Jacksonville Jaguars NFL Draft Big Board: Position-by-Position Rankings

Comparisons and evaluations are how the Jacksonville Jaguars and the rest of the NFL separate the top prospects from the rest of the pack. They've looked position by position, and you better believe they know who their guys are.

However, for the rest of us, we have to guess what each team thinks of each player. The best way to get to the same conclusion is to do what the franchises do: Rank and file your targets and needs.

The Jaguars have a very interesting draft ahead of them, and the options at their need positions are extensive and talented. Choosing the right player is the troublesome part.

Jaguars' Top Five Draft Needs

• Defensive End (Leo)
• Wide Receiver
• Running Back
• Guard
• Defensive Tackle

If the Jaguars can address these needs, they could be poised for a big jump. Some spots, like guard and defensive tackle, are just for depth and investments in youth. If the Jaguars can draft top talent at the Leo spot, wide receiver or running back, however, they'll be very close to having a strong team.

The Jaguars know this better than anyone, and that's why I expect an aggressive draft from general manager Dave Caldwell. The quicker they can get top talent, the quicker the results will come in. It should be exciting to watch.

Let's look at some position-by-position rankings of the Jaguars' draft needs.

Defensive End

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Fortunately for the Jaguars, defensive ends, specifically pass-rushing defensive ends, seem to be abundant at the top of this draft. However, with all the options available it can be hard to tell who will live up to his potential.

Getting an impact pass-rusher is crucial for the Jaguars going forward. Chris Clemons was fantastic this past year, but at 33 years old, he can't be the guy the Jaguars rely on. Instead, they need to find a franchise guy who's worth the pick now and down the road.

Dante Fowler Jr., Florida, 6'3", 261 lbs

Very few players compare to Dante Fowler's powerful edge-rushing abilities. He's quick, strong and intelligent, and he seems to improve each season. Fowler is a guy the Jaguars could draft this season and start, but his ceiling is higher still.

Fowler jumped from 3.5 sacks in 2013 to 8.5 in 2014, and the improvements were noticeable. As he continues to master the technical game, his athletic ability will really start to shine. If the Jaguars take a Leo with the third pick, he's the top guy.

Vic Beasley, Clemson, 6'3", 246 lbs

Beasley has been a popular name over the past couple of seasons and for good reason. He's a tremendous athlete with quickness that's unusual even for the top pass-rushers. Raw and slightly underweight, Beasley has a lot to offer, but he needs a bit more polish than some of his competition.

However, Beasley's stats make a strong case. He totaled 25 sacks in 26 games the past two seasons and was unstoppable for the majority of the ACC's offensive tackles. Beasley has the stats and the potential; now he just needs the proper development.

Randy Gregory, Nebraska, 6'5", 235 lbs

A little lankier than most DEs, Gregory makes up for it with supreme athleticism. His tall body and incredible jumping ability allow him to bat down passes and offer more variety as a pass-rushing defensive end.

Gregory's 17.5 sacks through 23 games over the past two seasons may be the second-best ratio of the class. However, Gregory's a bit raw, and his recent failed drug tests have raised eyebrows in concern. A great pick, but not quite Fowler.

Other names, like Shane Ray and Bud Dupree, are strong, potentially just as strong, options. However, they will most likely only be available if the Jaguars trade down. They're worthy options as well, but the top three choices are listed above.

Wide Receiver

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The Jaguars are trying to build the offense around quarterback Blake Bortles, and they've done well so far. New addition Julius Thomas and young prospects Allen Robinson, Marqise Lee and Allen Hurns have helped. But they need one more guy to perfectly set up Bortles and preferably a top one at that.

There is a lot of depth at wide receiver in this year's draft, and the Jaguars need to make sure they select the best fit. A top receiver is something that hasn't been seen in Duval County for a long time.

Amari Cooper, Alabama, 6'1", 211 lbs

Cooper has dominated the college ranks for the past three years with his perfect size and mentality. Cooper is quick and strong, but what really shine are his silky smooth routes and ability to get behind defenders and make big plays.

Cooper's 1,727-yard, 16-touchdown season last year was evidence of his ability. He's got the polish and ability of a veteran, and his ceiling still hasn't been determined. If the Jaguars decide to pass on the ends, Cooper is the top choice.

Kevin White, West Virginia, 6'3", 215 lbs

For some, White is the top receiver. He's strong, aggressive and knows his game. White is a consistent big-body guy who can bring down almost any pass. White's incredible speed for his size is his top attribute, and that speed makes him a multi-threat receiver.

White blew up last season with 1,447 yards and 10 touchdowns. He was the key playmaker of the Mountaineers offense, and most of the Big 12's secondaries were no match for him. White offers a better physical body than Cooper, but he lacks Cooper's polish and overall foundation.

DeVante Parker, Louisville, 6'3", 209 lbs

Parker isn't quite as praised as his classmates, but there is no one else in this draft class who can hang with White and Cooper. Quick and instinctive, Parker is a top athlete with great technical skills who can offer any franchise a potential star.

Through his last three years at Louisville, Parker had 2,484 yards and 27 touchdowns. Not the highest numbers, by any means, but he was a consistent producer for the Cardinals. Parker doesn't have the polish of Cooper or the strength of White, but he is a tremendous prospect with a very high ceiling if he gains some weight.

Many other names, like Breshad Perriman, Jaelen Strong and Dorial Green-Beckham, deserve attention as well. But Cooper, White and Parker are the three guys worth taking with the third pick, and even Parker would be a stretch. No matter who the Jaguars choose, however, the depth at WR is incredible this year.

Running Back

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The Jaguars went through the 2014 season without an undisputed top back. It seemed to be Toby Gerhart, then it was Denard Robinson. Backups Storm Johnson and Jordan Todman were always in the mix as well.

The Jaguars can end that battle with a top back in this year's draft. There is some incredible talent in the first two rounds, and if the Jaguars feel that there is a great fit for the right spot, we could see a new starting running back in Jacksonville.

Todd Gurley, Georgia, 6'1", 222 lbs

A devastating combo of strength, vision and breakaway speed, Gurley seems to be the full package. He has been a household name for the Bulldogs since 2012, and he is the best all-around back available. Gurley has slight concerns with injury, but overall he seems to be the definitive top guy.

Gurley's most impressive season was 2012, but his whole career was phenomenal. His 3,285 yards, 36 touchdowns and 6.5 yards per carry prove that he was a top back in college, and he's showing no signs of slowing down in the NFL.

Melvin Gordon, Wisconsin, 6'1", 215 lbs

If there's anyone on the same level as Gurley, it's Gordon. Gordon offers great athleticism and strength, but, like Gurley, he's got quick enough feet to accelerate and hit the big runs. Whether you need a run between the tackles or a sweep to the outside, Gurley can do it all.

Gordon's 2014 was really special, as he rushed for 2,587 yards and 29 touchdowns. While I highly doubt he can come close to those numbers in the NFL, Gordon has the potential to dominate if he continues to progress.

Jay Ajayi, Boise State, 6'0", 221 lbs

Ajayi seems to be a considerable drop-off, talent-wise, from Gordon and Gurley, but as a second-round pick, he's a great value. A strong back with decent speed, Ajayi could be a straightforward, no-nonsense back with a high ceiling. 

Like Gordon and Gurley, Ajayi's stats are impressive, especially his 3,248 yards rushing and 46 touchdowns. Ajayi's top quality is the fact that he's an all-purpose back. He may not be as talented as Gurley or Gordon, but he can play every down and every situation, with notably good hands for a running back.

Other names, like Tevin Coleman, are also available for the Jaguars, but Gurley, Gordon and Ajayi are the Jaguars' top choices. Whether the Jags make a move for one of them in the first or second rounds remains to be seen.

Offensive Guard

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With just three offensive guards on the official roster, the Jaguars' need for a solid backup or young prospect for the future is more apparent than most realize. The depth at guard isn't nearly as good as other positions in the draft, but the Jaguars can still make the most of it.

Zane Beadles and Brandon Linder are definite starters, but with Tyler Shatley as the sole backup, with little experience, there needs to be some insurance at the least. The earliest the Jaguars could possibly take a guard would be in the second round, but I expect it will be even later.

A.J. Cann, South Carolina, 6'3", 313 lbs

A.J. Cann is the top guard in this draft for me. He's an all-around performer, and despite his slightly below-average height, he has much better athleticism and instincts than many in the class. Cann would be a great backup to learn behind Zane Beadles for a year or two.

Cann was a four-year starter for South Carolina and can boast more experience than any other potential guard. Cann's not the best technically, but with some tuning he could be a solid starter, should Beadles leave in a year or two.

Ali Marpet, Hobart, 6'4", 307 lbs

Marpet is one of the draft's many "underdogs", but he may be the top one. Coming from tiny Hobart College, Marpet boasts sharp handwork and footwork to go with the ideal size and athleticism for a guard. If the Jaguars can grab him in the third, he's worthy of the pick.

Marpet, like the majority of guards in the draft, will need some work. He needs to gain weight, and the understandable concern about the competition he faced in college will be an issue. However, he's a solid guard, and like Cann, he could be a productive starter in a year or two.

Tre' Jackson, Florida State, 6'4", 330 lbs

The first thing to notice about Jackson is his incredible size. Jackson has made his way to the top using his enormous frame to take care of defenders, which some consider to be laziness. However, Jackson was an established player for FSU, and he seems to have a bright future ahead of him.

Jackson started 42 games for the Seminoles and was consistently a rock for their offensive line. His ACL tear in his junior year causes some concern, but his overall strength and experience makes him a solid third-round pick.

The Jaguars may wait until the third day to get a backup guard. If they decide to get a more talented one earlier, any of these three options would be sensible and a good value.

Defensive Tackle

David J. Phillip/Associated Press

There's been a lot of talk about the defensive end position, but the Jaguars' oldest position group is at defensive tackle. Five DTs are currently on the roster, but the Jaguars need a younger, playmaking defensive tackle to come in and learn from them.

There is good all-around draft depth at the position, and the Jaguars have options, whether they want a guy in the first round or in the seventh. I wouldn't be surprised to see the Jaguars take a DT at any point in the draft.

Leonard Williams, USC, 6'5", 302 lbs

Considered by many to be the overall top prospect in the draft, Williams may not even make it to the Jaguars if the Tennessee Titans are interested. However, if he is there, it will be tough not to take Williams, thanks to his versatility, size and speed.

Williams impressed with the Trojans, totaling 21 sacks through his three-year career. An excellent pass-rusher, Williams has shown he can play almost anywhere on the line. If the Jaguars don't feel the need for a true Leo but want to improve the defensive line, he's the top pick.

Jordan Phillips, Oklahoma, 6'5", 329 lbs

It's a real shame that Phillips only played 17 games in his college career, because he's got the potential to be a really good DT. Phillips combines long arms and a strong motor to blow by interior blockers, and he is the top pick for a DT in the second round. 

Phillips missed only one game last season, and if he hadn't missed the majority of 2013, I think he'd be a certain first-round pick. His back injury raises concerns, but I don't think it will lead to future injuries. Phillips is a definite target if the Jaguars are looking to improve or provide depth at DT.

Michael Bennett, Ohio State, 6'2", 293 lbs 

Bennett seemed to regress in his senior season, but I don't think that was a permanent step backward. Bennett is big and quick and has an excellent nose for the quarterback. He is a bona fide playmaker.

With 14 sacks in the past two years, Bennett is no stranger to bringing down the quarterback. While he's not the most technically versatile, that is something that can be developed. If he slips to the third round, the Jaguars would have a tough time passing on him.

All stats were provided by ESPN.com unless otherwise stated.

Evan Reier is a featured columnist for Bleacher Report covering the Jacksonville Jaguars. Follow Evan on Twitter at @evanreier.