JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) — When asked what Jacksonville’s top need is heading into the NFL draft, general manager Gene Smith was quick to respond.
“Talent,” he said.
No doubt, the Jaguars are lacking it on both sides of the ball.
And that makes this week’s three-day draft, which begins Thursday night, pivotal for a rebuilding franchise that has missed the playoffs 10 of the last 12 years. The Jaguars have the seventh pick in the first round, their fifth consecutive year with a top-10 selection.
What they do with it is anyone’s guess.
The Jaguars, though, have made it clear they would like to trade down from No. 7 and acquire extra picks. They have been fielding calls for weeks about potential swaps, but no deal will be made until draft night.
