NFL Draft 2012: 3 Players the Jaguars Must Consider Instead of Stephen Hill

Stephen Hill is a nice prospect at wide receiver, but the Jacksonville Jaguars would be insane to select him with the seventh overall pick in the 2012 NFL draft. 

Tania Ganguli of the Florida Times-Union is reporting that the Jaguars really like Hill, who will certainly be on the board when Jacksonville is on the clock in the first round. However, Hill is a raw, fringe first-round prospect who may never develop at the next level.

If Hill fell to the Jags in the second round (they own the 38th overall pick), that would make sense. However, this is the same franchise that selected defensive tackle Tyson Alualu 10th overall in 2010 when most experts had him pegged for the mid-20s.

While it wouldn't shock me at all if they reached for a high-upside guy like Hill, there are three guys they should consider taking instead of him.

Melvin Ingram, DE/OLB, South Carolina

The Jaguars do need to add to their receiving corps, but Ingram is too good to pass up at No. 7. Oklahoma State's Justin Blackmon will almost certainly be gone, and the team desperately needs to upgrade its pass rush.

Ingram is a versatile defender who was a big-time playmaker at South Carolina. He is explosive off the edge and has a knack for finding the ball. He will be an immediate upgrade for a team looking to get better at defensive end. 

Riley Reiff, OT, Iowa

The Jaguars need to shore up the right side of their offensive line and Reiff is the second-best tackle in this draft. He may not be as flashy or have as much upside as USC's Matt Kalil, but he is technically sound and at worst he'll be a solid starter in the NFL for the next decade.

Reiff is versatile enough to play on either side of the line, and after coming through Kirk Ferentz's offensive line factory at Iowa, he won't disappoint at the next level. This wouldn't be a "sexy" pick, but it would be a much smarter move than reaching for one of the wideouts on the board. 

Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame

If the Jags are going to reach for a wide receiver, Floyd is a much better option. I'm not as big a fan of him as some experts, but at 6'3" and 220 with outstanding hands, he's at least more polished than Hill. 

At worst, Floyd is a solid, possession receiver who won't make big plays and will have trouble separating from elite corners. His upside is probably a low-level No. 1 wideout who will make a few spectacular plays each season. 

Hill's ceiling is higher, but his floor is also far lower. If the Jags are dead-set on taking a wideout, Floyd should be the guy here.