Jaguars News (4/23): Taliese Fuaga named as a perfect Round 1 fit

Your one-stop shop for Jacksonville Jaguars news, opinion, and analysis.

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Here is today’s roundup of the latest news, rumors, and analysis on your Jacksonville Jaguars.

Local chatter

Jaguars draft history: Looking back at the team’s best DB picks (Big Cat Country)

In ‘07, the team picked Reggie Nelson at 21st overall. He may have only played in Jacksonville for three seasons, but the talent evaluation was sound. He started two playoff games for the Jags and finished his time in Jacksonville with seven interceptions before moving on to the Cincinnati Bengals.

Zach Goodall [Big Cat Country alum] returns to Jacksonville as Jaguars Wire Managing Editor (Jags Wire)

My name is Zach Goodall, and I’m thrilled to announce that I have assumed the Managing Editor duties of Jaguars Wire, part of USA Today’s Sports Media Group’s Wire network.

Mia’s Mock Draft Mondays 4.0 (1010XL)

A Florida native, [Quinyon] Mitchell has passed every test the NFL has thrown at the “small-school product” in the NFL Draft process. In addition to showcasing elite speed (4.33) and measurables (6’0’’, 195 lbs), turn on the tape and there is no denying Mitchell’s tackling prowess – something the 2023 Jaguars struggled so mightily to do down the stretch. There were questions surrounding Mitchell’s ability to play press-man cornerback, but he silenced those critics at the Reese’s Senior Bowl.

How Jaguars ace their 2024 NFL Draft picks: Examining biggest needs, best fits (Times-Union)

Given how deep this year’s class is at receiver, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Jacksonville address the position at multiple points in the draft.

NFL Draft 2024: Team Needs, Top Targets, Possible Picks and More (Sports Illustrated)

The Jaguars have explored moving up—and they’ve done a lot of work on the top receivers in the draft. Losing Calvin Ridley, even with Christian Kirk and Gabe Davis paid, makes that spot a priority. Failing that, corner, if either Arnold or Mitchell are available here, shapes up as a possibility, too. Another would be a disruptive defensive tackle for new DC Ryan Nielsen’s scheme—maybe Murphy, if he slides a bit, or Illinois defensive tackle Jer’Zhan Newton (who’s coming off a foot fracture).

Ben Solak 2024 NFL Draft final mock (The Ringer)

TRADE: The Jaguars send the no. 17 pick, the no. 48 pick, and a 2025 fourth-rounder to the Falcons for the no. 8 pick and the no. 109 pick.

Atlanta feels like a great trade-down team. With [Malik] Nabers still on the board and Chicago (and the Jets, and the Chargers, and the Broncos) lurking, anyone with a hankering for an elite wide receiver needs to get up to this spot, and Atlanta should be happy to oblige. There’s plenty of smoke around the Jaguars’ interest in adding a top receiver prospect to replace Calvin Ridley, who was in their long-term plans before the Titans priced them out.

Best-case, worst-case scenarios for all 32 teams heading into the 2024 NFL Draft (PFF)

Adding an elite run blocker like Oregon State’s Taliese Fuaga would give [Jacksonville] balance up front. Right tackle Anton Harrison could move to his more natural position on the left side to provide the Jaguars a promising young tandem at tackle.

2024 NFL Draft: Each team’s most ideal pick in Round 1, including Bears adding playmaker for Caleb Williams (CBS Sports)

Oregon State’s Taliese Fuaga was college football’s highest-graded run blocker by PFF last season (90.8), and he can play guard or offensive tackle. His addition could lead to a much more balanced offensive attack for the Jaguars, which would help alleviate some of the pressure on quarterback Trevor Lawrence’s shoulders.

National links

Chiefs agree to contract extensions with head coach Andy Reid, GM Brett Veach, president Mark Donovan (NFL.com)

Longtime Falcons QB Matt Ryan officially retires from NFL after playing 15 seasons (NFL.com)

Jets trade QB Zach Wilson to Broncos in exchange for late-round pick swap (NFL.com)

Broncos unveil new uniforms focused on altitude, peaks of Denver, add in 1977-inspired throwback (NFL.com)

Daniel Jeremiah’s top 150 prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft class (NFL.com)

2024 NFL Draft rankings: Dane Brugler breaks down the top 300 prospects (The Athletic)

2024 NFL draft notes, intel: What Adam Schefter is hearing (ESPN)

Colts owner Jim Irsay won’t be in draft room amid recovery (ESPN)

Falcons, Eagles tampering penalties coming, and it could cost major NFL Draft picks (SB Nation)

John Lynch says the 49ers have 22 first round grades in the 2024 NFL Draft class (Niners Nation)

Editor’s pick

John Lynch on Brandon Aiyuk: We want him to be “a part of the 49ers for the rest of his career” (Niners Nation)

“I’ve communicated [on] many occasions, our wish, and our wish is that he’s here and a part of the 49ers for the rest of his career. We’re working through that,” Lynch said ahead of the draft on Monday. “We communicate well and we love the guy.”

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