NFL Draft 2019: Biggest steal for each team
By Randy Gurzi
52. Pick Analysis. Jawaan Taylor. 35. Scouting Report. OT. Florida. player
After just missing out on the Super Bowl after the 2017 season, the Jacksonville Jaguars fell to 5-11 the following year and just couldn’t get out of their own way. Fortunately for them, this offseason has gone much better, which could mean that they’re ready to again be a competitive franchise in the AFC South.
First, they landed Super Bowl MVP Nick Foles in free agency, which allowed them to move on from Blake Bortles. Then, things got even better when the draft started. With their day one pick, Jacksonville saw Kentucky edge rusher Josh Allen get passed over by the Oakland Raiders, who took Clelin Ferrell instead.
light. More. Jaguars still teetering between great and awful
That was an unexpected move and gave the Jaguars the top edge prospect outside of Nick Bosa who went No. 2 overall to the San Francisco 49ers. However, it cost them a shot at landing an elite tackle prospect — until the second round.
Jacksonville needed to improve up front. One player the Jaguars had in mind was Jawaan Taylor from Florida. At one point, he seemed to be the pick for them at No. 7, but a knee issue pushed him out of the first round. Once he was still there at the No. 35 overall pick, the Jaguars made a move up to make sure they have adequate protection for Foles.
Taylor is considered an absolute mauler who is hard to get past. He jumps out on film when watching him, as he shows no mercy for the player trying to get past him. It’s hard to get much better value than what Jacksonville pulled off here.