Mason Graham to the Jaguars makes plenty of sense, but Albert Breer is hearing whispers of the Jaguars eyeing the offensive side of the ball.
Mason Graham to the Jacksonville Jaguars at pick No. 5 makes all the sense in the world, as SI’s NFL insider Albert Breer acknowledged in his latest ‘Draft Needs’ article.
Graham is widely considered the top defensive tackle in what is a deep draft class, and the Jaguars have a sizeable need at this position, especially after not adding to the room in free agency.
However, Breer would go on to add that there are “whispers” of Liam Coen wanting to add an offensive weapon, and there are two prospects in particular that Breer mentioned.
“There are whispers that Coen could eye an offensive weapon here instead, that Boise State RB Ashton Jeanty could be in play (Travis Etienne Jr. could be traded in such a circumstance), and that (Will) Campbell is someone that would fit, too,” wrote Breer.
At least on the outside, the Jeanty to the Jaguars noise has been growing louder over the last week-plus. Beyond the dynamic playmaking ability that Jeanty would add to the offense, his presence would provide a positive trickle-down effect to the passing game.
When an offense has a strong running game to lean on, it helps keep them out of predictable passing situations, and when operating from those manageable down-and-distances, that can open up opportunities through the air.
In addition to that, within the Coen offense, the running game and passing game concepts go hand-in-hand and build off of each other.
When it comes to Campbell, he could immediately slide in at tackle or guard and be a potential starter for the Jaguars. By signing four free agent offensive linemen, GM James Gladstone elevated the floor of the offensive line unit, but when it comes to what the Jaguars actually have with their projected starting five, there are still unknowns.
Regardless of the position, when there are some question marks, one of the best things a team can do is lean into competition and give themselves options. While free agency helped address the floor of the offensive line, Campbell would be addressing the ceiling.
At the end of the day, the offensive line is going to play a pivotal role in determining how good the Jaguars’ offense can be.
The last thing that Breer would mention is that after Coen’s time in Tampa Bay last year, the Jaguars could be looking for bigger-bodied wide receivers. Breer says that Arizona’s Tetairoa McMillan fits that mold, but adds the caveat that picking him may require the Jaguars to trade back first.
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