Potential Jaguars Trade Partners: A look at who might be interested in trading up to acquire the Jaguars 5th overall pick

Jaguars GM, Dave Caldwell, has stated that he would feel comfortable picking at 5 or trading back if the price is right. Here is a look at a couple of teams who could be willing to move up to 5.

By Zach Weeks

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The 2016 NFL Draft is already looking like it is going to be one of the more memorable and exciting drafts in recent memory. As many of you might already know, the Jaguars hold the fifth overall pick and this means that we are in a advantageous position strategically because we now know that the first two picks to LA and Philadelphia will be quarterbacks. This means the most elite players in the draft have yet to be selected and in terms of true talent the Jags just got bumped up to the third overall pick. Let’s look at some possible scenarios that the Jaguars could do this Thursday.

First, is the scenario that is both the most likely to happen and, based on general observation, most Jaguars fans would be excited if it does come to fruition. That is the Jaguars draft Myles Jack, a do it all linebacker from UCLA who is an explosive tackler in the run game and at the same time has elite coverage skills. In my opinion this is no longer the Jaguars most pressing need on defense, but Jack would be the best overall player if he is available at fifth overall. More than likely, if Jack clears the Jaguars medical evaluation, it would be a safe bet that the Jaguars draft him.

There are two possible options to this years draft for the Jaguars. What our front office is likely doing right now is deciding whether or not to trade back or pick Jack. It’s a tough call. I wouldn’t want to be the one to make it. I have written articles in the past in support of Dave Caldwell and his ability to find talent on the second and third day of the draft. The possibility of trading back and cleaning up in the second through the fourth round should excite Jaguars fans, but the allure of a true impact player like Myles Jack is too much to pass up for many.
Dave Caldwell has publicly stated that the Jags have had discussions with other teams about a trade for the fifth overall pick, but he didn’t disclose which teams were inquiring. This leaves us sports fanatics with nothing to do but what we do best, speculate. 

The Tennessee Titans: The most well equipped team in terms of draft picks and the most motivated to get the best overall player, Laremy Tunsil. The Titans currently hold the 15th, 33rd, 43rd, 45th, 64th, and 76th picks in the first three rounds and there biggest team need is an offensive tackle. Tunsil is the best available at that position. It would be beneficial for the Jaguars to trade with the Titans for two reasons. The first being the obvious, the Jaguars get there choice of multiple players in the first three rounds by acquiring most if not all of the titans early round picks. The second, which is a little less sportsmanlike but still practical, the Titans don’t get the chance to build valuable depth at multiple positions and use it against the Jaguars twice a season. 
Lets take a look at what all of those Titans picks could look like for the Jags.

This of course is an oversimplification of what this trade would look like, but the point still remains that a trade like this could greatly add to the amount of young talent on the Jaguars roster.

The Miami Dolphins: The Miami Dolphins are a team who believe they are few key pieces away from being a playoff contender. They may be right about that. Miami has a capable quarterback in Ryan Tannehill, a star on the defensive line with Suh and have added previously successful players like Mario Williams, Kiko Alonso and Byron Maxwell during the offseason. If things go well in this years draft, it could be a turnaround season for the Dolphins. They did, however, lose one central cog in their offense and that was Lamar Miller. Losing such an explosive and productive player is never easy for offenses to recover from which consequently leads me to believe Miami will be looking to move to acquire Ezekiel Elliot to replace Miller. Miami may be so desperate to steal Elliot away from another team like Baltimore at 6, who has an immediate need at running back as well, that they would be willing to risk trading all the way up to five to get him. Miami has the 14thoverall pick and with it the Jaguars would likely still be able to choose from players like Leonard Floyd, Noah Spence, or Kevin Dodd. 

These are only the two most predictable trade partners for the Jaguars but I am fairly confident multiple teams might be willing to make a play at the fifth overall pick.