Jacksonville Jaguars 2024 NFL Draft Grade: Boosting Air Attack with Brian Thomas Jr.

After a heartbreaking season-ending collapse in 2023, the Jacksonville Jaguars entered the 2024 NFL Draft with a sense of urgency. While Trevor Lawrence continued to show promise at quarterback, the team's receiving corps continues to be a revolving door and the secondary corps remained a major problem. General manager Trent Baalke had a wide range of picks, but did he focus on defensive needs or surprise everyone with a different strategy? Let's analyze the Jaguars' picks and give them a 2024 NFL Draft grade.

Jacksonville Jaguars NFL Draft Grade: A-

The Jacksonville Jaguars entered the 2024 NFL Draft needing to bolster a defensive backfield that was struggling badly and improve in the trenches. Based on what they accomplished in the draft, all of the Jaguars' top NFL Draft priorities were considered and then some. Their strategy, a clear response to their disappointing result in 2023, was clear from the start of the draft.

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General manager Trent Baalke made a point of strengthening the secondary, which was near the bottom of the league last year, and adding multiple units to its defensive line. Before they addressed their most pressing needs, however, the Jaguars added another weapon on the outside in Trevor Lawrence and the passing offense. Jacksonville's draft was one of the better ones and should have fans at Duval excited for 2024. We give them an A-.

We're helping TLaw in the first round

With the 23rd overall pick, the Jaguars grabbed LSU wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr., who was drafted in the middle of the first round. They were able to trade down and received multiple picks for that slot in next year's draft, making his selection even more impressive.

All about defense

The defensive theme of the Jaguars' draft began in the second round with the selection of massive defensive tackle Maason Smith, also from LSU. Smith's presence should help strengthen Jacksonville's top-10 run defense while freeing up the linebackers to make more impactful plays. The Jags took Florida State cornerback Jarrian Jones in the third round, adding depth and competition to the new-look secondary.

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Value and depth late

With six picks in the final four rounds, the Jaguars focused on adding depth at the positions most needed and throwing a few fliers on potential special teams contributors. Missouri's offense takes on Javon Foster. Their first of two fourth-round picks could pay off in the future, as the futures of Cam Robinson and Walker Little are still uncertain after this season. But also gives them a swing tackle in the unfortunate circumstance that either Robinson or Little misses time this year.

Jaguars sharpen their teeth

Overall, the Jaguars' 2024 draft class was a clear statement of intent. By prioritizing defense, they addressed glaring weaknesses and gave Trevor Lawrence, along with Brian Thomas Jr., a better chance to succeed on offense. The Jags faltered at the end of last year, but if this draft class has the impact it appears to have, Jacksonville will be right back in the AFC South hunt. After meeting all of its needs and acquiring one of the top receiver prospects, Jacksonville receives a grade of A-NFL Draft.