Jaguars' Top 2024 NFL Draft Targets

The Jacksonville Jaguars enter the 2024 NFL draft with a prime opportunity to improve their roster heading into the new season.

The roster that finished 9-8 for the second consecutive season last season has already undergone major changes. Most of the positive ones have happened on defense. Arik Armstead will bring a veteran presence and pass-rushing production to the defensive line. Ronald Darby is coming off a strong season with the Baltimore Ravens at cornerback.

The offense is going to look a lot different too. Calvin Ridley is gone. That's a blow to the passing attack, but signing Gabe Davis takes some of the sting out.

The Jaguars free agent moves have left them with a few different directions they could go when they get on the clock at No. 17.

Here's a look at the top prospects they should have on their radar based on team needs, fit, projected draft stock and the Jaguars draft slot.

B/R Big Board Rank: No. 11

Scouting Report

Ronald Darby is a nice addition for the 2024 campaign, but there's a reason they only gave him a two-year deal with an affordable out after one season. He's 30 years old and cornerback is a naturally volatile position.

His presence on the roster shouldn't keep the Jaguars from considering cornerback in the first round. That's especially true if Terrion Arnold remains on the board. The Crimson Tide cover man is No. 11 on our big board and just behind the No. 1 corner on our board, Quinyon Mitchell.

When the B/R Scouting Department got together to put their mock draft based on what they would do, Arnold was the pick for the Jags.

B/R scout Cory Giddings has praised Arnold's versatility and the breadth of skill he brings to the table.

"A complete and well-rounded defender, there isn't much he can't do. Arnold performs best when in press man, but he has the versatility to play from off coverage and in zone, with the added versatility of playing from the slot," Giddings wrote.

Arnold would be a welcome addition to a secondary that was in the middle of the pack in passer rating allowed last year.

B/R Big Board Rank: No. 18

Scouting Report

There's no way to spin it. Gabe Davis is not a direct replacement for Calvin Ridley. Davis showed the ability to occasionally take over games in Buffalo, but he's a clear No. 2 option in a good offense.

Ridley was the Jaguars best answer when they needed an outside receiver who could get just get open in one-on-one situations.

With Ridley off the roster, Christian Kirk is probably the Jaguars go-to receiver. He's a strong threat out of the slot and has developed good chemistry with Trevor Lawrence, but drafting Brian Thomas Jr. in the first round would substantially elevate the ceiling of the offense.

He isn't close to Ridley as a route-runner to this point. But at 6'3", 209 pounds with 4.33 speed, he has the tools to be a productive big play threat while he refines his game with NFL coaching.

B/R scout Derrik Klassen describes him as a big-play weapon with plenty of upside with the right fit:

"While he may not yet be the most complete receiver, Thomas has plenty of good traits to work with and is still a growing, developing young receiver. Thomas would be best served in a vertical offense that unlocks his field-stretching ability."

Trevor Lawrence has the arm talent to take advantage of Thomas' physical gifts early while he grows into his potential.

B/R Big Board Rank: No. 25

Scouting Report

Trevor Lawrence is about to get much more expensive. The club has until May 2 to decide if they want to exercise their fifth-year option on him and the price tag for the quarterback won't get any cheaper after that.

It's also not getting any cheaper to find good pass protection on the open market.

An offensive lineman who can start during their rookie contract and play at a high level are invaluable. With that in mind, it would be a bad idea for the Jaguars to take advantage of a strong offensive line class in the first round.

Fuaga is listed on our rankings as an interior lineman. His 6'6", 324 pound frame is plenty big at guard and it would help ease some of the issues he had with outside rushers in college. However, he has 33⅛" arms and the length is there for him to potentially work out as a tackle long term.

That could interest the Jaguars. They have Cam Robinson and Anton Harrison right now, but Robinson is in the final year of his contract.

Drafting Fuaga gives them a relatively safe first-round pick with the potential to fill in a need at a premium position.

Visit B/R's NFL Scouting Department hub for scouting reports on all of the top prospects.