JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Jaguars traded back in the first round of the NFL draft, moving from No. 17 to 23. They pocketed three additional picks in the process, and used their first-rounder to select LSU receiver Brian Thomas Jr. The News4JAX sports staff grades the selection and the move of general manager Trent Baalke.
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Jamal St. Cyr: A++
With the trade back I love the move. Trade back Trent. Somebody que up “Many Men” by 50 Cent. This was a masterclass kind of move by Baalke. Brian Thomas Jr. is a crazy athlete and gives Trevor Lawrence a new big, fast wide receiver to throw to. If they took him at 17 my grade would be different. But with the picks they added in the trade back I have to give the pick the highest possible grade.
Alessandra Pontbriand: A
Well, I was wrong. The Jaguars traded down, which I thought was the last thing the team would do. They also took a wide receiver. I thought they would pick a cornerback. Fans should be excited for LSU’s Brian Thomas Jr. Like his draft position, he’s definitely the fourth-best receiver in this year’s draft. His combination of size (6-3, 209 pounds), speed (4.33 in the 40-yard dash) and proven production is an exciting addition to the Jaguars receivers room. Not only did the Jaguars get a receiver they wanted, they also got another draft pick this year and two more next year.
Justin Barney: A-
I love the trade back and getting three additional draft picks, especially the third-rounder next year. That’s huge. I wouldn’t have graded this as high if Thomas had gone at 17 though. There are a couple concerns I have, although I generally like the pick and have liked the thought of Thomas in Jacksonville. The history for the Jaguars in drafting receivers in the first round is dubious. They are 0 for 4 in that department (Reggie Williams, Matt Jones, Justin Blackmon and R. Jay Soward). So, that history does make me a skeptical by association. He was the second option in Baton Rouge behind Malik Nabers, so how will Thomas fare with more attention his way? What I love about the pick is his speed and size. Jacksonville needed a big bodied receiver in the worst possible way. He’s not going to need to come in and be WR1 right off the bat and that’s why I think Thomas will have more success with the Jaguars than any of its previous four first-round whiffs.