The pick is in: Jaguars select Ole Miss CB Deantre Prince at 153rd overall

The Jaguars’ sixth pick of the 2024 NFL Draft is cornerback Deantre Prince. Here’s everything you need to know.

With the 153rd pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, the Jacksonville Jaguars select Deantre Prince, cornerback, Ole Miss.

Process

Clap. Clap. Clap.

That’s more like it (Part II). The Jaguars have now addressed its four biggest positional needs: wide receiver, defensive line, offensive line, and now cornerback.

The team did select Jarrian Jones in the third round, but the FSU product is likely a slot-only prospect after thriving in that role in his final collegiate season. While a nickel pass defender was also needed, Jacksonville really required an outside corner who could provide much-needed depth in 2024 and the potential to be a Week 1 starter as soon as 2025.

They got that in Prince, who is battled tested after starting 37 total games in the SEC. He had Pro Day and Top 30 visits with the Jaguars during the pre-draft process. Prince can now develop behind Tyson Campbell and Ronald Darby as he learns from renowned defensive backs coach Kris Richard.

After passing on corner with its two top-50 picks, Jacksonville did a nice job adding a strong scheme fit late.

Photo by Kevin Langley/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Background

• Name: Deantre “Tre” Prince
• Consensus ranking: 260th (CB36)
• Year: Fifth-year senior
• Age: Turns 24 on October 12th
• Hometown: Charleston, Miss.
• High school: Charleston
• Recruiting: 3 stars
• Instagram: @treprince5
• Twitter: @prince_deantre
• Accolades: Led team in passes defended (2022)

Consensus rankings via NFL Mock Draft Database; recruiting info via 247 Sports

Stats

Measurables

Analysis

Player summary from Dane Brugler of The Athletic:

Overall, Prince will have a tough time staying connected to NFL-level route runners, especially in off coverage, but his speed and toughness (on defense and special teams) will stand out once he gets into an NFL camp. He projects best as a press-man corner and will have a chance to make the bottom of an NFL roster or practice squad.

Prospect overview from Lance Zierlein of NFL.com:

Starter for the better part of three years while at Ole Miss. Prince plays with an upright posture and lacks desired hip fluidity in his transitions. He could become a more effective press corner but needs to play with greater physicality and effort. He allows receivers ample workspace as route runners due to the amount of deep zone coverage Ole Miss runs but might have the athletic ability to squeeze routes tighter if asked to play more man. He has average instincts and an average nose for the football. His size and willingness in run support help and could make him a Day 3 selection with a chance to become a CB4/5.

Last word from Rone Smith of Sports Info Solutions:

Deantre Prince projects as a good depth cornerback with versatility to play inside and outside based on his skill set. He is an experienced starter who has the speed and quickness desired for the position. His lack of play strength can show against bigger receivers, but he has the reactive athleticism to match up with speedy counterparts. He shows he can play in press coverage with his athleticism, but will need to be stronger at the LOS to be disruptive. In zone coverage, he can serve to play more instinctively rather than just covering his area. He is a willing run defender who can be a force defender and shows he can finish by bringing ballcarriers down. On 3rd down, he can play in the slot and match up with speed and can survive on the outside. His speed and toughness can be an asset on special teams as well.

Quotes

“I learned [the Jaguars have] a great community, great environment, very loving environment, very beautiful environment as well. I’m from Mississippi, all I see is crop fields and crop dusters and stuff like that. So going out and seeing palm trees and things like that, that calms a man down that comes from Mississippi of course. I feel like I fit in the scheme, they told me just basically they like to play man and I’m a man corner. I think there’s a lot of things that I can do better to better my game, always looking to improve. But at the end of the day, I feel like I’m a man corner to the fullest for sure.”

Read more rookie quotes here

Jaguars fans, let us know your initial thoughts in the comments below!