The Jacksonville Jaguars currently hold the fifth overall pick in this year’s NFL Draft, and with the hiring of former Bucs offensive coordinator Liam Coen, they could very well go offense with said pick. That pick could be Boise State superstar running back Ashton Jeanty.
Analyst Shares Jaguars’ Plan at No. 5 is Ashton Jeanty
In analyst Todd McShay’s latest mock draft, he has the Jaguars selecting Jeanty.
Here is what he had to say regarding the Heisman finalist:
“Liam Coen will all but put his foot down with this pick. He needs an offensive weapon, and I’m told that it’ll be Jeanty if Jacksonville stays at No. 5.”
McShay also chatted about the prospect of Jacksonville possibly trading back.
“They’d entertain an offer to trade back a few spots if they feeel confident that Tetairoa McMillan will still be on the board. They’d need to land before Dallas drafts.”
Of course, the Cowboys could very well look to make an offensive selection at pick No. 12, and the Jaguars can’t afford to be cavalier with where they end up after a potential trade.
Why the Jacksonville Need Jeanty
Simply put, the Jaguars absolutely could use another weapon on offense, especially at the running back position.
While Travis Etienne has turned himself more into a gadget player, and with Tank Bigsby leading the team in rushing with just 766 yards last year, the team needs better production from a true starting running back.
Players like Ashton Jeanty do not come around all that often. The Doak Walker Award winner was seen as the best overall player in America by a lot of people.
A year after rushing for over 1,300 yards and 14 touchdowns, he essentially doubled that production by recording over 2,600 rushing yards and 29 touchdowns on the ground in 2024.
GET DRAFTING: College Football Network’s Mock Draft Simulator
Back in 2023, the All-American also recorded 43 receptions for 569 yards and five receiving touchdowns. If he brings those receiving skills to the professional level, the rest of the league might be in some real trouble.
Of course, the Jaguars could put fear into the league by also trading back, taking McMillan, and pairing him with stud Brian Thomas Jr.
All eyes will be on Duval County when they are on the clock.
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball, and college baseball!
