Jacksonville Jaguars: Art of the NFL Draft can be crazy

Since 1995, the Jacksonville Jaguars have tried to build a champion through the NFL Draft. Seems like the art of the draft is crazy.

The Jacksonville Jaguars drafted Tony Boselli as their first ever NFL Draft pick. In 1995, Jacksonville has two first-round picks. James Stewart was the next selection. Eight more players were then drafted. Boselli should be in the NFL Pro Hall of Fame. Stewart is the third leading rusher in franchise history. The top two rushers were draft picks in 1998 and 2006.

Fred Taylor was the first-round pick in 1998. Maurice Jones-Drew was the second round selection behind recently released tight end Marcedes Lewis in 2006. Since 1995, which position has the Jaguars picked the most in the draft?

Jacksonville has drafted 38 defensive backs which includes corners and safeties. In the 1999 draft, the Jaguars took three defensive backs, three defensive tackles, and one guard. Eleven defensive backs were chosen in the 1995-2000 drafts.

The Jaguars have drafted 28 wide receivers since the 1995 draft. In the 1996 draft, Jacksonville selected four and three being selected consecutively. R. Jay Soward was the team’s first ever wide out taken in the opening round, coincidently at number 29, in 2000. Many fans would like another wide receiver taken first this year.

Jacksonville has taken 24 linebackers, 18 defensive tackles and 18 defensive ends. Running backs and offensive tackles have been taken 15 times each. The Jaguars have stressed defense throughout the years in the draft.

Currently, Jacksonville has taken 98 defensive players. Offensively, the Jaguars have selected 87 offensive players. Two kickers and three punters round out the special teams in the draft.

Most importantly, Jacksonville has drafted in the first round since the franchise began. The Jaguars have had two first round picks in 1995 and 1998. It’s good to see that they value their first round picks.

Next: 2018 NFL Mock Draft: 6 QB trades make for madness

The Jaguars have seven picks in this year’s draft, currently. In 2008 and 2011, they had only five draft picks. In 1998, 2000, and 2007, Jacksonville made eleven draft picks.

Last season, is a reflection of the Jaguars drafting since 2014. The early success of Jacksonville under Tom Coughlin, is reflective of drafting well those years. The in-between drafts reflect the team’s record. The art of the draft can be crazy.