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For the Jacksonville Jaguars, the 2025 NFL Draft is almost here.
As longtime Jaguars fans know, draft day often hasn't been a winner on the First Coast. The Jags have endured more than their share of picks that didn't pan out, some of them dramatic busts.
But while Jags fans bemoan the failures, this franchise also has its share of success stories in the first round. Here's a look at the top-performing first-round picks in Jaguars history.
Also, a note: Current players with five or fewer years of NFL experience aren't yet included on this list, although quarterback Trevor Lawrence, edge rusher Travon Walker, offensive tackle Anton Harrison and wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. have a real chance of joining the list of top Jaguars picks in time.
The gold standard in the Jaguars' draft-day history. The only member of the Jaguars to reach the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Boselli immediately made the left tackle position his own, anchoring the line for four playoff appearances and two trips to the AFC Championship. Though injuries combined to cut short his career after seven seasons and 91 games, the five-time Pro Bowler remains at the head of the Jags' all-time draft class.
Reminder: The Jaguars didn't originally hold the ninth draft pick, but obtained it in a deal with the Buffalo Bills that sent quarterback Rob Johnson to the shores of Lake Erie. The result was one of the best moves in Jaguars history, bringing Gators national champion Taylor to the Jacksonville backfield for 11 seasons and 11,271 yards of thrilling cutbacks and blazing speed. In time, he might follow Boselli into the Hall in Canton, Ohio.
It's a toss-up whether to select Stroud for this spot or his future defensive tackle teammate John Henderson, selected at No. 9 overall in 2002. Stroud's selection gets the nod because he was picked four slots later and went on to reach three Pro Bowls on the tough Jaguars defense of the mid-2000s. Lining up for the Jags from 2001 to 2007, he collected 22 sacks in 100 games.
Many Jaguars fans remember mostly the messy exit, and that's understandable. But the big picture? For three-plus years, the Jaguars got the best cornerback play in franchise history (two Pro Bowl years, one first-team All-Pro), with nine interceptions and a trip to the AFC Championship. Then, when the Los Angeles Rams came calling, the Jags were able to get two first-round picks and a fourth in return.
The two-time Pro Bowler, still going strong as captain of the defense, ranks among the top Jaguars selections during the disappointing 2010s. Hines-Allen owns 53 sacks in 90 games, closing in fast on the team record of Tony Brackens, and helped the Jags to a playoff berth after the 2022 season. If the Jaguars are going to return to contention quickly under Liam Coen, Hines-Allen will more than likely be a key part of the rally.
This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: NFL Draft: Jacksonville Jaguars' all-time best first-round picks
Continue reading...
As longtime Jaguars fans know, draft day often hasn't been a winner on the First Coast. The Jags have endured more than their share of picks that didn't pan out, some of them dramatic busts.
But while Jags fans bemoan the failures, this franchise also has its share of success stories in the first round. Here's a look at the top-performing first-round picks in Jaguars history.
Also, a note: Current players with five or fewer years of NFL experience aren't yet included on this list, although quarterback Trevor Lawrence, edge rusher Travon Walker, offensive tackle Anton Harrison and wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. have a real chance of joining the list of top Jaguars picks in time.
1995: OT Tony Boselli, No. 2, Southern California
The gold standard in the Jaguars' draft-day history. The only member of the Jaguars to reach the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Boselli immediately made the left tackle position his own, anchoring the line for four playoff appearances and two trips to the AFC Championship. Though injuries combined to cut short his career after seven seasons and 91 games, the five-time Pro Bowler remains at the head of the Jags' all-time draft class.
1998: RB Fred Taylor, No. 9, Florida
Reminder: The Jaguars didn't originally hold the ninth draft pick, but obtained it in a deal with the Buffalo Bills that sent quarterback Rob Johnson to the shores of Lake Erie. The result was one of the best moves in Jaguars history, bringing Gators national champion Taylor to the Jacksonville backfield for 11 seasons and 11,271 yards of thrilling cutbacks and blazing speed. In time, he might follow Boselli into the Hall in Canton, Ohio.
2001: DT Marcus Stroud, No. 13, Georgia
It's a toss-up whether to select Stroud for this spot or his future defensive tackle teammate John Henderson, selected at No. 9 overall in 2002. Stroud's selection gets the nod because he was picked four slots later and went on to reach three Pro Bowls on the tough Jaguars defense of the mid-2000s. Lining up for the Jags from 2001 to 2007, he collected 22 sacks in 100 games.
2016: CB Jalen Ramsey, No. 5, Florida State
Many Jaguars fans remember mostly the messy exit, and that's understandable. But the big picture? For three-plus years, the Jaguars got the best cornerback play in franchise history (two Pro Bowl years, one first-team All-Pro), with nine interceptions and a trip to the AFC Championship. Then, when the Los Angeles Rams came calling, the Jags were able to get two first-round picks and a fourth in return.
2019: EDGE Josh Hines-Allen, No. 7, Kentucky
The two-time Pro Bowler, still going strong as captain of the defense, ranks among the top Jaguars selections during the disappointing 2010s. Hines-Allen owns 53 sacks in 90 games, closing in fast on the team record of Tony Brackens, and helped the Jags to a playoff berth after the 2022 season. If the Jaguars are going to return to contention quickly under Liam Coen, Hines-Allen will more than likely be a key part of the rally.
This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: NFL Draft: Jacksonville Jaguars' all-time best first-round picks
Continue reading...
