7 Defensive Players Who Need to Be on the Jaguars Draft Radar

The wide receiver spot is not the only one of concern for the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Of all the starting units on the team, the only ones the team should not have to worry about is the running game (how could you worry with the league's best runner on your team in Maurice Jones-Drew?) and at kicker (provided they re-sign Josh Scobee).

Every other position is either in need of an upgrade or backup stability. The team will address needs, especially on offense, in the draft and through free agency.

The defense, although sixth overall in the NFL this past season, still needs some improvements under coordinator Mel Tucker.

Here is a look at some players who should be on the team's radar at draft time.

Quinton Coples, Defensive End, North Carolina

He proved he can take over a game in the Senior Bowl.

Coples is hovering around the top 15 choices in the draft. The Jaguars need a strong pass rusher to complement Jeremy Mincey, provided he re-signs with the team.

Coples is still rated as the top rushing end in the draft and would improve the defensive line in teal as soon as he walked on the practice field.

Michael Floyd, Receiver, Notre Dame

If the Jaguars trade down, Floyd may be the guy they look to.

Tall at 6'3" and thick (230 pounds), he is a complete player. The question is can he put it all together for 16 games?

Look for Floyd to get a serious look from the Jaguars. Taking him in the first 10 picks may be a reach, but not within the top 18 selections.

Morris Claiborne, Defensive Back, LSU

Claiborne may be the best prospect in this draft, period.

I don't think he'll get past the first five selections, but if he is there when Jacksonville selects, he will be hard not to grab.

A guy like Claiborne with those cover skills and size and also the return game makes him valuable in so many ways for a team that is young and growing.

He would be a welcomed addition.

Courtney Upshaw, Linebacker/Defensive End, Alabama

Upshaw could end up in the first 10 picks or at the bottom of the first round.

He has worlds of talent but may be deemed a "tweener" and play outside in a 3-4 or on the line in a 4-3.

He is certainly versatile enough to do both.

If he slips toward the end of the first round, would the Jaguars gamble and move back into the round to get him?

Brian Quick, Receiver, Appalachian State

He was on the radar at the Senior Bowl. Could Quick be a second-round find for this team?

I know the idea of taking a small-school receiver will tick some people off, but what if he pans out?

Quick is tall at 6'2" and could aid in the return can. The Jaguars could use him in the slot, across the middle or even in a post pattern.

Vinny Curry, Defensive End, Marshall

A team is going to snatch him up in the second or third round and have a steal.

Curry impressed everyone at the Senior Bowl and improved his draft stock as much as anyone.

Could he play standing up or with a hand on the ground? Probably both.

He would be worth a gamble by the Jaguars who need outside pass rush speed.

Alshon Jeffery, Receiver, South Carolina

I think when everything is said and done, Jeffery still gets a look at the seventh pick.

His size at 6'4" and his ability to get separation in the end zone has to have scouts drooling. Whether or not he is sliding on some draft boards, the Jaguars need to take chances and hope they come out smelling like roses.

Jeffery is one of those types of challenges that might pay off.