Grades for the 2024 NFL Draft: The Jacksonville Jaguars haven't made much of an impact beyond potential WR1

The Jaguars' offseason was just fine and the draft followed suit. They did a great job moving down from their original spot in Round 1 of the draft, but still acquired a big wide receiver prospect that they needed after awkwardly trading away Calvin Ridley to a division rival in free agency. Beyond that, it doesn't look like they've had too much of a positive impact, but if Thomas is the final key that allows the Jaguars to play a consistent passing game going forward, that's fine. Getting Trevor Lawrence another receiver was a top priority and they might have been able to get the most out of the second wave of wide receivers.

Favorite Pick: Brian Thomas Jr., WR, LSU (23rd overall)

Thomas has the ability to be a deep threat in the NFL. He has the tools — size, speed, tracking ability — to intimidate defenses when he develops well. In year one, his skillset may overlap a bit with newly signed Gabe Davis, but Thomas will enter the NFL as one of the league's best athletes. That is valuable.

Least Favorite: Maason Smith, DL, LSU (48th overall)

Smith has a lot to offer, but it's been a long time since he's played productive football. Last year he only had 2.5 sacks and 4.5 tackles for loss. The frame is something NFL teams will always fall in love with. Still, it's difficult to imagine his profile being convincing in the NFL, even if he has the physical skills and attributes to become a long-term starting defensive end. He could be Chris Jones or Ra'Shede Hageman, but he still has a long way to go before he reaches his peak.

Draft picks

Round 1, Pick 23: Brian Thomas Jr., WR, LSU
Round 2, Pick 48: Maason Smith, DL, LSU
Round 3, Pick 96: Jarrian Jones, DB, Florida State
Round 4, Pick 114: Javon Foster, OT, Missouri
Round 4, Pick 116: Jordan Jefferson, DL, LSU
Round 5, Pick 153: Deantre Prince, CB, Ole Miss
Round 5, Pick 167: Keilan Robinson, RB, Texas
Round 6, Pick 212: Cam Little, K, Arkansas
Round 7, Pick 236: Myles Coles, Edge, Texas Tech