2019 NFL Mock Draft: Raiders rule post-Trade Deadline, Browns land playmaker
By Randy Gurzi
8. Jacksonville Jaguars: Daniel Jones, QB, Duke
There’s no way the Jacksonville Jaguars can continue to trot Blake Bortles out there. Time and time again, they do enough as a team to win and his inconsistent play continues to hold them back. Bortles played like a magician against the New England Patriots and New York Jets early this season, but every game outside of those have been rough to watch.
In London in Week 8, the Jags had a shot but Bortles was 24-of-41 passing with 286 yards. He didn’t throw an interception, but he missed far too many open receivers and a completion percentage of 58.5 just isn’t getting it done.
Jacksonville has a couple years left on the contract extension they gave Bortles after 2017, but that doesn’t mean they can’t move on. And in all honesty, they need to move on.
The new face of their future is Duke quarterback Daniel Jones. Duke isn’t a hotbed for NFL talent, but the 6-5, 220-pound Jones is a tremendous prospect. Not only does he have the perfect size to play the position, but his ball placement is already pro level.
The Jags can become a much better team simply by placing a quarterback under center who they can trust fully. They can’t keep waiting for Bortles to get it all figured out and Jones gives them the kind of player they need to take the next step.