Jacksonville Jaguars' Top Needs, Fits for 2015 NFL Draft to Build for the Future

As one of the youngest teams in the NFL, the Jacksonville Jaguars have been focusing on the future for a couple of years now. Focusing on the draft and building a young team have become key characteristics of the Jaguars and will continue to be in 2015.

Despite some veteran help in free agency, the Jaguars' main goal in 2015 is to have another successful draft. The 2013 and 2014 drafts were regarded as strong drafts for the Jaguars, and general manager Dave Caldwell and head coach Gus Bradley will look to keep that trend going.

The Jaguars still have needs and positions they can upgrade or, at the very least, provide valuable depth to. Despite having one of the NFL's youngest teams, the Jaguars feel that the best way to grow and strengthen the team is with young talent.

The Jaguars aren't focused on reaching the playoffs this year, although they should expect better results from the 4-12 season in 2013 and 3-13 season in 2014. They're looking for improvement as a whole, and they feel that the results will come.

Building through the draft and having a patient front office are a strong combination. The Jaguars get to focus on creating a sustainable team for the future and not just make one run for the AFC South title, or better yet, the Super Bowl.

This year's draft is another important event for the Jaguars, and you can expect they'll put their best foot forward.

With the intro out of the way, let's look at the Jaguars' top needs and fits for the future in the 2015 NFL draft.

Center

Mark J. Terrill/Associated Press

The Jaguars have one center listed on the roster: the impressive Luke Bowanko. Bowanko was a surprisingly successful sixth-round pick in the 2014 NFL draft, but there needs to be another true center on the roster.

While some of the guards could switch over to center if needed, the team needs a direct backup or someone to challenge Bowanko for the job. The center position isn't too deep in this year's draft, so the Jaguars have to make the right pick.

Cameron Erving, Florida State

Erving is easily the top center in this year's draft. Projected to go in the first round by CBS Sports, Erving is an experienced star and a versatile player at that. Erving has spent time at center and tackle for FSU and would be the best option for the Jaguars at center.

Erving is one of the more athletic centers, and this is due to his time as a tackle. He excelled for FSU at tackle and center and would be a smart and popular local pick. However, Erving is projected to go in the late first round, so it's unlikely the Jaguars could nab him.

Reese Dismukes, Auburn

There are few centers who had a better 2014 than Dismukes: The 2014 Rimington Trophy winner, a 2014 AP first-team All-SEC and All-American selection and an Outland Trophy finalist, Dismukes was incredible in 2014, and he could be incredible in Jacksonville.

The steadiest member of the Auburn offensive line in 2014, Dismukes' success was crucial to the success of Auburn's offense. He went from very good to stellar in 2014, and I would consider him to be a player the Jaguars should look for on Day 2 of the draft.

Shaquille Mason, Georgia Tech

Aside from sharing a first name with one of the greatest basketball centers of all time, the other things Mason has in common with Shaq are his consistent blocking and incredible strength. Mason is the third-heaviest center projected to be drafted (318 pounds), and he's shown his ability to use that weight in Atlanta.

Mason is an experienced third-day option for the Jaguars. The USA Today All-American played in all four of his seasons and had a total of 40 starts. If the front office wants to bring in a similarly talented player to compete with Bowanko, Mason may be the guy.

Defensive Tackle

The Jaguars have four defensive tackles on the roster, and three of them are at least 27 years old. Besides the 23-year-old Abry Jones, Sen'Derrick Marks, Ziggy Hood and Roy Miller make up one of the oldest position groups for the Jaguars.

While none of the players are nearing "old age," it's smart to get some depth and youngsters to train behind them. The defensive tackle spot has a lot of depth in this year's draft, and that makes it the right time to pick up a player for the future.

Leonard Williams, Southern Cal

Arguably the best defensive player in the draft, Williams wouldn't necessarily be a pick for the future. He'd have to be taken with the Jaguars' first pick, and the Jaguars would have to expect him to start as well.

His time at USC was productive and, along with an all-around good performance at the combine, Williams is the best pass-rusher available. He'd be a starter contender and could switch to the outside if needed, but the Jaguars have to be sure of his ability to risk their first pick.

Michael Bennett, Ohio State

Not to be confused with the Seattle Seahawks' Michael Bennett, the 6'2", 288-pound Buckeyes star could become the young prospect the Jaguars need at defensive tackle. Bennett is quick and stronger than he looks, and he would be a smart choice for the present and the future.

Bennett has plenty of experience and talent, and the grooming he received from head coach Urban Meyer and staff has him NFL ready. Projected as a late-second- or early-third-round pick by CBS Sports, Bennett is a player the Jaguars should for in the third round.

Ellis McCarthy, UCLA

He was not as known as his USC counterpart Williams, but that didn't stop McCarthy from leaving early to pursue a career in the NFL. Most likely the biggest defensive tackle to be drafted (6'5", 338 pounds), McCarthy can eat space and could wreak havoc as a Jaguar.

While he could be a future run-stopper, he's also shown prowess as a pass-rusher. He recorded three sacks in 2014 for the Bruins and has proved that he can shove and handle blockers with ease. McCarthy wouldn't see much playing time in 2015 but could be a smart pick as a future DT.

Guard

David Stephenson/Associated Press

The Jaguars have a total of three guards on the current roster: Zane Beadles, Brandon Linder and Tyler Shatley. The gap in talent between starters Linder and Beadles and Shatley is large, and it'd be a smart move to grab another talented guard for current depth and future potential.

Like the center position, there aren't many talented guards in this year's draft, so the Jaguars have to be picky. However, while the position is thin, there are some definite options that could work in the Jaguars' favor.

A.J. Cann, South Carolina

A 2014 ESPN and CBS Sports All-American, Cann ended his time with the Gamecocks with a fantastic senior season. Cann cleared defenders consistently and efficiently with his 6'3", 313-pound frame and also showed great technical ability as well.

Cann had a total of 51 starts for the Gamecocks and brings both experience and talent to the table. If Beadles cannot remedy his questionable play from last season, Cann wouldn't be just a guy for the future but a guy who could compete right away.

Josue Matias, Florida State

Somewhat overshadowed by fellow teammate and guard Tre Jackson, Matias was still an integral part of FSU's success in 2013 and 2014. Matias made 43 consecutive starts for the Seminoles and would be a guy who could learn and be an option in years to come.

Matias steadily improved every year in Tallahassee and started to show his class in the second half of the season. Matias wouldn't be a direct competitor for a starting position, but a guy with his experience would make for an excellent backup and could still develop and improve under Beadles and Linder.

Safety

Despite having six safeties on the roster, the Jaguars aren't as secure at the position as it seems. Besides Sergio Brown, Josh Evans and Johnathan Cyprien, the Jaguars are relatively weak at the position.

The remaining safeties—Craig Loston, Jeremy Deering and Matt Daniels—are mediocre at best. The Jaguars need a second strong safety, especially after a disappointing 2014 for Cyprien, and finding a guy to train under Cyprien and maybe compete with him is crucial in this year's draft.

Landon Collins, Alabama

Collins is regarded as the best overall safety in this year's draft, and if the Jaguars are aiming high as a franchise, they ought to try for the best safety. Collins was a steady contributor for a shaky Alabama secondary in 2013 and 2014 and could bring that consistency to Duval.

Collins had five interceptions in his two years as a starter and is a versatile playmaker. However, Collins is projected as a late-first-round pick and may be out of the Jaguars' reach. However, if the right trade is available and they're sold on him, it would be smart to trade down for him.

James Sample, Louisville

Sample came to Louisville as a transfer from Washington and became a major contributor for the Cardinals defense. Sample picked off four passes in 2014, and while Gerod Holliman's 14 interceptions in 2014 overshadowed his performance, he may be the better overall safety.

Sample tackles better in space than Holliman does, and he doesn't deal with the inconsistency that Holliman deals with. Also, at his current projected fourth-round spot by CBS Sports, the Jaguars could get Sample for a lot better value than probable second-day pick Holliman.

Anthony Jefferson, UCLA

Jefferson is a guy I mocked to the Jaguars in the sixth round weeks ago, and he'd still be a smart choice at that spot. Jefferson was a two-year starter for the Bruins and could be a good option after a year or two of development.

If the Jaguars are confident that Cyprien's performance last season was a simple misstep, then Jefferson would be the best pick. Learning and growing with the safety group could do wonders for his game, and he could be a strong player in the future.

Inside Linebacker

When dealing with a guy who's been a vital part of the team for a few years like Paul Posluszny has, it may be hard to admit that he's nearly past his prime. However, it's a sad truth the Jaguars have to face and deal with.

The Jaguars cannot afford to get hung up on the past. Instead, they need to make sure they find his replacement—and maybe a guy who can surpass his accomplishments on and off the field.

Bernardrick McKinney, Mississippi State

McKinney is the closest thing to the full package at inside linebacker in this year's draft. McKinney was a dominant force in the SEC for the past few years, and his ability to read defenses and stop both the run and the pass has him regarded as one of the best available.

McKinney is always firing on all cylinders and looks to make plays in any situation. Unlike "Poz," McKinney is adept in pass coverage and pass-rushing situations as well. He had three-plus sacks in both 2013 and 2014, and he defended three passes in 2014.

Paul Dawson, TCU

While McKinney is adept in pass coverage, Dawson is outstanding. In two seasons as a starter for the Horned Frogs, Dawson had five interceptions and defended eight passes. However, that's not all he offers for the Jaguars.

Dawson was the reliable but impactful leader of TCU. He looks like a guy you want leading a team and could fill in for Poz this season when needed. He could easily transition to a leadership role after a year or two. 

Taiwan Jones, Michigan State

A product of the always-impressive Spartans defense, Jones is a bit different than Dawson and McKinney. Jones is a better pass-rusher, and while he's not anything special in coverage, Jones would be a guy who can benefit from preparing for a year or two.

Jones has started 30 games for Michigan State and became an integral part of their consistent success in the Big Ten. Jones isn't a guy the Jaguars would draft with 2015 in mind, but he could be a smart investment for when Poz moves on from Duval.

Leo End

Thought by most to be the position the Jaguars will focus on with their first overall pick, there's no doubt that the Jaguars need an exciting young prospect at the "Leo" spot. However, it may not be necessary to use the first-round pick on this position.

There are promising options throughout the draft. As this list points out, there are multiple places the Jaguars will look to improve, and that may mean using this pick on a different position. We won't know until draft day, but regardless of whether the Jaguars take a Leo, they can be happy with the various options.

Randy Gregory, Nebraska

Despite the failed drug test at the combine and the outstanding competition, Gregory is the guy to take in the first round. Strong, fast and technically adept, Gregory is the full package at the Leo spot. 

Gregory had 17.5 sacks in 23 games as a starter for the Cornhuskers and is one of the most tenacious pass-rushers available. He would be a probable starter at the Leo spot, and as he garners game time and works with veteran Chris Clemons and the Jaguars staff, he could turn into one of the best.

Trey Flowers, Arkansas

Like Gregory, I have been a big proponent of Trey Flowers for a while now. Projected as a late-second-, early-third-round player by CBS Sports, Flowers is more physical than Gregory and could learn a lot by being a backup to Clemons and competing with Andre Branch and Ryan Davis.

Flowers picked up 17 sacks in his three years as a starter and was constantly a tough matchup for tackles in the SEC. Flowers isn't as athletic as Gregory, but he has greater strength and has shown he can hang with the best tackles in the SEC.

Lorenzo Mauldin, Louisville

Once again, another guy I'm sold on as a Leo rusher. Mauldin started all but one game in 2013 and 2014 and picked up 20.5 sacks in his last three years at Louisville. Mauldin showed that he was instinctive but smart in 2013 and 2014 and would be a sound investment at the Leo spot.

Mauldin, like Flowers, isn't the fastest guy, but he's determined and can beat tackles with his hands and his strength. Continuing to grow and learn with the Jaguars could be extremely beneficial and help him reach the impressive numbers he compiled in college.

Wide Receiver

At first look, there is no need for another receiver on the roster. The Jaguars have 10 receivers on the roster, and six of them are entering their second year on the team. However, the majority of the receivers on the roster aren't at the level of ability the Jaguars are looking for.

The Jaguars need a young receiver with drastic upside. Failing to find a veteran in free agency, they can most likely find a strong value pick in the draft. The Jaguars need to add another strong receiver for the future, and they can find one in this year's draft.

Amari Cooper, Alabama

With a staggering combination of speed and awareness, Cooper is the closest thing to an all-in-one receiver you can find in this year's draft. With great size (6'1", 211 pounds), good speed and an ability to bypass defenders with ease, Cooper is one of the best receivers in the draft.

Cooper rebounded from a disappointing 2013 with 124 receptions, 1,727 yards and 16 touchdowns in 2014. He showed that he's worthy of the hype, and if the Jaguars truly want a guy to be a promising connection for Blake Bortles for years to come, it's Cooper.

Justin Hardy, East Carolina

It's not often that you see a guy with 4,000-plus receiving yards projected in the third round. Hardy has been one of the most consistent receivers in college football for the Pirates, yet many don't think he's going to match that production in the NFL.

And honestly, he probably can't. However, a guy with his experience and stats has to amount to something. Hardy is a smart pick and good value in the third round and could be a fourth or fifth option this year with lots of upside for years to come.

Ty Montgomery, Stanford

A guy with great size (6'0", 221 pounds) and experience, Montgomery could be a third-day pick with lots of upside. Montgomery can't boast of the stats that Cooper and Hardy can, but he has enough experience and ability to make an impact for the Jaguars long term.

Montgomery never had a 1,000-yard season with Stanford but was usually its top guy to throw to. Montgomery would be the pick of choice should the Jaguars find a veteran receiver they like and, with a year or two of development, could be a solid second or third receiver.

Running Back

The running back position is not dead, and if you want proof, look at how important it seems to the Jaguars and the fanbase. It's an understood necessity to have a productive running back, and the Jaguars may find their future back in this year's draft.

The Jaguars have two young backs in Storm Johnson and Denard Robinson and two experienced ones in Bernard Pierce and Toby Gerhart. However, there has been no direct leader, and the Jaguars need to get a back who can get reps now and be the lead back for the future.

Melvin Gordon, Wisconsin

Arguably the best all-around back, Gordon would be the top choice for the Jaguars in this year's draft. Gordon had a stellar career with the Badgers, and it was one that showed his progress and ability. 

His final year with Wisconsin culminated in an incredible 2,587 yards rushing and 29 touchdowns on 343 carries. Gordon dominated, and those kinds of numbers aren't flukes. Gordon had waited his turn and developed in Madison, and if anyone's ready to make an impact on the Jaguars, it's Gordon.

Jeremy Langford, Michigan State

Another Big Ten back, Langford is a guy the Jaguars can find in the third round if things go their way, according to CBS Sports. Langford is another guy with experience and development, and while he's not quite Gordon, he's a bruising, durable back.

Langford's 2014 totaled 1,522 yards and 22 touchdowns on 276 carries. He had a big year for the Spartans, and his tough, head-on running style became a nightmare for opposing defenses. I can imagine him in a Jaguars jersey doing the same.

Cameron Artis-Payne, Auburn

Somewhat overshadowed by the play of Nick Marshall and Auburn's offense as a whole, Artis-Payne could be a steal on Day 3 of the draft. Artis-Payne made the jump as a JUCO transfer to the SEC and quickly made a name for himself in his two years playing for the Auburn Tigers.

Artis-Payne's 1,608 yards rushing and 13 touchdowns were products of his all-around athleticism and underrated vision. Going with Auburn's high-speed offense, Artis-Payne makes quick, instinctive decisions that could be a foundation for development playing for the Jaguars.