2012 NFL Draft: The Jacksonville Jaguars' Worst-Case Scenario

For any team, the worst-case scenario in the draft is simple: take a guy who gets hurt immediately. This week, however, we'll be looking at each team in the South, pinning down their nightmare draft scenario.

Because I believe that teams should always take the best available player, the worst-case scenario for a front office occurs when the best player on the board happens to fall at a position that they don't need or don't value. That forces a difficult decision. The pick can be traded if there is a partner willing to deal, but if none can be found then the general manager has to make the ultimate tough call.

Should he take the best player on the board or pass up talent to fill a need?

It's the worst-case scenario. Either choice is unsavory. You can never have too much talent at a position, but it's always better when the stars align perfectly and a team can take a player who makes them instantly better.

The Jacksonville Jaguars are in a very good spot in the upcoming draft. They are a team with some needs, but there are also high-profile players on the board that perhaps don't deserve to be there.

Quarterback Ryan Tannehill will almost undoubtedly go in the top-five picks, despite being a late first-round talent. That means that someone good should fall to the Jaguars.

Still, what if the first round played out like this:

Luck and Griffin go first and second. Matt Kalil goes third to Minnesota. The Browns reach for Tannehill at four. Tampa upgrades their defense with Melvin Ingram at five. The Rams jump all over the Jags' ideal pick at six and take Justin Blackmon off the board.

Suddenly, the Jaguars would be left with a very difficult decision.

Alabama running back Trent Richardson is an incredible talent. Greg Cosell said he's the best player in the draft. It would be 2007 all over again. That year, Adrian Peterson fell all the way to the Vikings at 7. They happily picked him and despite acquiring the best running back in football, they have had just two winning seasons and won one playoff game since. Running backs, even elite ones, don't make for winning football.

The Jaguars already have a dominant back and desperately need to upgrade their passing offense. But should a talent like Richardson fall to the Jaguars at seven, how can they possibly pass on him?

It may sound delightful to Jaguars fans, but an undeniable talent at a non-premium, non-need position can be a nightmare for a front office.