Jacksonville Jaguars restore defense in 7-round 2020 mock draft

The Jacksonville Jaguars restore their defense to its former glory with two first-round picks and eight total selections in this 7-round 2020 mock draft.

Just two seasons removed from being a game away from the Super Bowl, the Jacksonville Jaguars have not seen the NFL Playoffs since. While they were hoping for a boost at quarterback from Super Bowl LII MVP Nick Foles, what they got, instead, was surprisingly good play from the walking meme known as Gardner Minshew, a sixth-round rookie from the 2019 NFL Draft.

While Minshew played well and won two of his first three starts, the Jaguars lost five straight games down the stretch and finished with a 6-10 record in the 2019 season. While there are clearly some bright spots and talent on the current roster, it is also clear that there are gaps that need to be filled.

If Jacksonville plays their cards right in the 2020 NFL Draft, where they own two first-round picks, they can find themselves back in the playoff hunt with a roster full of young talent. Here’s how the Jaguars can get their defense back to its former glory in this 7-round mock draft.

Isaiah Simmons would be an absolute gem for the Jags. Telvin Smith unexpectedly announcing that he would sit out the 2019 season had a clear and obvious effect on Jacksonville’s defense. They finished 25th in overall defense and their presence at both outside linebacker positions was clearly weaker.

Simmons brings so much versatility to the table and the Jaguars could plug him into several different roles. Whether they put him in the box in pressure situations, play him in the occasional safety-like role or play him on the strong or weak side in coverage, Simmons can make an impact wherever he is needed.

Xavier McKinney is the next in line for the seemingly never-ending flow of top safeties coming out of Alabama. He’s great in coverage and also makes the occasional play in the pass rush. McKinney would give the Jaguars another versatile player on the defensive side of the ball in the first round.

Along with 95 tackles and three interceptions, McKinney also forced four fumbles and had three sacks from the safety position. We know the Jaguars pass rush is excellent but buffing up their secondary with versatile young playmakers would take their defense to the next level.