The Jacksonville Jaguars bolstered their offensive arsenal with the selection of LSU wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Thomas, a second-team All-SEC selection in his senior year, brings a dynamic combination of size, speed, and refined route-running skills to the Jaguars’ offense. With his impressive ball-tracking abilities and deceptive long speed, Thomas has the potential to emerge as a top-tier pass-catching threat for Jacksonville.
As the NFL Draft nears, speculations and trade rumors are circulating, particularly regarding quarterbacks. Sources indicate that Jayden Daniels may be a target for the Las Vegas Raiders, who have an interest in securing a quarterback. However, the Raiders are also projected to select an offensive lineman and may focus on drafting a quarterback in the second round. The Jacksonville Jaguars, picking at number three, are expected to select a quarterback, potentially C.J. Stroud or Bryce Young. Rumors suggest that the Tennessee Titans may trade up to draft a quarterback, while the Houston Texans are expected to select Bryce Young at number one overall. The New York Jets are also seeking a franchise quarterback and have expressed interest in Anthony Richardson, but his availability at their 13th pick is uncertain.
Free agent defensive end Dawuane Smoot, after spending his entire career with the Jacksonville Jaguars, has drawn interest from the Houston Texans. The 29-year-old visited the Texans on Wednesday, potentially signaling a shift in his NFL allegiance. Smoot has played 99 games with 17 starts throughout his career, accumulating 133 tackles, five forced fumbles, five passes defensed, 23.5 sacks, and 64 quarterback hits. Despite his solid performance last season with 10 tackles, a sack, four quarterback hits, and a forced fumble, the Jaguars released him in March. The Texans, who have Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson as starters and Derek Barnett and Mario Edwards Jr. as top backups, may see Smoot as a valuable addition to their defense.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are preparing for the upcoming 2024 NFL Draft, and while the team has not yet determined which positions they will target, this article provides an analysis of five key areas that the Jaguars need to address.
