2020 NFL mock draft: ESPN’s Todd McShay thinks Jacksonville Jaguars pick QB Justin Herbert

The Jacksonville Jaguars may or may not need a quarterback — it all depends on who you ask.

ESPN’s Todd McShay seems to think so, even though he likes Gardner Minshew. For his latest two-round mock draft, he has Jacksonville upgrading their passing game in the first round and beefing up their defensive line in the second round.

9. Justin Herbert, QB, Oregon

The Jags could go a couple of directions in this spot, and I originally was thinking wide receiver. And while I really wouldn’t be surprised to see them take a different route, I just don’t see how the Jaguars could go into the 2020 season with Gardner Minshew II — who I do like! — as their only option at quarterback. Especially with all their picks. Draft Herbert and let the big-armed mobile QB compete with Minshew in camp, address other needs later in the draft and go from there.

20. Brandon Aiyuk, WR, Arizona State

DJ Chark Jr. had a huge season in 2019, and Dede Westbrook is more than capable, but the Jags could use a wideout like Aiyuk. He tracks the ball vertically very well, has the wheels to get open, displays the hands to pluck on the run and shows lots of ability to create once the ball is in his hands. Herbert’s arm strength and Aiyuk’s vertical talent would be fun to watch.

42. Neville Gallimore, DT, Oklahoma

Two first-round picks went to the offense. But the Jacksonville defense isn’t what it was when it carried the Jaguars to the AFC Championship Game back in the 2017 season. Calais Campbell was dealt away, and Yannick Ngakoue could still be traded on the franchise tag, too. Gallimore has athleticism on the interior and fills a need on the front. I mean, did you see him run a 4.79 at 300-plus pounds in Indianapolis?

First thing first, what is with McShay’s love affair with Herbert to the Jaguars? He predicted the same thing leading up to last year’s NFL Draft and Herbert didn’t declare so it wasn’t even something worth monitoring. The Jaguars have a quarterback who won them six games last season — that’s only happened once since 2010. Why give up on him so quickly?

Also, McShay has three wide receivers taken in the first 13 picks. I can see a run on receivers, but with such a deep class... why? Wouldn’t a guy like Javon Kinlaw be better in a relatively thin defensive line class?

And why a guy like Brandon Aiyuk when guys like Tee Higgins and Justin Jefferson are on the board?

Let me know in the comments how you like these first three picks because I’m not much of a fan.