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The Jacksonville Jaguars got two of their top rated players in the first two rounds of the 2019 NFL Draft. No matter how the rest of the class performs, if those two turn out to be long-term starters — which is the expectation, make no mistake — then this draft will have been deemed a success.
But what was your favorite pick? Was it Josh Allen, the highly touted pass rusher and linebacker who inexplicably fell to Jacksonville at No. 7? Or was it Jawaan Taylor, the once and future right tackle?
ESPN’s Todd McShay has a favorite — and it’s the big guy on the right side of the line:
Jacksonville Jaguars
Jawaan Taylor, OT, Florida (Round 2, No. 35 overall)
I wanted to say Josh Allen here because the Jags hung in there and got a top edge rusher, but Taylor’s value was just too good overlook. I had him at No. 10 on my board. He obviously fell because of injury concerns, but at No. 35, it’s 100 percent worth the risk. We were talking about Taylor at No. 7 for Jacksonville, and it got him a day later. The knee was part of the slide, but teams were also concerned about whether he’d keep himself in shape once he’s in the NFL. That self-discipline concern scared some off. But here, well off his pre-draft ranking, I’m taking him every time -- especially to a team that needs a new right tackle.
Taylor is 6-foot-5 with long arms and plenty of quickness and athleticism. He won’t falter against power rushers but can also handle speed rushers on the outside. I like the initial pop he shows at the point of contact, but he needs to take better angles in run-blocking. The Jaguars landed two top-10 talents in the first two rounds of the draft before crossing off other needs in the later rounds. Well done.
I think I’d have to agree on this one. Allen was a lucky get and nabbing him at seventh overall was wild to see unfold in real time.
But getting another tackle of Taylor’s quality is tremendous value and I don’t think it can be topped.
What do you think? Was Allen your favorite? Or did you also like the Taylor pick? What about one of the later round picks? Let us know in the comments below!