2014 NFL Draft: Jaguars Owner Confirms Plan to Draft Quarterback

Dec 28, 2013; Orlando, FL, USA; Louisville Cardinals quarterback Teddy Bridgewater (5) celebrates after the Russell Athletic Bowl against the Miami Hurricanes at Florida Citrus Bowl Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Manning-USA TODAY Sports

Well, the Jaguars aren’t smokescreening anything at this point.

“Everybody knows we’re going to draft a quarterback – maybe two,” said team owner Shad Khan via Ryan O’Halloran on Twitter.

The Jacksonville Jaguars were a mess this past season for a spell, and then they actually found themselves vaguely in the playoff picture for a bit before finishing with the league’s third worst record, and it’s clear the direction they are going to take with this year’s first round pick.

The Jaguars obviously feel good about this year’s class of quarterbacks, figuring they will get at least one of Blake Bortles, Johnny Manziel, or Teddy Bridgewater with the third overall pick. Only two players can be picked before them, and Khan’s comments either indicate the Jaguars are willing to trade up to get their guy, or they are content taking the best available at their slot.

I can’t say I blame him. There are varying opinions on all the quarterbacks in this draft, but my personal favorite is Johnny Manziel, and it’s not just the crazy hype around him. I love his performance under pressure, and his ability to create something out of nothing.

Teddy Bridgewater is probably the most polished of any of the QBs, and Blake Bortles maybe has the most toughness of any of the quarterbacks, drawing some Ben Roethlisberger comparisons.

All of these kids are great athletes, and while none are of Andrew Luck caliber as a prospect, these are guys who could potentially come in and help a team like the Jaguars at least compete next season.