5 players Jaguars should draft in the first round

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - DECEMBER 20: Quarterback Gardner Minshew II #15 of the Jacksonville Jaguars hands the ball to teammate running back James Robinson #30 during the first half of their game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on December 20, 2020 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images) /

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BLACKSBURG, VA – NOVEMBER 23: Offensive lineman Christian Darrisaw #77 of the Virginia Tech Hokies blocks linebacker Phil Campbell III #24 of the Pittsburgh Panthers in the second half at Lane Stadium on November 23, 2019, in Blacksburg, Virginia. (Photo by Michael Shroyer/Getty Images) /

2. Jaguars first-round draft targets – OT Christian Darrisaw

The most important position to consider when drafting a young quarterback is the man protecting his blindside. Left tackle is an open question for the Jaguars, who have to make a decision on whether or not to re-sign Cam Robinson in the offseason.

Robinson has been a solid but unspectacular tackle since being selected in the second round of the 2017 draft. Teams will pay for solid tackles in free agency so it remains to be seen if Jacksonville wants to overpay to retain Robinson.

A better option than shifting Jawaan Taylor to left tackle could be drafting Darrisaw at no. 25. The 6-foot-5 Darrisaw has the ideal length and size for an NFL caliber starter and already excels as a run-blocker.

There is work to do with Darrisaw, particularly with his footwork, which is why he isn’t up with Rashawn Slater near the top 10 of the draft. That could play out in Jacksonville’s favor, giving them an opportunity to land a tackle that could develop into a tremendous pro with a bit of work.

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