2018 NFL Mock Draft: Sam Darnold, Josh Rosen top first round
By Brad Weiss
Mason Rudolph
Quarterback, Oklahoma State
The Jacksonville Jaguars made a bunch of moves to be a contender in the AFC South this upcoming season, but it once again may be all for naught. Quarterback Blake Bortles has taken a serious step back in his development, and nearly lost the starting job to Chad Henne this preseason. Let that sink in for a second, as Bortles was supposed to be the franchise quarterback in Jacksonville for years to come.
While the odds are not in his favor, Bortles just may be able to put together a breakout season in 2017. However, I am going to go with him struggling once again, despite the fact that the team has solid talent all around him. If he does not get the job done, the Jaguars are going to look for a new starter, and Mason Rudolph just may be available.
Rudolph is one of the best quarterbacks in the country, and actually has his Oklahoma State Cowboys in contention to be College Football Playoff participant. He can make all the throws necessary at the next level, and has the kind of leadership qualities that you cannot teach. The leadership in Jacksonville would love him, and his play could make the Jaguars a contender in the AFC South immediately.
Tom Coughlin will not have the patience in Bortles that the previous regime did, so he is going to have to be spectacular to keep his job. Rudolph has the arm to get the ball to the likes of Allen Robinson and Allen Hurns, and he is a much better decision maker under center than Bortles. This may be a far-out choice, but I could definitely see the Jags bringing in a new arm in 2018.