Could the Jacksonville Jaguars take a quarterback with the fourth pick in the NFL draft? The idea isn’t as far-fetched as some may think as mock drafts have been changing on the daily. Some have the Jacksonville Jaguars targeting a new signal caller to eventually replace Blake Bortles.
[DavidL]
Bill Simmons’ website, The Ringer, projects the Jaguars doing just that.
Danny Kelly, the website’s staff writer says Watson is a better choice for the Jaguars offense in that the team still needs to find a top-tier young quarterback to build with.
“The general belief when Jacksonville hired Doug Marrone to replace Gus Bradley was that it was good news for Blake Bortles, but Marrone knows his tenure in Jacksonville is tied to finding a quarterback to fill the roster around. After three years, Bortles has yet to show any signs he’s the guy, and last year he struggled – not just on the field, but also on the practice field and the film room.”
Some believe that Watson gives the Jaguars a player who shines where their starting quarterback is lacking. The former Clemson Tiger is a dual threat as a passer and a runner. While Jacksonville has used Bortles in both capacities, Kelly believes Watson gives Jacksonville a better chance to win now.
“[Watson] is an incredible sack-avoiding playmaker with outstanding leadership qualities and a proven gamer who shows up at his best on the biggest stage. Concerns about his arm strength and downfield accuracy cost him to fall behind other quarterbacks, but hard to ignore intangibles are exactly what Jacksonville’s been missing from a single caller.”
Of all the possible first round quarterbacks in this year’s draft, Watson is the one that stands out. The problem is his Pro Day wasn’t spectacular, drawing mixed reviews. He was inaccurate on some of his throws which may scare a few scouts and teams off.
[Sean2]
Watson is a dual threat. Hence, there may be some concern that he will not become the dynamic passer that teams want. I compare him to Russell Wilson in his ability to make things happen on the field. There is no doubt he has leadership qualities which would be beneficial to the Jaguars.
Team management will have to ask themselves; Are they ready to give up on their starter after three seasons?. That would mean it is time to move in another direction.
This is the final year of Bortles’ rookie deal. Consequently, there is no word yet whether the Jaguars are going to offer him a fifth-year option.