Gene Frenette: Jaguars, Caldwell deserve high marks for smart draft

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JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Instantly grading the Jaguars’ draft picks is blatantly unfair, seeing as how the body of work each player compiles after two or three years can be much different than perception at the time of their selection.

Well, too bad. I’m going to do it anyway because it’s a fun exercise and this 2020 draft might be the most pivotal in team history. With a record 12 picks for the NFL’s youngest team, general manager Dave Caldwell and head coach Doug Marrone have hit the reset button, hoping the bounty over the past three days sets the Jaguars up for the franchise’s revitalization.

So how did the Caldwell/Marrone tag team do? On paper, it looks like an extraordinary haul. There were no real head-scratching choices in the top half of the Jaguars’ draft.

They addressed major needs, of which there are many, but also didn’t appear to reach terribly on picks. More importantly, Caldwell stayed patient and didn’t get antsy about trading up when players he may have coveted went off the board.

All grades are a reflection of several factors: value for where the prospect was taken, the level of need relative to other positions, and ability to be an immediate contributor.

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First round (No.9), CJ Henderson, CB, Florida

There’s no question cornerback was among three of the Jaguars’ greatest need positions. They began last season with Jalen Ramsey and A.J. Bouye as one of the NFL’s best tandems and now both of them are gone, so Caldwell had to strike early.

I’m not convinced Henderson has top-10 value, but he’s close enough where the Jaguars couldn’t afford to wait until the 20th pick. Ohio State’s Jeff Okudah was already off the board. There seems to be a consensus among scouts that Henderson’s tackling must improve, but his cover skills are excellent.

As one NFL coach who evaluated the Florida Gator closely said to me: “If (Henderson) tackles and takes that up another level, he could be really good.”

Grade: B-plus

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First round (No. 20), K’Lavon Chaisson, OLB, LSU

It had to be tempting for Caldwell to take LSU receiver Justin Jefferson (he went two picks late to Minnesota), but getting a versatile defender like Chaisson was the smarter play because he will give Todd Wash’s defense a ton of flexibility.

Not only do the Jaguars get a player who is a ferocious pass-rusher to pair with Josh Allen, but he’s an instant replacement for Yannick Ngakoue if his contract stalemate results in a trade or him holding out for part of the 2020 season. It’s impossible to gauge what Ngakoue might do, so an insurance policy at such a vital position was a must. Plus, the draft didn’t yield another pass-rusher over the next 17 picks.

Grade: A

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Second round (No. 42), Laviska Shenault, WR, Colorado

When Caldwell talked about “letting the draft come to us” instead of allowing impatience to compel him to trade up, this was the best example. Two receivers (Clemson’s Tee Higgins, USC’s Michael Pittman) went off the board immediately in the second round, yet the Jaguars chose to stand pat through seven more picks because Caldwell had other positions in mind if Shenault was gone.

The Jaguars caught a break here as they got a legitimate playmaker with big-time strength (6-0, 227 pounds). Shenault’s 10 receiving touchdowns in his last two seasons averaged 30 yards, but he also had six rushing TDs, so offensive coordinator Jay Gruden will have interesting options with him.

Grade: B-plus

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Third round (No. 73), Davon Hamilton, DT, Ohio State

At 6-foot-3, 320 pounds, Hamilton was overshadowed a bit by No. 2 overall draft pick Chase Young. But despite never playing more than 40% of the Buckeyes’ snaps, he still had an impressive six QB sacks as a nose tackle. He and free agent acquisition Al Woods will figure prominently in the Jaguars’ desire to improve their run defense. This was a much-needed big body.

Grade: A-minus

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Fourth round (No. 116), Ben Bartch, OT, St. John’s (Minn.)

It’s rare in the post-Gene Smith era for the Jaguars to reach below the FCS level for such a high draft pick, but don’t be fooled by Bartch’s Division III background. He had a legitimate third-fourth-round grade. If nothing else, putting on 86 pounds in college to become an O-lineman and the buzz he created from drinking all those protein shakes could make him a fan favorite like QB Gardner Minshew, providing he eventually earns a starting job. The Jaguars acknowledge he’s a bit of a project, but still a very intriguing pick. A little surprising the O-line wasn’t addressed earlier.

Grade: B

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Fourth round (No. 137), Josiah Scott, CB, Michigan St.

Taking Henderson early certainly didn’t rule out adding depth. Scott’s frame (5-9, 185) is more suited for a nickel back role. If his toughness and speed makes up for lack of size, maybe he’s the heir apparent to D.J. Hayden down the road.

Grade: B-minus

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Fourth round (No. 140), Shaquille Quarterman, LB, Miami

The Jaguars get a hometown guy (Oakleaf High School) of proven character and incredible durability, having started all 52 games in college. Quarterman is a physical specimen (6-4, 234 pounds), but doesn’t project as an every-down linebacker due to coverage limitations. Still, he will be super motivated to prove doubters wrong about that element of his game. He has to show he’s worthy of at least a role as a two-down LB.

Grade: C-plus

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Fifth round (No. 157), Daniel Thomas, S, Auburn

This was a solid pick from the standpoint that Jaguars need more competition at safety. Thomas’ skill set is more as a run defender than a center fielder in pass coverage. His 4.51 speed and physical nature should at least translate well for special teams.

Grade: C-plus

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Fifth round (No. 165), Collin Johnson, WR, Texas

No doubt, Minshew will love having the option of a big athletic target (6-5, 222 pounds) like this in the red zone. Johnson, who wasn’t able to compete at the NFL combine or have a Pro Day due to groin injury, has steal potential written all over him. File this quote away: “I feel like I bring more than just being a tall receiver.” This might be the best value pick.

Grade: B-plus

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Sixth round (No. 189), Jake Luton, QB, Oregon State

Despite a phenomenal touchdown-interception ratio of 28-3 last season, scouts were awfully concerned about his lack of athleticism. He has traveled a similar college transfer path like Minshew, so Luton may be another underrated Pac-12 QB who proves his worth with the Jaguars. It’s interesting Caldwell had five chances on Day 3 to select Georgia QB Jake Fromm and took a pass.

Grade: C-plus

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Sixth round (No. 206), Tyler Davis, TE Georgia Tech

Even Davis acknowledged he was bracing himself to go undrafted. He didn’t get a chance to put up numbers as a Georgia Tech graduate transfer, but Davis should have ample opportunity to earn a roster spot at a wide-open position behind free agent acquisition Tyler Eifert.

Grade: C

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Seventh round (No. 223), Chris Claybrooks, CB Memphis

This 5-foot-9 speed demon was likely drafted with one purpose in mind: using his 4.3 speed as a kick returner. My guess is the Jaguars took him so as to not get in competition for Claybrooks as an undrafted free agent. He’s worth a late flyer.

Grade: B-minus

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