The Jacksonville Jaguars came into the 2013 NFL Draft with new ownership, a new general manager and a new coach in Gus Bradley; looking to hopefully finally turn a corner with this perpetually laughable franchise. While they were able to add some very talented players and fill some big holes on the roster, the Jaguars definitely had a few picks that left us all scratching our heads. Let’s take a look at each pick and see how it affects the team in the short term.
First Round, Second Pick: Luke Joeckel - Offensive Tackle, Texas A&M
Ever since Gus Bradley took the head coaching gig early this year, I fully expected the Jaguars to address their horrendous pass rush and select Dion Jordan. Jordan is a “Bradley type” guy if there ever was one, and would’ve been the best possible pick here. Instead they decided to take Joeckel, who will be playing right tackle (at least initially) with the Jaguars. This pick made no sense when there were so many talented right tackles available in free agency. The only reason this pick doesn’t get a worse grade is because Joeckel isn’t a a reach at all here, and is a real value, regardless of need. Grade: B-
Second Round, 33rd Pick: Jonathan Cyprien - Safety, Florida International
After missing a huge opportunity in the first round, the Jaguars really made up for it by selecting Cyprien with the first pick in the second round. He’s a top-20 talent, was the best safety still available and fits a huge need for the Jaguars. Grade: A+
Third Round, 64th Pick: Dwayne Gratz - Cornerback, UConn
And just like that, we’re back to the head scratchers. It’s no secret that Jacksonville desperately needed help at cornerback, but Gratz is definitely a reach here with much more talented corners still available (like UConn teammate Blidi Wreh-Wilson or Jordan Poyer). The Jaguars also really missed out on the rest of the top tier pass rushers by failing to grab one here, they could’ve gotten a starting-caliber cornerback later on. Grade: C-
Fourth Round, 101st Pick (from Philadelphia Eagles): Ace Sanders - WIde Receiver, South Carolina
Sanders might have been a bit of a reach here, but he’s a proven producer. In his final season at South Carolina, Sanders was targeted 78 times and didn’t drop a single pass. The Jaguars’ offense could really benefit from sure hands like that. Plus, Sanders can make an impact in the return game. Grade: A
Fifth Round, 135th Pick: Denard Robinson - Wide Receiver, Michigan
I am a HUGE fan of Robinson and the dynamic, playmaking ability he brings to the table. That said, I just don’t know if the Jaguars’ coaching staff has the creative, outside-the-box thinkers necessary to utilize Robinson to his full potential. It will be interesting to see what kind of impact Robinson will have on this offense as a running back, receiver and return man. Grade: B-
Sixth Round, 169th Pick: Josh Evans - Safety, Florida
Even after adding Cyprien in the second round, the Jaguars still needed more depth and talent at safety. Evans is a perfect compliment to Cyprien and a value here in the sixth. The Jaguars could join the Washington Redskins in having two rookies starting at both safety positions this fall. Grade: A
Seventh Round, 208th Pick: Jeremy Harris - Cornerback, New Mexico State
The Jaguars obviously still needed help at cornerback, despite drafting Dwayne Gratz earlier. Harris is a good corner, with great size - something Gus Bradley obviously loves in his corners (just look at the size of the Seattle Seahawks’ secondary). But the fact that they STILL have yet to address their No. 1 need of pass-rush help, and that Jordan Poyer was still on the board, means they get docked a bit for this pick. Grade: C+
Seventh Round, 210th Pick: Demetrius McCray - Cornerback, Appalachian State
McCray is another big corner, which is obviously a fit for Bradley’s scheme. The fact that Jordan Poyer was STILL available and the Jaguars failed to select a single pass rusher in the entire draft really make this a waste of a pick though. Grade: D
Final Grade: B- (83 Percent)