could start in a pinch. 

#196 OVR - WR Bo Melton
5'11", 191-pounds, Senior

Melton moves like a slot receiver with his quickness and route-running prowess but has enough size to win on the outside at the next level. Route pacing and explosiveness in and out of breaks shines. Consistent hands will be the key to Melton's career trajectory — if he can prove to have reliable mitts, Melton has the skill set to become a contributor in a high-volume passing offense. He's worth taking a shot on late. 

Traded #219, #232 to CAR for 2023 6th

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