The 2018 NFL Draft is in the books, so check out the Jacksonville Jaguars 2018 NFL Draft class and the grades given to them by major publications. Many felt that the Jaguars draft was average and it started with their selection of DT Taven Bryant in round one. Here's how they fared in the draft grades given by major publications:
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Chat Sports
Grade: C+
USA Today
Grade: A-
Breakdown:
"If QB Blake Bortles was held in higher regard, we'd be talking about this team as a juggernaut. First-round DT Taven Bryan, second-round WR D.J. Chark and third-round S Ronnie Harrison might all make instant splashes as rookies if they played elsewhere. But all will have to scrap for snaps here. Sixth-round QB Tanner Lee comes with a nice level of buzz and might prove a viable fallback down the road if Bortles falters. "
ESPN
Grade: B
Breakdown:
"How loaded is that Jags defense? It already had six Pro Bowlers in 2018. Now it has one of the biggest physical freaks in the entire draft with tackle Taven Bryan, whose talent didn't match his college production. If defensive coordinator Todd Wash can get Bryan close to his ceiling, he could be a steal at pick 29. Jacksonville could move on from Malik Jackson next offseason, and Bryan might be the ready-made replacement.
I liked the pick of safety Ronnie Harrison at 93, and safety is the one spot where this defense isn't really young and fast. He has been underrated throughout his career, playing on a dominant defense with tons of NFL talent. But he's physical, and he'll help in the box. The question was true speed, because we never saw an official 40 time throughout the pre-draft process. Wide receiver D.J. Chark (61) is the best deep threat in this class, but his tape was inconsistent. Was that because of poor quarterback play at LSU? Either way, he could help replace Allen Robinson and Allen Hurns. I like outside linebacker Leon Jacobs in the seventh round. He ran a 4.48 40 at the combine at 246 pounds.
I thought Jacksonville should have addressed tight end early, but maybe the staff believes in Austin Seferian-Jenkins' ability as a blocker more than I do. If this is a team built around the running game, they could have used an upgrade on the edge. All in all, though, this is a terrific haul."
Bleacher Report
Grade: B
Breakdown:
"The Jacksonville Jaguars entered the draft with needs at middle linebacker and offensive guard yet walked away without an alternative to the incumbents at both positions for 2018. That knocked down their grade a little, although their haul was impressive without factoring team needs. They chose to swing for the fences with explosive defensive tackle Taven Bryan and wide receiver D.J. Chark.
Bryan runs hot and cold but is an ideal player to use in a rotation while he's groomed for a bigger role in 2019. He's fast and powerful as he gets off the snap, making him a tough matchup for less gifted blockers. Chark is similar despite only 66 career receptions, boasting elite deep speed and downfield playmaking ability.
Bryan and third-round safety Ronnie Harrison should allow the Jaguars to move on from higher-priced veterans next offseason when their spending finally catches up with them. Even without filling their biggest needs, this was a draft all about the long term. It achieved an important goal of preparing for when there's less margin for error in free agency."
SB Nation
Grade: B-
Breakdown:
"Most though the Jaguars would use their first-round pick on an interior offensive lineman, but defensive tackle Taven Bryan was too good to pass up at No. 29. He’s a little bit of a luxury choice with Marcell Dareus, Malik Jackson and Calais Campbell on the roster. But his first step quickness is incredible.
Getting D.J. Chark with the 61st pick was a good value for the Jaguars after some thought he’d be a first-round pick. Chark is a big play speed receiver who can take the top off a defense. In the third round, Jacksonville got a potential starter in Alabama safety Ronnie Harrison. Coaches in Jacksonville are going to love his fiery attitude.
Jacksonville finally addressed the offensive line in the fourth round with Will Richardson of North Carolina State. He started for three years at right tackle, and could play there or guard in the NFL. Leon Jacobs of Wisconsin in the seventh round was a smart choice as a stash on the practice squad player. His athleticism is really good for an edge player."
Yahoo Sports
Grade: B-
Breakdown:
"The Jaguars know what type of team they want to be. They already had a good defensive line but took Florida defensive tackle Taven Bryan to make it even better. The second-round pick of LSU receiver D.J. Chark is a reasonable gamble on an athletic freak who didn’t produce much in college, perhaps due to bad quarterback play. Third-round pick Ronnie Harrison, a safety from Alabama, and fourth-round pick Will Richardson, a tackle from N.C. State, could each contribute soon."
Sports Illustrated
Grade: B-
Breakdown:
"The Jags’ turn didn’t come until near the end of the first round this year, and like many teams that pick there, they entered the draft with few immediate needs. Congratulations to front office leaders Tom Coughlin and Dave Caldwell, because this is where every team aspires to be. Tight end and right side of the offensive line were soft needs, but nothing so pressing that Jacksonville had to pass on luxury picks. Taven Bryan is a perfect fit for defensive coordinator Todd Wash’s one-gap Cover 3 scheme, and with Marcell Dareus, Calais Campbell and (now, for probably just one more year) Malik Jackson ahead of him, he can learn the ropes from a comfortable ancillary role. D.J. Chark brings some potential playmaking to a receiving corps that overachieved with unheralded 2017 rookies Dede Westbrook and Keelan Cole. Ronnie Harrison is here for special teams and depth, nothing more, as starting safeties Tashaun Gipson and Barry Church are recently signed veterans in their primes."
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