JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Jacksonville’s second-half collapse has it picking much earlier than expected in the NFL draft.
The Jaguars’ 28-20 loss to the Titans on Sunday puts the team picking 17th in the draft this April. Plus, Jacksonville’s 2024 list of opponents is finalized, too. The Jaguars will face AFC South rival Colts, Texans and Titans both home and away. They also host the Browns, Jets, Packers, Patriots and Vikings. On the road, Jacksonville will visit the Bears, Bills, Eagles, Dolphins, Lions and Raiders. All AFC South teams face the AFC East and NFC North teams this year.
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Jacksonville had the No. 1 pick in back-to-back drafts in 2021 and ‘22, selecting Trevor Lawrence and Travon Walker, respectively. In last April’s draft, the Jaguars traded back twice from the No. 24 spot and took right tackle Anton Harrison at 27.
In franchise history, Jacksonville has had three first-round selections between pick Nos. 10 and 19. Defensive tackles Marcus Stroud (No. 13 in 2001) and Tyson Alualu (10th in 2010), followed by quarterback Blaine Gabbert (10th in 2011).
The 17th pick in the draft has produced three Pro Football Hall of Fame selections in the first round in the modern era — guard Gene Upshaw (1967 by the Raiders), Emmitt Smith by the Cowboys (1990) and guard Steve Hutchinson (2001 by the Seahawks). Mel Renfro was the No. 17 pick in 1964 by Dallas when that selection was in the second round.
ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. had LSU receiver Brian Thomas Jr. going at No. 17 in his latest mock draft.