Fansided
Fansided

Jacksonville Jaguars 7-Round Mock Draft: Edge, Tight End Early

By Jacob Schyvinck

Former Iowa State defensive end Will McDonald drills in front of NFL scouts during the university's football Pro-Day at the Bergstrom Indoor Football Complex Tuesday, March 21, 2023, in Ames, Iowa.
Former Iowa State defensive end Will McDonald drills in front of NFL scouts during the university's football Pro-Day at the Bergstrom Indoor Football Complex Tuesday, March 21, 2023, in Ames, Iowa. /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 4
Next
Sam LaPorta 2023 NFL Draft Scouting Report
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – NOVEMBER 19: Sam LaPorta #84 of the Iowa Hawkeyes runs with the ball against the Minnesota Golden Gophers in the first quarter of the game at Huntington Bank Stadium on November 19, 2022 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Hawkeyes defeated the Golden Gophers 13-10. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images) /

Round 2, Pick 56: Sam LaPorta, TE, Iowa

While the Jacksonville Jaguars did tag Engram, nothing has been completed long-term just yet. He’ll clearly be a big part of the offense in 2023, but do the Jaguars want to continue to pay $11 million for that type of production when a strong rookie class at tight end is in the waiting in the 2023 NFL Draft? Don’t rule it out.

Sam LaPorta is the pick for the Jaguars here in the second round. LaPorta is a very good receiving threat at the position, racking up 2.20 yards per route run against power five competition per PFF. His ability to flex out into the slot and out wide and win as a route runners is evidence of the threat he can be in a similar role in Jacksonville. LaPorta is also difficult to bring down after the catch, and is reliable as they come working the middle of the field against zone coverage.

Round 3, Pick 88: Jartavius Martin, SAF/DB, Illinois

While the need isn’t immense in the Jacksonville secondary, the Jaguars are looking for someone to man the slot. Brian Branch is a popular pick with the slot experience, but if they want that role later, Jartavius Martin can be the guy. He’s played a ton of slot snaps and snaps as a box defender, playing with impressive closing speed and processing speed. Martin also can play as a deep safety, giving the Jaguars some flexibility for the long-term.

Home/Mock Drafts