NFL Draft: Three Former Crimson Tide Players Ignite Jaguars Resurgence

The Jacksonville Jaguars are seeking upgrades in the upcoming draft to make a return to contenders in the AFC South. Three former Alabama Crimson Tide players could help their resurgence.

The Jaguars stockpiled 12 picks from trades of elite players, quarterback Nick Foles, defensive end Calais Campbell, cornerbacks A.J. Bouye and Jalen Ramsey and defensive end Dante Fowler, Jr. They have two first-round picks at No. 9 and No. 20. General Manager Dave Caldwell and head coach Doug Marrone need to ensure they draft quality picks to bring the Jaguars back to contender status.

With the ninth pick, the Jaguars select…

There are several needs to fill at wide receiver, offensive line, defensive line, and cornerbacks. However, if Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Tua Tagovailoa slides to the Jaguars with the ninth pick, they better snatch him up. Bucky Brooks of NFL.com declared, “this should be a no-brainer for the Jaguars if Tagovailoa slides to this point.”

All due respect to Gardner Minshew II, his infamous mustache, and exceptional standout rookie season, but drafting another quarterback is a substantial possibility, maybe not as high as the first round given the rookie started ten games, passing for 3,271 yards and 21 TDs. The offense ranked in the bottom of the league (20th) in total offense. Therefore, Tua is a heaven-sent, generational lefty talent who is a significant upgrade at quarterback. A player comparison for Tua is Jaguars’ great Mark Brunell.

All the concerns about his durability and mounting injuries from owners, coaches, and scouts are legit, but Tua is the perfect quarterback to lead this franchise for decades. He personifies humility, a powerful charisma, and is an impeccable leader.

If Tagovailoa is drafted higher, which he should, Jacksonville should consider the following three prospects, beginning with Crimson Tide wide receiver Jerry Jeudy, Oklahoma receiver CeeDee Lamb, and Alabama Crimson Tide offensive tackle Jedrick Wills.

Breakout star DJ Chark (73 catches, 1,008 yards, 8 TDs) anchors the wide receiver position for the Jags. A solid complement to Chark, Jeudy brings the clutch hands, crisp route running with ankle-breaking, thrilling moves required to brand him as a downright superstar in the league. Wherever the six-foot-one speedster lines up on the field, he demands respect from the secondary. On the contrary, Lamb brings a consistent, brutish physicality to the position and can wreak havoc on all three levels of the field.

The offensive line struggled last season. Cam Robinson, a former Crimson Tide standout, started 14 games at left tackle coming off a torn ACL injury. The possibility of Wills lining up on the opposite side gives the team two steady bookends on offense. Lance Zierlein of NFL.com projects his range of success is from a good starter to All-Pro. He is a big, broad prospect with loose hips and fluid feet. Wills contributed immediately for Alabama in his freshman season, playing in 11 games. Pro Football Focus is high on this young man, also:

With the 20th pick, the Jaguars select…

The 20th pick could be used on two defensive players, either Trevon Diggs at the corner or Javon Kinlaw at defensive tackle. The defense rose from 28th to 24th in total defense. Improvement in all areas is needed, and both players can become immediate contributors.

Diggs steps into a situation where two All-Pro cornerbacks have moved on to other teams. His player comps are to a former All-Pro corner Aqib Talib. Diggs is an athletic corner with elite height, weight, and length, with the ability to flourish in Todd Wash’s aggressive defense.

Kinlaw brings toughness to the interior defensive line that is sorely lacking. Paired with former Kentucky standout and Pro Bowler Josh Allen (10.5 sacks), could generate a formidable duo. A thick, explosive first step bull rusher that demands double teams on the inside. He is an excellent choice if Diggs is gone.

Three years removed from the AFC Championship Game, the Jaguars are expecting a return to glory. The firing of executive vice president of football operations Tom Coughlin allows the team to reignite the magnificence of years past when titans like Mark Brunell, Jimmy Smith, Fred Taylor, and others roamed Alltel Stadium. Any of the players mentioned above delivers on the beginning of a renewed commitment to excellence.

Looking for more NFL Draft news from Bama Hammer? Check out other team’s seven-round, mock drafts in the links below.

Tennessee Titans, Miami Dolphins, Los Angeles Chargers