This seems a bit strange but it is possible for the Jacksonville Jaguars to land their franchise quarterback in this year's upcoming NFL Draft. They have 12 total draft picks this year and another nine next year with two first-round picks in each draft.
Kravitz got me on board with the Jaguars tanking idea when they traded away the 'Mayor of Sacksonville', Calais Campbell for a fifth-round pick in this year's draft. They also got rid of Nick Foles (and surprisingly did not have to throw in one of their picks) and his awful contract to the Chicago Bears for a fourth-round pick. Young stud pass rusher Yannick Ngakoue wants out of Duval but the Jags slapped the franchise tag on him.
Again, Kravitz got me on board with the idea of the Jaguars rolling out with Gardner Minshew, who is a fan favorite, and seeing what he can do. If he fails, then the team is in line to land Trevor Lawrence. If he succeeds, then you've found your franchise quarterback. It's essentially a win-win situation for the Jaguars (despite the potential of a lot of losing).
Then I came across this mock draft that got me thinking again.
In the article, it says that the Jaguars trade up to No. 3 with the Detroit Lions to land Tua Tagovailoa: "While Gardner Minshew flashed as a rookie, I don't think he's locked in as the long-term QB. Having sold off veterans for a lot of draft capital, I can see the Jaguars packaging their two first-round picks (or one plus Yannick Ngakoue?) and kicking in No. 165 to beat a Miami offer for Tagovailoa, who would be the No. 1 pick in many drafts if the medicals check out."
Tua has been making tons of progress since suffering a dislocated hip in a mid-November game against Mississippi State and has already been cleared medically for football activities. You can check out the video of Tua's footwork and progress here.
It's a long shot that this actually happens but it would make sense for the Jaguars to pull the trigger on this kind of deal. Again, they have plenty of picks over the next two years to improve their offensive line, replenish the defense, and add a few more weapons to go with D.J. Chark and Leonard Fournette. Offensive line would be the big thing with this team as Tua has had some major injuries in the past so keeping him upright is a MUST.
While Gardner Minshew is a fan favorite, you would have to believe that a chance for the team to find their franchise quarterback and not have to tank a year to potentially land Trevor Lawrence would be welcomed and Detroit is shopping the third pick.
Jacksonville surely would put a bunch wrinkles in the top part of the first-round of the draft should they pull off this trade.
PHOTO CREDIT: GETTY IMAGES