Jaguars create ferocious edge rush duo with selection of FSU star in CBS mock draft

The Jacksonville Jaguars just made top pass rusher Josh Allen a part of their long-term plans with a five-year, $150 million extension.  In a deal that includes $88 million in guaranteed money, the Jags have made their 2019 first round pick a very happy man.

So, now are the Jaguars on the verge of drafting another pass rush specialist with the No. 17 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft?

With needs at corner, wide receiver, defensive tackle and on the offensive line, there will be options when the Jaguars are on the clock, but if one of the top pass rush prospects are still on the board, should Jacksonville take an opportunity and pair Allen up with a player with similar skills entering the NFL?

Along with locking up Allen, the Jaguars have made free agent signings to address some of their needs.  With how deep the draft is at wide receiver, they can afford to take someone on Day 2, especially if former Florida State star Jared Verse slips down to them at No. 17.

Jared Verse falls to the Jacksonville Jaguars in CBS Mock Draft

In his latest NFL Mock Draft, CBS Sports’ Jeff Kerr has the Jaguars selecting Verse despite their needs in other areas.  The idea here is that Jacksonville will look to make their pass rush even more ferocious with the AFC South now led by CJ Stroud and a Houston Texans offense that is looking very complete.

What better way to attack a young quarterback like Stroud than getting in his face.  Moreover, a player like Verse would help Allen and company wear down offensive lines late in games.

Kerr writes:

“The Jaguars find another pass rusher to complement Jared Allen and Travon Walker, allowing him to wear down tackles late in games and rack up the pressure and sack totals. Verse would be a closer in Jacksonville, which is what the Jaguars need late in games.”

With at least 9 sacks in his last three seasons at Florida State, the 6-foot-4, 254-pound edge rusher would bring instinctive pass rush skills to a defense already anchored by Allen.  When on the field at the same time, Verse and Allen would have opposing offenses and quarterbacks staring down at an explosive bullrush from either side of the line.

In what would be the best player available type of selection, the Jaguars jump at the opportunity to add another young pass rusher to the mix, which would allow them to use the rest of the draft to wide another playmaker for Trevor Lawrence and add depth to both the offensive and defensive lines.

In all, a potential long-term tandem of Allen and Verse would have the Jags defense attacking opposing offenses with a ferocious tenacity.  Hard not to get behind this mock draft selection for the squad in Duval county.