Jacksonville Jaguars: 5 First-round targets in 2018 NFL Draft

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LOUISVILLE, KY – SEPTEMBER 30: Lamar Jackson #8 of the Louisville Cardinals runs with the ball during the game against the Murray State Racers at Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium on September 30, 2017 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

1. Lamar Jackson, QB, Louisville

With the departure of backup quarterback Chad Henne to the Kansas City Chiefs, the Jags do not have another quarterback on the roster behind Blake Bortles. Despite Bortles getting his team within three minutes of the Super Bowl, many pundits thought the Jaguars would go all-in for Kirk Cousins.

However, Dave Caldwell and Tom Coughlin signed Bortles to a three year, $54 million contract extension through 2020. Do the Jaguars believe they have their quarterback of the future? Or, could the teams recent spending splurge in free agency mean they are going all-in on one of the quarterbacks in the draft? Could they trade up for one of the star signal callers?

If so, Louisville quarterback Lamar Jackson makes a lot of sense. Jackson would need a season or two to sit and learn the game. Louisville coach Bobby Petrino and Tom Coughlin also have ties to each other when Petrino served as QB coach under Coughlin during the 1999 and 2000 seasons.

Lamar Jackson can kill you through the air and on the ground. Lance Zierlein of NFL.com says:

"Jackson is an elite playmaker with rare ability to hit home runs with his arm or legs. Has experience under center. Arm is lively and can spin it. Delivery devoid of wasted motion. Ball comes out with flick of the wrist reminiscent of Michael Vick. Can drive it with velocity. Pocket poise and pre-snap plan has improved each year. Has improved ability to hold safeties and linebackers with his eyes."

Next: 3-Round 2018 NFL Mock Draft

Jackson could be the teams quarterback of the future and it could be sooner than later if Bortles struggles this season.

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