JORDAN DE LUGO'S FINAL WHAT I WOULD DO 2021 JAGUARS 7-ROUND MOCK DRAFT

A glimpse into how I would build a foundation for Urban Meyer and the Jaguars in the 2021 NFL Draft. 

BY JORDAN DE LUGO

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The 2021 NFL Draft is TWO days out! Today, I've got my final What I Would Do Jaguars 7-Round Mock Draft!

This draft cycle has been a long and winding road, and with eleven picks, the Jaguars will have numerous chances to help improve their roster around the soon-to-be number one overall pick Trevor Lawrence.

Here, I'll be providing the blueprint for how I would attack this draft. This is NOT predictive; that mock will come tomorrow. This is simply what I would do if I were in control of the Jaguars' roster. And keep in mind that I am building this roster for Urban Meyer and Trevor Lawrence to succeed.

Here we go!

#1 Overall - QB Trevor Lawrence, Clemson

Trevor has signed sponsorship deals with some small local companies like Bose, Adidas, and Gatorade. If he were heading to New York, he'd no doubt have some more significant offers, but with Jacksonville in his future, Trevor is doing the best he can. 

#25 Overall - S Trevon Moehrig, TCU

Moehrig has no business being available at 25 overall, but safety is one of the least valuable positions in football (based on $$$), and money talks. While everyone else is scooping up offensive tackles, quarterbacks, and wide receivers, the Jaguars should add the most talented safety in the class. They need playmakers on defense, and Moehrig has a knack for ending drives and changing games. The 21-year-old junior racked up 20 pass break-ups, six interceptions, and two forced fumbles over his final two seasons at TCU. He's a plus athlete at the position, a team leader, and plays as consistently as anyone I've seen in recent years. He has versatility in where he can line up and is assignment sound. Moerhig would be a home run at 25. 

#33 Overall - RB Travis Etienne, Clemson

I'm not a fan of drafting running backs in the first round, but in the second, sign me up. Some of my favorite targets for this spot, like Christian Barmore and Elijah Moore, are long gone. So, it's time to get Urban Meyer an offensive weapon, a walking big play. Etienne averaged 7.2 yards per carry during his college career and scored 78 total touchdowns. The 22-year-old back has a compact build, unbelievable acceleration and contact balance, and runs with a sense of urgency. Adding him to a backfield with James Robinson and Carlos Hyde could give the Jaguars a top ten rushing attack. Is this the biggest need? No, but we're not drafting for need. This class needs to build a foundation of talent and football character. Reuniting Trevor and Travis is the cherry on top with this pick. 

#45 Overall - DT Levi Onwuzurike, Washington

Onwuzurike opted out in 2020, which might be looked at in a negative light by some within the Jaguars' front office. But I don't blame any of the 2020 opt-outs for staying safe. The 23-year-old lineman wasn't used properly at Washington, often playing nose tackle. But this long, athletic interior defensive lineman should be used in a penetration role in clear passing situations. And he has the strength and skill set to hold up against the run as a 3-4 defensive end of 4-3 3-tech. He's too good a value at a position of need to pass up at this point in the draft. 

#65 Overall - EDGE Payton Turner, Houston

Some of the more well-known edge defenders are off the board at this point, but Payton Turner came into his own over his last two years in Houston and dominated at the Senior Bowl. Turner is long and strong, and has plenty of speed. His best football appears to be ahead of him. He needs to develop more of a pass rush arsenal, but you can't teach his physical traits. Adding a versatile EDGE defender that can line up at several spots along the defensive line makes a lot of sense for Joe Cullen's multiple-front defense. 

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#90 Overall - OT Stone Forsythe, Florida
(Traded #145, #170)

The Jaguars need to have a plan for the future of their offensive line. Stone Forsythe developed into an excellent pass protector during his time at Florida and has the length and strength to serve as a starting offensive tackle. He could stand to create more push as a run blocker, but his game is impressive, and he presents plenty of value and versatility, having played on the left and right side of the line at Florida. 

#106 Overall - N/S Ar'Darius Washington, TCU

Two safeties from TCU? Yep! Well, sort of. Washington played safety at TCU, but he'll project to be a slot cover man in the mold of Tyrann Mathieu. They have similar size, athletic testing, and playstyle. If Washington was just a couple inches taller, he'd be an easy second round pick — his tape is that good. Washington carries a second round grade for me, and the Jaguars could use an upgrade in the slot. 

#130 Overall - WR Cornell Powell, Clemson

This is the part of the draft where the depth of this WR class is working in our favor. Powell is another receiver with a day two grade and has familiarity with Trevor. He's well built and knows how to separate down the field. He has impressive body control and wins with regularity in contested catch situations. With DJ Chark, Marvin Jones, Laviska Shenault, Cornell Powell, and Collin Johnson, Phillip Dorsett, and Jamal Agnew, the Jaguars might just have the deepest receiver room in football. 

#249 Overall - TE Shaun Beyer, Iowa

In a perfect world, we would have found value at the tight end position long before this. But the need and value never aligned on my board, and I'm not going to reach to fill a hole. Beyer is an elite blocker at the position and looks to have some untapped potential as a receiver. He has some impressive athleticism and has made a few highlight-reel plays throughout his career at Iowa. Beyer isn't the next George Kittle, but could he develop into a quality starting tight end? Sure.

Having failed to add a tight end that appears ready to contribute at a high level in the receiving game, I'd be on the phones looking for a potential trade partner to land a talented veteran tight end. 

Still, with the talent added to this team throughout the draft, the Jaguars are set up for success in the future. And the early picks — Trevor Lawrence, Trevon Moehrig, Travis Etienne, Levi Onwuzurike, and Payton Turner, should all have a significant positive impact on the team in year one. 

Stay tuned for my final predictive mock draft!

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