It's a recurring theme to last spring: a defensive-heavy draft at the top of the board. The Jags got things rolling last April when they took Travon Walker first overall, and they'll continue their front-seven makeover on the inside with Bresee.
Poor, poor Jalen Carter. My guy did nothing aside from serving a key role in destroying and disassembling the Oregon Ducks on Saturday afternoon and he falls from No. 2 overall to No. 7 overall in my update. But let me be clear: Carter might be the second-best prospect overall in this year's draft and his slide here is because of the quarterback run more than anything else.
For Jacksonville, the team gets a disruptive presence up front to pair with all the defensive additions this past offseason, giving the team a more well-rounded pressure group to attack opposing offenses.
The Jaguars invested big money in wide receiver help in Christian Kirk but they will need a true No. 1 for Trevor Lawrence in Year 3. Smith-Njigba already has the size, speed and quickness to be a No. 1 and will confirm that status with more bulk and more consistent route-running.
Ohio State had two receivers—Garrett Wilson and Chris Olave—selected within the first 11 picks of last year's draft, but it was Smith-Njigba that led the team in receiving (95/1,606/9) as a true sophomore. While Olave and Wilson opted out of the Rose Bowl, Smith-Njigba went off for 15 catches, 347 yards and three TDs in that game. He closed the season with 60/958/6 over his final five games. The knock will be his lack of top-end speed, but JSN is a savvy route runner with good body control and strong hands.
The Jaguars raised the bar in their receiver room this offseason by signing Christian Kirk and Zay Jones to, shall we say, interesting free-agent deals. But they're still searching for a bonafide No. 1 target to help QB Trevor Lawrence. Enter Boutte. The LSU star not only can create on his own after the catch, but he's able to win inside and out. He can create separation underneath with his burst, and down the field with a fairly refined route tree. The perfect type of receiver to be a target-eater for Lawrence.
The Jaguars did a masterful job this past offseason overhauling their defense by adding key veterans in free agency and a number of talented players through the draft. The team now must continue to build and add weapons around Trevor Lawrence in order to ensure he reaches his full potential.
Kayshon Boutte is an explosive playmaker who can win at all three levels of the field. He has legit vertical speed to win over the top and has exceptional separation quickness at the top of his routes.
Kayshon Boutte is the next great LSU receiver to hear his name called in the first round of the NFL draft. You'd think he was homesick with how many house calls he makes (13 in his last eight games). It's difficult not to see shades of Ja'Marr Chase with Boutte racking the No. 1 on his jersey. He could improve his physicality and aggressiveness at the catch point, but allowing him to do so would be borderline negligence on the NCAA's behalf.
The Jaguars have young talent in key spots after back-to-back years with the No. 1 overall pick, and Trevor Lawrence's continued progress is the team's most important goal. Jacksonville spent record-setting money in free agency, including signing Brandon Scherff and Christian Kirk, but it still lacks a bona fide go-to target on the perimeter. Boutte is an explosive play waiting to happen and brings a playmaking element that the current receiver room lacks. He missed a lot of last season with a leg injury but still found the end zone nine times.
