2019 NFL Draft: 5 players Jaguars could take in Round 1

Nick Foles will get all of the offseason headlines for the Jaguars, but drafting one of these five players should drastically boost the roster as well.

When the Jaguars’ offseason began, finding a starting quarterback was unquestionably the team’s top priority. Signing Nick Foles gives Jacksonville real stability under center, but the team has other big needs to fill. Fortunately, the Jaguars have the No. 7 overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft.

The failure of Blake Bortles to effectively run the offense got a lot of well-deserved attention in 2018, but the Jaguars defense took a meaningful step backwards as well. The secondary led by Jalen Ramsey is still in really good shape, but the pass rush really fell off. It would be a major surprise if Jacksonville doesn’t look to fix that issue in Round 1.

The biggest question the Jaguars front office needs to answer is what sort of pass rusher they really want to acquire. Interestingly, the team is pretty set at defensive end with Calais Campbell and Yannick Ngakoue. The group can improve at defensive tackle and linebacker, though.

Without delay, here are five players the Jaguars might move for at No. 7.

5. Josh Allen

Josh Allen likely represents the dream scenario for the Jaguars’ coaching staff. Adding a speedy linebacker like him would set up their front seven for years to come. Unfortunately for Jacksonville, the chances of Allen lasting this long in the draft are pretty low.

The Jaguars might consider what it would cost to move up a couple of spots if Allen starts to slip. He’s really the only outside linebacker worth selecting with a pick of this quality. There’s a massive gap between the former Kentucky standout and a prospect like Blake Cashman. If Jacksonville is committed to the idea of finding an edge linebacker who can make an immediate impact, it may be Allen or bust.