5. WR Justin Blackmon A

I normally don’t like when bad teams move up because they have so many needs, but everyone said there were 6 blue chip prospects in this draft class and the Jaguars were in a bad spot at 7. If I’m going to knock the Buccaneers for trading out of the top 6 for just a 4^th round pick, I have to praise the Jaguars for trading up into the top 6 for just a 4^th rounder and filling their biggest need in the process.

38. DE Andre Branch A-

The Jaguars had a very good defense last year before injuries struck and even had a solid defense after injuries. Their biggest hole was defensive end opposite Jeremy Mincey. This is a little early for Branch according to my board, but the Jaguars could actually have one of the best defenses in the league next year.

70. P Bryan Anger F

A punter? HAHAHAHAHAHAHA But in all seriousness, punters shouldn’t be drafted before the 5^th or 6^th round. There isn’t a ton of difference between good ones and bad ones and it sends a bad message to the fan base. Instead of helping their franchise quarterback, they got someone who will help them when their franchise quarterback fails. Not exactly a sign of confidence. Though given the way Gabbert played last year, they’ll probably be using Anger a lot.

142. OLB Brandon Marshall C-

I didn’t have Brandon Marshall in my top 250, which would be fine, but the 5^th round is a little early for someone like that. Linebacker isn’t much of a need either, though I suppose Marshall could play special teams.

176. CB Mike Harris B+

The Jaguars lost their top 3 cornerbacks to injury last season and have 4 2013 free agents at the position next year so they needed some depth. This is a little early for him.

228. DT Jeris Pendleton C-

Normally I hate to hate on 7^th round selections, but Pendleton is already 28 years old. What the hell is the point of that?!

The Jaguars’ draft started out really well. They ripped off the Buccaneers to trade from 7 to 5 in a draft with 6 blue prospects and filled their biggest need at the same time. Blaine Gabbert has to be happy about that. They also added another piece to an already stout (when healthy) defense in the 2^nd round with Andre Branch, a good value who fills a need.

However, that’s where it was downhill. Instead of drafting an offensive lineman in the 3^rd round, to help protect Blaine Gabbert, who struggles under pressure, they drafted a punter, to help them punt the ball away after Blaine Gabbert struggles under pressure. They also had a few late reaches, including a 28 year old in the 7^th round, but they hit their 2 most important picks so this is a pretty solid draft. If they had selected a reasonable offensive lineman in the 3^rd, this probably would have been an A- or a B+. Instead it’s a B- (torn between a B- and a B, but a punter in the 3^rd round? Really?)

Grade: B-