2019 NFL mock draft: Full 7-round version
By Joe Romano
7. Jacksonville Jaguars
Dwayne Haskins, QB, Ohio State
The track record of the Giants and Jaguars are a bit tied together because of Tom Coughlin’s presence in the front office in Jacksonville. That is why predicting where the quarterbacks are going to fall in this spot is so tough. Coughlin and Gettleman are old school football guys who believe in the Parcells’ model of quarterback evaluation. That scale does not grade out well for Ohio State’s Dwayne Haskins with the value it places on experience.
When the chips are down though, Coughlin can overlook that to grab a quarterback who can help change the franchise. The Jaguars are set to move on from Blake Bortles this offseason only a year after extending his contract. They are the likely landing spot for free agent quarterback Nick Foles. Even with Foles in the mix, Haskins is the right pick.
A one year starter at Ohio State, Haskins is a prototypical pocket passer with exceptional arm talent. Despite playing in a spread offense with playmakers all around, Haskins showcased an NFL arm throughout the season. His biggest knock is how he deals with pressure, something expected of a one year starter. The fact he progressed in that area as the season went on is encouraging.
This could be a situation similar to what the Bears faced when they signed Mike Glennon to only then go out and draft Mitchell Trubisky. Jacksonville could sign Foles to an expensive short-term deal, draft Haskins and let the two battle it out for a year before Haskins takes over in year two. Foles is better than Glennon so it is likely Haskins sits for a full year unlike Trubisky.
Jacksonville is in a win-now mode with a defense that is increasingly getting more expensive. Haskins bucks that trend, but it is softened if they sign Foles. This is the Jaguars trying to win-now but also understanding that a 30-year-old career backup, despite his Super Bowl MVP, is not a long-term solution.