SHOULD THE JAGUARS CONSIDER TREVON MOEHRIG AT 25?

The Jaguars second pick in the draft, at 25 overall, will be a critical decision. Should Trevon Moehrig be in the mix?

BY JORDAN DE LUGO

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The 2021 NFL Draft is precisely two weeks away. The first round will commence on April 29th at 8 pm. The first pick, owned by the Jacksonville Jaguars, will be uneventful. There's no doubt about it — Trevor Lawrence is on his way to Duval. But the Jaguars hold another pick on day one of the draft at #25 overall. There are a number of different directions the Jaguars could go. Another playmaker on offense? An edge rusher? Interior defensive line? Offensive tackle? Safety?

Of the potential options available to the Jaguars, I believe an offensive weapon, edge rusher, or safety are the most likely picks. Urban Meyer wants speed on offense, and there will be a plethora of prospects available at 25 that could help in that department. Urban Meyer also wants to fix the tight end position, so the consensus TE2, Pat Freiermuth, will also be in play. At running back, I find it hard to believe that Urban Meyer won't be intrigued by Travis Etienne, who is a big play waiting to happen. 

But the most commonly mocked player to the Jaguars at 25, as of right now, is TCU safety Trevon Moehrig. While I believe the Jaguars like what they have in Rayshawn Jenkins, Jarrod Wilson, and Daniel Thomas, I wouldn't put it past them to add another safety to the group early on.

The question here? Is Trevor Moehrig a fit for the Jaguars at 25?

Let's take a look at why Moehrig is the consensus top safety available in this class. First off, the measurables: Moehrig is 6'1'' and 202 pounds, good numbers for a free safety. He ran a 4.5 40-yard dash, with a 4.19 short shuttle and vertical jump of 33 inches. Moehrig's testing numbers match the athletic ability he shows on the field. He's a very good athlete at the safety position, but not a great one. 

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On the field, Moehrig is assignment sound, meaning he's always aware of his job on a given play and usually executes his role to perfection. Moehrig, likely due to his football IQ, plays very instinctually, allowing him to be a step ahead of his opponent. Moehrig plays the ball well in the air, as evidenced by his 20 pass breakups and six interceptions in his final two seasons at TCU. But he's not only a coverage safety; no Moehrig triggers quickly to attack ball carriers and is a consistent tackler. He's shown the ability to shut down tight ends and slot receivers in coverage with physicality, instincts, and fluid movement. He has the versatility to align as a split-zone or single-high safety.

Should the Jaguars consider him at 25? A resounding yes, if he's still on the board. Moehrig is my 10th ranked player in this class. The only reason he's not a blue-chip prospect for me is his lack of elite athleticism. A natural safety that can fill a variety of roles, Moehrig should be an immediate starter in the NFL with Pro Bowl upside. 

Urban Meyer and company will like his competitive fire that remains lit throughout every practice. He was a team captain in 2020 and shows excellent football character.

In Joe Cullen's defense, Moehrig could be used to lock down tight ends and slot receivers, erase the middle of the field, and attack opposing offenses rolling downhill. 

Moehrig is one of a handful of players that the Jaguars should look long and hard at, if available at 25. I'd have a tough time passing on the 21-year-old safety prospect. 

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