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Full Grades For The Jacksonville Jaguars 2017 NFL Draft Report Card

By Erik Lambert

Apr 27, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Leonard Fournette (LSU) is selected as the number 4 overall pick to the Jacksonville Jaguars in the first round the 2017 NFL Draft at Philadelphia Museum of Art. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 27, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Leonard Fournette (LSU) is selected as the number 4 overall pick to the Jacksonville Jaguars in the first round the 2017 NFL Draft at Philadelphia Museum of Art. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 27, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Leonard Fournette (LSU) is selected as the number 4 overall pick to the Jacksonville Jaguars in the first round the 2017 NFL Draft at Philadelphia Museum of Art. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 27, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Leonard Fournette (LSU) is selected as the number 4 overall pick to the Jacksonville Jaguars in the first round the 2017 NFL Draft at Philadelphia Museum of Art. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

Tom Coughlin was hired with the sole purpose of creating a winner. Does his Jacksonville Jaguars 2017 NFL draft report card reflect the right direction?

Coughlin is an old school coach. So it stands to reason he’s going to get back to basics with transforming this young, athletic team into a tougher, grittier bunch. To that end he’s been signing players who bring a certain edge and physicality to the game. As the draft unfolded this past week, it was clear the Jaguars were continuing to carry out that plan. They want an in-your-face team that can grind it out against opponents.

Day 1

1st Round:  Leonard Fournette (RB, LSU)

Blake Bortles has taken a severe beating over the past three seasons. A big part of why he has remained so inconsistent? Jacksonville did a very poor job giving him a capable ground attack. Not only are their running backs average, the offensive line was even worse. It’s hard for a young quarterback to do what he’s expected to do without help. Nothing provides a greater security blanket than being able to hand off for half the game.

This is clearly what the Jaguars had in mind when they draft Leonard Fournette. Anybody with half a brain could see that pick coming a mile away. He’s the most talented back to come out of college since Adrian Peterson. A big, strong and fast beast who can be fed 20-25 times every week if need be. Defenses won’t have any choice but to start loading the box to stop him, thus allowing Bortles more opportunities to find his receivers open.

Grade:  A

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