2012 NFL Draft: 7 Players the Jags Need to Look at Now

What a difference a week makes.

The Jaguars looked all ready to select a receiver with the seventh selection or maybe a pass rusher to add to the sack totals, and now the team may have to look at the defensive middle and fortify the tackle position.

Now, Jacksonville's draft is up in the air. But like most other NFL teams (we hope), there are many other players who are on the list of draft picks that can fill other needs.

There is also talk that this team is looking to trade out of the pick and with many suitors looking at Ryan Tannehill, there may be a lot of cell phone activity in the next few days in the north Florida area.

But for now, these are the best prospects for the Jaguars to be looking at in next Thursday's draft.

Morris Claiborne

He is the safest pick on anyone's board—a great pass defender and special teams player.

You can't go wrong with adding a player with Rod Woodson ability.

Claiborne would strengthen the secondary and replace Rashean Mathis when he leaves at the end of the season. Claiborne is a can't-miss prospect.

Michael Floyd

He is moving up the chart.

If he is ranked within the top 15 of most draft publications, and he has skills comparable to Justin Blackmon, doesn't he deserve being chosen in the top 10?

I think, and have thought all along, that Floyd will be the best receiver coming out of this draft in three seasons.

At 6'3" he is a nice red zone threat.

Fletcher Cox

If the Jaguars draft Cox, it tells you a few things about the defense.

Drafting him means you won't see Terrance Knighton again this season. It also means Tyson Alualu will be slow in coming back from surgery to his knees.

This defensive line all of a sudden looks vulnerable, and Cox is a beast inside who can stuff the run and push the offensive line backward toward the passer.

He may be a welcome addition if things go south.

Melvin Ingram

The player everyone wants.

It seems his name comes up a lot in Jacksonville. He is a high riser on draft boards and can do so many things on defense.

From the end position, he rushes the passer. From the linebacker slot, he contains the run and rushes on third down. From the tackle position, he contains the run.

Multiple talents mean more chances to make big money.

Justin Blackmon

You add him to this list, and you pray that he falls to you.

Blackmon is still considered "the player" at the wide receiver position, but I also think Michael Floyd has gained some ground on him.

He is a tick under 6'2" and has decent speed, but he moves fluidly and can rise above defenders to take the ball out of the air.

He is also someone who can play on the outside and in the slot.

Courtney Upshaw

You could trade into the middle of the first round (13-17) and still have a shot at Upshaw, who is a hybrid lineman/linebacker. But he is a pass rusher no matter where he plays.

Upshaw is the kind of player that can take over a game defensively. He is fast, strong and he moves straight forward.

The Cowboys, Eagles, Jets and Chargers could all be interested in him somewhere in the middle of the draft, but if the Jaguars trade down with them, who knows.

Stephen Hill

If you are looking for a reason the Jaguars might trade down and still make a move for a receiver, then here is Stephen Hill.

The speed merchant from Georgia Tech seems to be the hot read on everyone's radar right now and for good measure.

Hill recently ran a 4.37 40-yard dash. At 6'4" and 215 pounds, he is a great looking receiver in the red zone, something the Jaguars need desperately.

The problem with drafting Hill is simple; he is not a top-15 talent and taking him somewhere in that range means you have no other opportunities to draft players at other positions who can help you.

He is a reach.