2020 NFL Draft grades for every team: Cowboys ace test, Packers falter
By Randy Gurzi
Jacksonville Jaguars
There’s a belief that the Jacksonville Jaguars are tanking for Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence. They just traded away Nick Foles one season after signing him to a four-year deal. They also shipped off A.J. Bouye and Calais Campbell after trading away Jalen Ramsey last season. While all that could mean they’re tanking, the fact is, their draft says something different.
Jacksonville hit a grand slam in the opening round with Florida cornerback C.J. Henderson at No. 9 and then LSU EDGE K’Lavon Chaisson at 20. Both fill major needs and were exceptional values where they were picked — especially Chaisson who was arguably a top-15 talent.
Day two was just as good to them with Colorado receiver Laviska Shenault falling to them at 42 and Ohio State nose tackle Davon Hamilton lasting until the 73rd pick. Shenault is a Swiss Army Knife that lined up everywhere for the Buffaloes, spending time at wideout, H-back, running back, and wildcat quarterback. Hamilton is an ascending player with limited experience meaning the best is yet to come.
St. John’s offensive lineman Ben Bartch, Miami linebacker Shaq Quarterman, Texas receiver Collin Johnson, and Oregon State quarterback Jake Luton were also quality picks. Should Gardner Minshew continue to improve as a player, this could be a surprise team in 2020.
Grade: A