NFL Draft 2020: 10 players the Jaguars should be targeting on Day 3

STARKVILLE, MS - OCTOBER 06:  Prince Tega Wanogho #76 of the Auburn Tigers guards during a game against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium on October 6, 2018 in Starkville, Mississippi.  (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
By Andre Fernandez
Apr 25, 2020

The Jaguars chose to add potential help for their short-handed defense with three of their first four picks in this draft.

They also picked up a potentially explosive weapon on offense in Colorado receiver Laviska Shenault Jr., who GM Dave Caldwell said had piqued the franchise’s interest for two years.

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So where will the Jaguars’ emphasis be in the final four rounds on Saturday?

Jacksonville has eight more picks – three picks in the fourth round (116th, 137th and 140th overall), two in the fifth (157th and 165th), two in the sixth (189th and 206th) and one in the seventh (223rd).

The Jaguars still have not selected a running back, even though they reportedly continue to inquire on possible trades for lead back Leonard Fournette. ESPN reported the Jaguars contacted the Tampa Bay Bucs about Fournette before they selected a running back in the third round.

They also have yet to select an offensive lineman either.

With that in mind, here are 10 players for the Jaguars to consider.

Prince Tega Wanogho, OT, Auburn (6-5, 308)

Wanogho, who grew up in Nigeria playing soccer and basketball and didn’t play football until August of 2014, is a gifted athlete and remarkably agile for his size. He can protect the corner against edge rushers and create openings inside, although he needs to work on developing more consistent timing and cohesion according to The Athletic’s draft expert, Dane Brugler. Still, his tools give him starting NFL potential at a position where the Jaguars need the depth and more upgrades.

Akeem Davis-Gaither, LB, Appalachian State (6-2, 224)

The Jaguars aren’t past adding depth at any spot on defense, especially when it comes to players who can help defend the run. Davis-Gaither was regarded among the top five linebackers in this year’s class heading into the draft, making it surprising he’s still on the board heading into Day 3. A high-motor player who earned Sun Belt Player of the Year honors in 2019, Davis-Gaither projects as a valuable piece on special teams as well, making him a solid fit for a team looking for as much depth as possible during this rebuild.

K.J. Hill, WR, Ohio State (6-0, 196)

The Jaguars might continue to add weapons to their offensive arsenal if the opportunity is there. Many expected Hill, Ohio State’s all-time leader in receptions, to go higher in the draft. He proved throughout his college career he can make the tough catches consistently, and that skill would come in handy among a group that already includes a Pro Bowl second-year pass catcher in DJ Chark, a solid veteran in Dede Westbrook and the explosive Laviska Shenault Jr., who they drafted in the second round.

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James Lynch, DT, Baylor (6-4, 289)

Lynch has experience playing both inside and outside and brings a physical and powerful package that again fits what the Jaguars are looking for in run-stopping tackles. Lynch was a unanimous All-American, finishing with 13.5 sacks, 19.5 tackles for loss and five passes defensed in 2019. The Jaguars already picked up a steal with K’Lavon Chaisson in the first round and would get another here if he falls to them early on Day 3.

Anthony McFarland Jr., RB, Maryland (5-8, 208)

As reports continue that the Jaguars are contacting teams about trading Fournette, you wonder when and who they will target in this draft? There was a surplus of running backs available entering the second day, but nine were picked over the second and third rounds. McFarland presents an interesting option. He can offer the Jaguars a dynamic pass-catcher as well as a speedy threat as a ballcarrier, and has been compared in some aspects of his versatility to Dalvin Cook. But there are questions about his blocking and durability. Still, it’s a lower risk if he’s there in the late fourth or fifth round.

Maryland running back Anthony McFarland is one of the top RB prospects still on the board on Day 3 of the NFL Draft. (Mitch Stringer / USA Today)

Reggie Robinson II, CB, Tulsa (6-1, 205)

After drafting CJ Henderson, the Jaguars can add another physically impressive athlete at this position if they choose Robinson. His coverage awareness and athleticism allow him to make plays on the ball, and he’s aggressive in the running game. His ability to excel in both press and zone coverage gives him the potential to land for a starting spot within a short amount of time.

S Kenny Robinson Jr., XFL (6-2, 205)

Looking to add depth here, Robinson Jr. projects as an aggressive ballhawk who could turn into one of the team’s more punishing hitters in time. His experience in the XFL would help in his early development while trying to hone his tackling skills and compete for a starting spot.

John Simpson, G, Clemson (6-4, 321)

If and when the Jaguars decide to address the interior of their offensive line, Simpson would make a solid option to come in and compete for a spot in the rotation. Simpson has the potential to become a solid blocker in the NFL. His big body and strength could earn him a starting spot quickly. Guards are one of the positions the Jaguars need much more production from in 2020.

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Joshua Kelley, RB, UCLA (5-11, 212)

Kelley finished his college career with 3,442 yards and 31 touchdowns, averaging 5.3 yards per carry. His ability to break tackles and amass yards after contact should translate to the NFL, and if Fournette is gone, he could have a shot to become the Jaguars’ feature back. Kelley would have to develop his pass-blocking skills, however, to play in a backfield that could become more of a by-committee situation.

Jason Strowbridge, DT, North Carolina (6-4, 275)

A powerful rusher, Strowbridge (6-3½, 275) can be disruptive on the edge while maintaining solid balance and planting himself as a solid run-stopper. That versatility makes him another potential fit as Jacksonville will likely continue to look for interior line options on the final day of the draft.

(Top photo of Auburn’s Prince Tega Wanogho: Jonathan Bachman / Getty Images)

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