The Jacksonville Jaguars signed a whopping seven new players during the free agency period, addressing several needs. However, the franchise holds the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL Draft for the second straight season for a reason.
The Jaguars still could use more offensive line help even after signing former Washington Commanders guard Brandon Scherff and need a pass rusher to complement defensive end, Josh Allen. Now that free agency is over for the most part, what position does Jacksonville need to tackle next?
The Scherff signing was a solid first step for the Jaguars because he is a five-time Pro Bowler, but remains a risk because he has an injury history and only played in 35 games over the past three seasons.
Jacksonville still needs an answer at the right tackle and left guard positions, too. Jawaan Taylor is the incumbent starter and served as a walking turnstile allowing six sacks last season and recording the most penalties in the NFL with 12. However, Jacksonville could have the solution already on its roster with tackle Walker Little.
Ben Bartch is currently projected as the team’s starting left guard but surrendered three sacks in 705 snaps, according to Pro Football Focus.
Jacksonville will likely address the edge position with the first overall pick in the NFL Draft next month with Michigan’s Aidan Hutchinson. The position is a need for the Jaguars because Allen was their only formidable pass rusher last season, which allowed opponents to double team him. If the franchise added another edge defender, it would relieve some pressure off Allen.
Yes, I still consider wide receiver a need for the Jaguars, too, because none of their current pass catchers frighten me or many other teams around the league. None of them have proven that they are a reliable threat outside. It’s a position they could address with the No. 33 overall pick.
Out of all these needs, though, the offensive line is the Jaguars’ most pressing one, in my opinion. The team can’t allow second-year quarterback Trevor Lawrence to be sacked as many times as he was in 2021. Now it’s the fans’ turn, what is Jacksonville’s biggest need after free agency?
