Grading and analyzing each pick that the Jaguars made in the 2021 NFL Draft
(Before reading this, you should know I am from Jacksonville, and a huge Jaguar fan, so this article is both from my head, and my heart. DUUUVAL!)
The Urban Meyer era in Jacksonville is nearly at its launching point, and a few key pieces were added over the three day period of the 2021 NFL Draft.
The most exciting draft, maybe ever for Jaguar fans, showed what could become a trend in the Meyer coaching style; big names and speed all over the field in hopes too continually improve for years to come. With 5 picks in the first 65, this was Meyer’s chance to start his own dynasty, this time in the pros.
Now lets dive into the individual picks:
Trevor Lawrence — With this 1st Overall pick in the draft, the Jacksonville Jaguars selected Trevor Lawrence out of Clemson. This was the most obvious pick in draft history, and thats not an opinion statement. The Jaguars have been looking for a center piece, and franchise quarterback for almost a decade now, and they have officially found their man. The 6 foot 5 QB is blessed with natural talent and high football IQ. This is the definition of a “can’t miss” prospect. (Grade: A++)
Travis Etienne — With the Jaguars 2nd pick, at the number 25 spot in the first round, Urban Meyer went with running back, Travis Etienne, also out of Clemson. This pick was a controversial one, and most fans reactions to it was negative. This not because of the player, as Meyer said later in a post draft press conference “he was just the best player on our board.” However, taking a running back in the first round is always a risky move, especially when you have a 1,000 yard, second year running back already on the roster in James Robinson. The Jaguars needed a good back up at the RB position, but Etienne might be a little better than a back up. While a two running back system works for a lot of teams, it is a little harsh on Robinson, and the Jaguars could have waited until later in the draft to pick one up. Etienne however was clearly the 2nd best RB prospect in the draft and will provide excellent back up support for Robinson and allow both ball carriers to get plenty of touches while never getting tired. Etienne, obviously already has a connection with Lawrence as well, which could have been a factor in drafting him, giving the star rookie quarterback somebody to feel comfortable with while learning the offensive system and in the back field. (Grade: B-)
Tyson Campbell — With the first defensive pick of the draft, the Jaguars took Georgia corner back Tyson Campbell with the 33rd overall pick. Defense was a massive need for the Jaguars as they were basically last in every category last year, at one point allowing 30+ points in 7 straight games. Corner was a spot for improvement and the Jaguars did that with big free agent signing Shaquill Griffin from the Seahawks for a whopping $44.5 Million dollar, 3 year contract. With concerns over last years top 10 pick, CJ Henderson, Campbell adds competition, and a possible good piece for the future. However, Campbell was nowhere near the best defensive player on the board, and the Jaguars needing much help at the safety position, were brave to pass over Trevon Moehrig from TCU. Campbell could have been there at pick 45 for the Jaguars, so much like with the Etienne pick, good player, just a slight reach in drafting him so high and before other team needs. (Grade: C+)
Walker Little — With their second pick in the 2nd round at 45, the Jaguars took Walker Little, an offensive tackle out of Stanford. Little, who has not played in two years, does have some injuries concerns, and rust he will definitely have to shake off. Protecting Trevor Lawrence was always going to be a priority for the Jags, and rightly so. On the field for Stanford, Little was their best offensive lineman and prior to getting injured in his junior season was a projected 1st round pick. As long as he can stay healthy, it could prove to be a good pick up for the Jaguars as they look to improve a young offensive line. (Grade: B)
Andre Cisco — With the Jaguars only pick in the 3rd round, they went defensive again, and drafted safety, Andre Cisco out of Syracuse. This was an absolute steal at the number 65 overall pick. One of the best defensive players, and best safety left on the board at the time. Adding speed and size to the back end of the Jaguars defense, Meyer was able to address the safety position a little later than most fans wanted, but with a player that was worth waiting for and should quickly have an impact on the game. (Grade: A)
Jay Tufele — To start the 4th round, Urban Meyer picked a player who he almost convinced to come play for him at Ohio State. Jay Tufele, a defensive tackle out of Southern California. A huge need to fill for the Jaguars, and one which Coach Meyer emphasized constantly in his press conferences with the local media. Using free agency, and the draft, Meyer did just that. Explosive and agile, Tufele adds just what Meyer wants in a defensive tackle, and hopes of upping the number of sacks the Jags can get this year will surely rely on a good rotation all around the defensive line. (Grade: B+)
Jordan Smith — Continuing along the defensive line, later in the 4th round, the Jaguars selected Jordan Smith out of UAB. The defensive end had the second highest D-Lineman efficiency rating in the country this past season and with his long, athletic frame, should add some much needed pass rushing ability for the Jaguars defense. (Grade: B+)
Luke Farrell — The tight end position was one position that Meyer’s crew needed to get sorted before the season begins. With Farrell, a tight end out of Ohio State, selected in the 5th round, the Jaguars, still need to address the position properly. A old friend, and recruit of Meyers at Ohio State, Farrell will add depth and help with blocking on the O-Line, however he was not the big tight end that most Jaguar fans wanted in either free agency or the draft. It is quite a reach as far as the pick number, could have got him later on in the draft, and will need lots of development before becoming a consistent starter for the Jacksonville Jaguars. (Grade: C)
Jalen Camp — Lastly, in the 6th round, and 209th overall pick, Meyer finished his debut draft by selecting Jalen Camp, a wide receiver from Georgia Tech. The more weapons the better for Trevor Lawrence, and why not go out with some offense to finish out the draft. Camp, at 6'2 is strong, explosive, and fast for his size. Should add good depth to the young and exciting Jaguars receiving core. (Grade: B)
Meyer set out day one, saying he wanted speed all over the field, and guys who wanted to work hard for everything. With his opening draft, he did just that. Looking at physicality and players known as hard workers for themselves, but also the team. A few really good choices, and a few interesting picks which we can only wait and see if they develop.
Overall, as a fan, I can say I was pleased with the draft. It’s hard not to like getting the quarterback of your dreams for the next decade, or so we hope. Along with many talented players from big name programs, and an exciting young core, Jaguar fans have much to look forward to in the future.
Winning is what Urban Meyer does, and now we get to see if he can do it at the professional level, with a franchise who does not win very often.
My grade of the Jacksonville Jaguars draft as a whole would be a B+. All the players could turn out to be really good, and I believe and hope they will be. However, at 33, 45 and 145 there were better players available at those same positions. Hard to knock a draft with Trevor Lawrence too far down though.
Other Sports Media Outlet Grades:
- NFL Network: A-
- Sporting News: B+
- Pro Football Focus: B+
- ESPN: B
- Sports Illustrated: C+
