There has been discussion regarding the Jacksonville Jaguars perhaps entering the top 10 going into the 2024 NFL Draft. If they do, they will choose one of the class’s best receivers. Rome Odunze or Malik Nabers, most likely. That being said, there’s a possibility they’ll hold their position at No. 17.
To begin with, it’s not a given Either Odunze or Nabers will get to No. 9, which is the position Jacksonville would probably need to get in order to try and acquire either one. Trading up might not be the best option if both are gone by then. Furthermore, the team needs to take care of more needs besides wide receiver. They won’t need to trade up to strengthen their cornerback room, which is also a priority.
This raises the question of: if the Jaguars decide to hold onto the 17th overall pick, what course should they take? The top five are listed here.
5. Texas’s DT Byron Murphy II
When the Jaguars signed Arik Armstead in free agency, they struck gold. They failed to generate pressure from the interior last year and were unable to prevent teams from running the ball with ease. Armstead will assist with both problems.
But now that the former Oregon Duck is involved, improving the interior defensive line is not as important. That said, they ought to still give Byron Murphy II some thought at No. 17. Although Jacksonville has more pressing needs, they really ought to give him a shot if he’s available when they have the opportunity.
Murphy is possibly the class’s top defensive lineman. He led the Longhorns in tackles for a loss with eight, five sacks, and forty overall pressures in the previous season. Those would be respectable defensive statistics. Coming from an interior defender, they’re excellent.
Furthermore, Murphy supported his Texas tape with a strong performance on his pro day. In addition to clocking a 4.87-second 40-yard dash, he also ran a 1.69-second 10-yard split. In short, the Desoto fulfills every requirement you have for a luxury vehicle.
