Grading the Jaguars 2017 Draft Class

4/30/2017

The Jaguars had an impressive firs two days or the draft and a curious final day. How'd they do overall? We've got you covered.

By Jordan de Lugo

This draft was . . . interesting, to say the least. In the first two rounds it seemed the Jaguars were on their way to addressing many needs, but then the rest of the draft happened. In round 3-7 the Jaguars drafted guys that as the Jaguars roster currently stands will have a big impact not on offense or defense, but on special teams. Each of the players drafted has elite attributes, but many of the picks didn't address needs when there were players on the board that could have addressed needs such as Dorian Johnson and Jake Butt. For me the success of this draft class will always be compared to players like Butt, Johsnon, and even CB Corn Elder. Having said that I'm going to grade each pick in two different ways. The first will be a grade on how much of an impact the player will have for the Jaguars in 2017; the second grade will be focused on the picks long term potential.

Round 1: RB Leonard Fournette

Fournette was one of the most physically gifted players in the draft. Having a truly rare combination of size, speed, and power Fournette will immediately be a standout for the Jaguars. The Jags will look to build their offense around the LSU star and in the process take a lot of pressure off of fourth year QB Blake Bortles. This pick's success will largely be continent upon how running backs from this class that were drafted in the second round and beyond fare in the coming seasons. Because the Jaguars certainly could have waited on a running back instead of pulling the trigger at four.

2017 Impact Grade: A
Future Grade: B+

Round 2: OT Cam Robinson

This pick made a lot of sense in terms of 2017 impact when we all thought that Robinson would kick inside to play guard in 2017 for the Jaguars, but that notion was put to bed when Dave Caldwell declared that Robinson would be playing left tackle for the Jaguars - yes, the same position as Branden Albert. Even though Robinson will have to beat out Branden Albert to win the starting left tackle job he'll still have an impact in 2017, whether it be as a guy who pushes Albert to be at his best, or a guy that plays guard. Robinson projects to be an excellent run blocker and a guy who should be at least above average as a pass blocker. He's also a good pairing with the Jaguars first round pick.

2017 Impact Grade: B
Future Grade: A

Round 3: DE Dawuane Smoot

Smoot wasn't a household name in Jacksonville prior to the third round of the draft, but he is now. Smoot is a pass rusher that despite inconsistent play in college showed the ability to bend the edge, use his hands to rip inside or outside, and even showed off an impressive spin move. He'll likely be Calais Campbell's backup in 2017, but he will get playing time if he's able to earn it in camp. Smoot is another pick that makes more sense long term than short term. There were players available with this pick that would have been certain starters for the Jaguars in 2017.

2017 Impact Grade: C
Future Grade: B

Round 4: WR Dede Westbrook

Westbrook comes with a ton of off the field baggage following two separate incidents of reported domestic violence. Both times charges were dropped, but that hasn't stopped critics from pointing out that Westbrook is far from a class act off the field. Some anonymous scouts have gone so far as to say Westbrook is a "degenerate". While the off the field risk is there - there isn't much risk on the field. Westbrook is slight of build, but plays much bigger than he is, and appreciates the physical aspect of the game. Beyond that he has speed to burn - something the Jaguars wide receiver group didn't previously possess. He has monster ability as both a slot and a kick returner. This pick will help the Jaguars in 2017 assuming Westbrook doesn't get himself in trouble off the field, but he likely won't start on offense in 2017 - again there were plug and play starters available for the Jaguars here.

2017 Impact Grade: C
Future Grade: C+

Round 5: LB Blair Brown

Brown played at Ohio in college so he didn't always face stiff competition, but he is an incredibly instinctive linebacker that quickly reads plays and explodes to the ball. He'll likely be Telvin Smith's backup at weak side linebacker and a day one special teams impact. Again, there were players that could have competed to start in the fifth round, but the Jaguars added linebacker depth which was a bit of a need. Brown has the football instincts and explosiveness to become a starting will linebacker in the future, but his impact in 2017 could be limited.

2017 Impact Grade: D
Future Grade: B+

Round 7: CB Jalen Myrick

Myrick will immediately be the fastest man on the Jaguars roster after running a blazing 4.28 40 yard dash. He's undersized at 5'10'', but with such incredible speed Myrick was too good to pass on in the 7th round. He'll be a backup in 2017, and likely be a burner on special teams. He could develop into a nickel corner one day, but for now his impact will be limited.

2017 Impact Grade: C
Future Grade: B

Round 7: FB Marquez Williams

Williams is a fullback in the truest sense. He's been referred to as a bowling ball and will immediately compete to pave the way for 1st round pick Leonard Fournette. Tom Coughlin made it clear that the Jaguars would bring back the fullback in 2017, and they've done that in a big way by signing one and drafting one. If he is able to earn the starting job Williams will be a big factor for the Jaguars offensive success this season.

2017 Impact Grade: B+
Future Grade: B

So, the Jaguars got a lot of quality players, but many of them won't have a huge impact in 2017. That however can't be said for Fournette and Robinson, who will likely be key to the Jaguars offensive improvement in 2017.

Total Grade:

2017 Impact Grade: C+
Future Grade: B+

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