5 NFL Draft Prospects Jaguars Fans Should Already Be Watching

NFL draft season is still at least 13 weeks away for most teams, but the Jacksonville Jaguars are one of a handful of teams that can probably start thinking about the offseason already. 

After a strong 2014 draft, the Jaguars have a number of exciting young pieces in place, but there's still work to be done. 

The following list highlights five prospects who could be first-round targets of the Jaguars depending on where they end up making their first selection on April 30.

Leonard Williams, DE/DT, USC

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Just like Jadeveon Clowney and the Texans this past year, Leonard Williams may simply fall into the Jaguars' lap, even if it isn't a perfect match. 

The Jaguars appear to be set at defensive end, where Williams primarily lines up in USC's defense, due to their spending spree on former Seahawks Chris Clemons and Red Bryant this past offseason. However, Williams is one of the few defensive prospects with a consensus elite grade at this stage of the process, which puts him on the Jaguars' radar. 

Williams isn't an explosive edge-rusher and primarily wins with his strength, which may make him a candidate to permanently shift inside to the three-technique tackle position in a 4-3 scheme like Jacksonville's. 

That role is currently held down by Sen'Derrick Marks, who has three sacks on the year. 

Unlike Marks, however, Williams offers potential as an interior pass-rusher and also as a run-stuffer.

Michael Bennett, DT, Ohio State

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Michael Bennett isn't even the best defensive lineman on the Buckeyes roster, but since Joey Bosa isn't eligible for the draft, it's Bennett who could be a high pick in 2015. 

Bennett has excelled as an interior pass-rusher at Ohio State, registering seven sacks and 11.5 tackles for loss in 2013. But this past season Bennett has dramatically improved his strength and is improving his ability to hold his ground against the run. 

As he develops into a more well-rounded lineman, Bennett's stock continues to rise and could make him a nice fit in Jacksonville. 

Bennett would provide some much-needed depth and would potentially knock Sen'Derrick Marks from his starting role.

Brandon Scherff, OT, Iowa

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The Jaguars selected Luke Joeckel second overall in 2013, but the offensive line remains a mess. 

Blake Bortles has made the most of the situation, but it's difficult to expect development from a young quarterback behind a shaky offensive line. 

Through their first five games, the Jaguars quarterbacks have been pressured on 34.5 percent of their dropbacks according to Pro Football Focus (subscription required), which certainly isn't conducive to learning the offense.

Brandon Scherff isn't the flashy athlete that teams are typically attracted to early in the draft, but he is as steady as they come. 

Scherff's ability to step onto an NFL field and play at a high level immediately at right tackle is exactly what the Jaguars need, even if his ceiling may not be as high as some of the other prospects at his position.

Landon Collins, S, Alabama

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The Jaguars secondary is such a mess that Winston Guy, who started the first three games, has already been released. 

A fully healthy Johnathan Cyprien will certainly help matters, but the Jaguars desperately need to surround him with some playmakers in the secondary. 

Collins is a special talent who has drawn comparisons to Eric Berry and other talented safeties around the league. 

"

If Eric Weddle and Eric Berry morphed into one prospect, it would be Landon Collins. He'll be a top 10 SAF when drafted. Be happy, #Jaguars

— Ian Wharton (@NFLFilmStudy) September 28, 2014"

He has primarily played the strong safety role at Alabama, which Cyprien occupies in Jacksonville. However, Collins is a versatile athlete who has the size, speed and field awareness to play either safety position in the NFL.

Benardrick McKinney, SLB, Mississippi State

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Benardrick McKinney made a name for himself against Texas A&M, recording seven tackles, including a sack and a tackle for loss. 

He plays a versatile role in the Bulldogs' scheme but would be an ideal fit at strong-side linebacker in defensive coordinator Bob Babich's system in Jacksonville. 

The Jaguars have used a rotation at the strong-side spot this year, with LaRoy Reynolds and J.T. Thomas seeing the majority of the playing time. 

McKinney may be a slight liability dropping into coverage early in his career, but the Jaguars have the depth with other young linebackers such as Telvin Smith to develop a rotation capable of getting the most out of their playmakers.