How Did the Jacksonville Jaguars Do in the 2014 NFL Draft?
The Jacksonville Jaguars have 7 picks in the 2014 NFL draft and the overall 3rd pick. They come into the draft with quite a few needs considering their miserable finishes every year. The suspension of Justin Blackmon and the exit of Maurice Hones Drew to the Oakland Raiders, were the biggest hits for the Jaguars. The big additions for them was in the free agent signings of Chris Clemons and Ziggy Hood, Red Bryant, Tandon Doss, Toby Gerhart and Zane Beadles. A great start to the 2014 season but they still had questions at QB even with the re-signing of Chad Henne, their presumed 2014 starting QB. Maybe they answered that question in going all in on Blake Bortles instead of drafting Sammy Watkins or Khalil Mack.
2014 NFL Draft Jacksonville Jaguars Pick recap
Blake Bortles QB, Central Florida Round 1 Pick #3
The Jaguars and GM Dave Caldwell go all in using the 3rd pick of the draft on a player that many agree needs some time getting up to speed. To me this was a terrible move and just stunk of a GM afraid to gamble by moving down as the Cleveland Browns did. There was no one in the top 10 who would have drafted Bortles. Maybe the Titans at #11 but that was a long shot at best. This pick totally upset the entire draft. It was a lame move and the Jaguars should have taken Sammy Watkins or Khalil Mack with the pick. Lots of other GMs need to send him a case of scotch for pulling this bonehead move. Not saying that Bortles MAY one day be a NFL quarterback. You just don't use the #3 pick on a guy with question marks or a project QB. I don't usually assign grades to each pick but it this case I will. Draft Pick Grade is an F.
Marqise Lee WR, USC Round 2 Pick #7
No problem at all with this pick. Lee will be an awesome receiver for many years to come. Excellent speed and hands and has played in big games. An instant starter and a play maker and imagine if Caldwell took Watkins, what a duo they would have been for Henne.
Allen Robinson WR, Penn State Round 2 Pick #29
Reminds me of 49er Michael Crabtree, but a bit slower Good burst from the line, willing to cut across the middle and knows how to create separation and will play the ball. Natural receiver with height, excellent double moves and the ability to throw a CB on their ass if they try press coverage. Needs some work catching the ball with his hands and breaking the "against the chest habit." Needs some confidence crossing the middle and understanding how to take the impact. Will be better outside the hash marks running hooks and outs. Should be a journeyman receiver like Eric Decker.
Brandon Linder OG, Miami, Florida Round 3 Pick #29
6'6" 315 pound anchor. Has the killer instinct to finish blocks but lacks the quick reaction off the snap. Has played games at Center in college and worked both sides of the line so should be an asset that adds to the depth at multiple line positions. He isn't the best from a technical standpoint but will only get better with sound coaching and game experience. I actually am expecting a lot from this player.
Aaron Colvin DB, Oklahoma Round 4 Pick #14
Will begin the season on the PUP list as he tore his ACL on the second day of practice at the Senior Bowl. Jaguars had an up close look at him before that tear and apparently he was impressive. Possible replacement for Alan Ball when he leaves after the expiration of his 2014 contract.
Telvin Smith LB, Florida State Round 5 Pick #4
Failed Drug Test at the NFL Combine made this a really curious draft pick considering the Blackmon problem. Like Caldwell doesn't see a big red light flashing. A speedy cover linebacker that needs a weight program but can be a disruption to Tight Ends in the seam. Could be a decent player if someone babysits him. Can't respect a person that knows a urine test is forthcoming and smokes the weed anyways. That tells me they are oblivious to reality and self destructive. Not who I want on my team.
Chris Smith DE, Arkansas Round 5 Pick #19
A smaller size defensive end that might be better suited at OLB. Has huge issues in the strength department and wins on the field using his speed. Gets trapped in double teams and has issues breaking away from a blocker. Could be a strong OLB in the nickel roaming the middle because of his ability to close distance. I actually see him transitioning to the Strong Safety position. Seems like the perfect candidate since the NFL is revolutionizing that position to a bigger guy with his skill set.
Luke Bowanko Center, Virginia Round 6 Pick #29
6'5" Center weighing 300 lbs. Needs to pack on 30 to 40 pounds on that frame to really anchor the position and be a force in the interior of the line. Has a problem defending an agile NT or stunt linebacker blitzing with swim or rip moves.
Storm Johnson RB, Central Florida Round 7 Pick# 7
Some legal issues forced his transfer to UCF from the University of Miami. Has the speed and strength to run the A and B gap with authority. Hard to tackle and knows how to make a block and then slip it to get open in the flat for a pass or get to the next level. Excellent screen pass receiver and can make a move and go all the way. Lots of talent with maturity issues. If he grows up, quite possible another Ryan Mathews, but one who can catch. Could be the steal of the draft for the Jacksonville Jaguars
Overall Draft Analysis
Dave Caldwell better hope Blake Bortles is "THE GUY." If not, bye bye Dave. The Jaguars did great getting Lee at WR. Overpaid for Bortles. Could have easily traded down and got him later and an extra pick. The problem is Caldwell fell in love and that always causes issues in a draft. Otherwise the draft was pretty solid with filling the positions needed. I loved the 7th round pick of Storm Johnson. I think this kid may surprise a lot of people.
Draft Grade: C plus
Blowing the 3rd overall pick on a project player instantly gives him an F grade and the rest of the picks allowed them to recover to a C plus. I bet this Bortles pick costs Caldwell his job.
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