The Jacksonville Jaguars dropped to 2-8 following Sunday's 12-7 Week 10 defeat to the Minnesota Vikings. As a result, the Jaguars are currently scheduled to own the No. 1 overall selection in the 2025 NFL Draft. If Jacksonville clinches the top pick, they should attempt to trade it in exchange for an abundance of draft capital.
Starting quarterback Trevor Lawrence was sidelined with a shoulder injury and backup Mac Jones started in his place. Jones was totally ineffective, completing 14-of-22 passing attempts for 111 yards, zero touchdowns, and two interceptions. He committed a third turnover through a lost fumble.
Jacksonville's offense managed seven points and 143 total yards. There's a decent chance Lawrence will miss the remainder of the 2024 season with a serious AC sprain injury in his non-throwing shoulder. As disappointing as Lawrence has been this year, he's undeniably better than Jones, and the Jaguars' chances of owning the No. 1 overall selection increase if the starting quarterback is sidelined for the remaining seven games.
Jaguars on pace to have the No. 1 pick for the third time in five years pic.twitter.com/I7zTeEw5m1
— Ben Volin (@BenVolin) November 11, 2024
Head coach Doug Pederson and general manager Trent Baalke are in danger of being fired after enduring this incredibly disappointing campaign. Whoever's in charge next season will build around Lawrence after the team signed him to a $275 million extension earlier this summer. The Jaguars won't enter the Shedeur Sanders or Cam Ward sweepstakes.
The most effective way to surround Lawrence with better talent is to stack as much draft capital as possible to fill out a roster that possesses glaring holes. The Jaguars have sizable needs across their offensive line, particularly at left tackle after trading Cam Robinson at the deadline. Fellow blindside tackle Walker Little is playing on an expiring contract and doesn't appear to be a long-term solution.
With no offensive tackle prospect worth taking No. 1 overall, the Jaguars could consider trading down and targeting prospects like Kelvin Banks Jr. or Aireontae Ersery later in the first round. Both Banks Jr. and Ersery could be top 10 selections, but picking either one at the top of the draft would be rich.
The #Jaguars are 3-13 in their last 16 games with a roster that ownership has spent massively on to win now. This wasn't a rebuild or even a retool. This was "the window is open now." Stunning coaching and front office incompetence.
— Hays Carlyon (@HaysCarlyon) November 10, 2024
The only alternative the Jaguars should consider is Colorado wide receiver and cornerback Travis Hunter. Jacksonville has needs at both positions, but neither hole is important enough to stick and pick a non-quarterback or offensive lineman. The Jaguars could use Hunter's star power and he's undeniably special, but a wide receiver or cornerback prospect hasn't been drafted at No. 1 overall since 1996 (albeit Hunter's two-way ability gives him a uniquely strong case to end that drought).
The Jaguars spent this year's first-round pick on wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr., who is playing like a future go-to playmaker. Christian Kirk and Gabe Davis are also under contract at the position through at least next season. At cornerback, Tyson Campbell was recently signed to a four-year, $76.5 million extension. Depth is still lacking at both positions, but wide receiver and cornerback feel like secondary needs, and addressing them through Hunter is not worth passing up an opportunity to acquire multiple picks.
The 2-8 Jaguars are among this season's most disappointing teams. Holes across the offensive line, and all over the defense, including at the premium pass-rushing positions, require addressing this offseason if they're to field a well-rounded unit next campaign. Trading the No. 1 overall selection would offer Jacksonville an opportunity to fill out a competitive roster.
