Jacksonville Jaguars bulk up offensive and defensive lines in 3-round mock draft

With the season finally over, the Jacksonville Jaguars begin their journey to the 2018 Super Bowl with the upcoming 2017 NFL Draft.

With the New England Patriots taking advantage of an Atlanta Falcons team soiling themselves on the field, the 2016-2017 NFL season is finally over. While the Patriots celebrate, there are 31 other teams looking ahead to find a way to get themselves into a similar position.

One of those teams is our beloved Jacksonville Jaguars. Many fans were expecting big changes in the coaching staff, but the front office decided to bring back interim head coach Doug Marrone and his two coordinators (Nathaniel Hackett and Todd Wash).

For the Jaguars to improve in 2017, the changes need to come from the roster. That starts with the free agency period coming up soon, but the real playmakers are going to come from the draft.

Dan Kadar over at Mocking the Draft took the reigns and put out the first official offseason mock draft, even going as far as projecting the first 3 rounds. In the first round, he has the Jaguars taking a player we’ve seen mocked many times already:

4. Jacksonville Jaguars: Jonathan Allen, DL, Alabama

The draft’s second-best player looks like he’ll be available for the Jaguars, and he provides a versatile player up front.

We’ve seen Allen mocked to the Jaguars ad nauseum and it’s barely February. This is probably the best case scenario since it’s quite unlikely Myles Garrett will make it all the way to number 4 for the Jaguars. Despite decent sack numbers, the Jaguars struggled to get consistent pressure this year and they need to add pass rushers.

In the second round, Kadar has the Jaguars taking an offensive lineman.

36. Jacksonville Jaguars: Forrest Lamp, OT, Western Kentucky

I’m not familiar with Lamp at all, but a small school guy in the second round seems like a bit of a stretch. The Jaguars do need to add competition at the tackle position though so at least a need is filled.

In the third round, Kadar gave the Jaguars a controversial selection.

68. Jacksonville Jaguars: Joe Mixon, RB, Oklahoma

Mixon is a tremendous athlete and arguably the third best running back in this class, but his off the field issues will be a huge point of contention. I don’t really see this happening.