The 2024 NFL Draft has been over for a week, and early reviews of draft classes across the league are rolling in. Sports Illustrated’s Matt Verderame ranked the Jaguars’ draft class 14th out of 16 in the AFC, just ahead of the Buffalo Bills and Tennessee Titans. Meanwhile, the Houston Texans hold the 10th spot and Indianapolis Colts rank 5th.
Verderame was critical of the Jaguars’ draft decisions, particularly their choice to pass on high-upside talent and take wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. with their first-round pick at No. 23. However, general manager Trent Baalke defended the selection, stating that Thomas Jr. was their top target at No. 17 and they were thrilled he was still available at that point in the draft.
Despite some criticism for their picks in later rounds, which included a kick returner/running back and a kicker, Verderame acknowledged that the talent pool was limited at that point in the draft. Overall, while there may be room for improvement in the Jaguars’ draft class, their decisions were not as questionable as some may have suggested.