Jacksonville Jaguars: Does this Team Have a Plan for 2020?

The transactions last year probably have Jacksonville Jaguars fans scratching their heads. The team traded one of their best playmakers last season in cornerback Jalen Ramsey. The Jaguars then traded Calais Campbell to the Baltimore Ravens for a 2020 fifth-round pick. The Jaguars released their star running back Leonard Fournette as well. What in the world is going on here? Welcome to NFL football

Before sounding the alarms, it’s important to remember that the Jaguars addressed some of their needs in the 2020 NFL draft. They drafted Florida cornerback C.J. Henderson and LSU defensive end K’Lavon Chaisson and Colorado Buffaloes star receiver Laviska Shenault in the first two rounds. While not having Campbell and Ramsey may hurt the team’s overall chemistry to an extent, the young core group of new playmakers could help turn the tide in Jacksonville’s favor. It could be about as good as the days of Byron Leftwich, Fred Taylor, Maurice Jones-Drew. That time will come but just not in 2020.

Jaguars fans need to accept that 2020 is a rebuilding year. The team might not go 0-16 but no one should expect a record better 5-11. In fact, five wins may seem generous given the fact that the Jaguars are in a tough division against the playoff-bound favorites Tennessee Titans and Houston Texans. Even the rebuilt Indianapolis Colts look to make the playoffs as the last seed or better. Keep in mind that the playoffs expanded to 7 teams in each conference.

The Jaguars future certainly looks bright for 2021 and beyond. The team loaded up on draft picks via their trades so there does seem to be a plan in place. Jacksonville has ten draft picks so there is no need to perpetuate the London rumors. The Jaguars will eventually become a perennial playoff threat once again. How may the Jaguars look in 2021 after the NFL draft in Cleveland? Here’s an idea of what could happen:

2021 three-round mock draft

First-round

Two picks

Quarterback: Trevor Lawrence- Clemson

Running back: Travis Etienne- Clemson

Second Round

Two Picks

Wide receiver: Rashod Bateman- Minnesota

Cornerback: Patrick Surtain II- Alabama

Third Round

Defensive end: Carlos Basham Jr.- Wake Forest

The Jacksonville Jaguars have the opportunity to solidify the offense and defense in the 2021 NFL draft. With star prospects like the ones mentioned above, the Jaguars could immediately turn things in 2021. Yes, Jacksonville is in a bad season. However, the inevitable losing season will eventually become a distant memory.