The Jacksonville Jaguars have a franchise-altering decision to make in two weeks -- what to do with the No. 2 overall pick in the draft. New Jaguars general manager Dave Caldwell has his eyes on two players for the No. 2 overall pick, according to ESPN.
NFL Draft 2013: Jaguars eyeing 2 players at No. 2
The Jacksonville Jaguars are reportedly eyeing two players to select with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft -- and with so many team needs, it’s difficult to pinpoint with which two prospects Jacksonville is enamored.
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Jacksonville finished 2-14 last season, ultimately leading to the dismissal of Jacksonville’s general manager Gene Smith, and head coach, Mike Mularkey. Dave Caldwell replaced Smith as general manager, inheriting the No. 2 overall pick
Since Jacksonville has many needs, it's difficult to pinpoint with which two players the Jaguars are enamored. Jacksonville has been linked to West Virginia quarterback Geno Smith. Jaguars general manager Dave Caldwell did not select Blaine Gabbert, and it's unknown how Jacksonville's new coaching staff truly views their current starter.
Jacksonville selected Gabbert with the No. 10 overall pick of the 2011 NFL Draft. Unfortunately for the Jaguars and Gabbert, the NFL lockout robbed Gabbert of a full rookie offseason. In two seasons with the Jaguars, Gabbert has appeared in 25, and has completed 53.8 percent of his passes for 3,876 yards, 21 touchdowns, 17 interceptions. He’s also fumbled nine times.
Smith would represent a fresh start at the most important position in football -- and would also represent a departure from the old Jacksonville regime. While Smith isn't viewed as a slam dunk talent like Andrew Luck or Robert Griffin III were last year, he's still the best quarterback available in this year's draft class.
Jacksonville could also target defensive help. The Jaguars lack pass-rushers, and new Jaguars head coach Gus Bradley could opt to use the No. 2 pick to address Jacksonville's defensive woes. In SB Nation's latest mock draft, two defensive players are projected to be top-five picks -- former Utah defensive tackle Star Lotulelei and former BYU defensive end Ezekiel Ansah.
ESPN’s report could be a smokescreen, however. Trade rumors swirl regarding the No. 2 overall pick, and if other teams in the league believe Jacksonville would rather use the pick than trade it, the perceived value of the pick is higher -- and could yield a higher return for the Jaguars, if they choose to trade down.
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