The Jaguars have the No. 2 pick in April’s draft. And they would seem to be giving the impression of doing every bit of due diligence on West Virginia quarterback Geno Smith, who’s regarded as the top passing prospect available.
The Jaguars said Wednesday that general manager David Caldwell, head coach Gus Bradley, offensive coordinator Jedd Fisch, senior vice president Tony Khan and player personnel director Terry McDonough will be attending West Virginia’s pro day on Thursday in Morgantown. Per the West Virginia athletics website, every NFL team is expected to have a presence at the pro day.
The Jaguars are somewhat unsettled at quarterback. Blaine Gabbert has had a challenging first two NFL seasons, and the general manager who drafted him (Gene Smith) is gone. Moreover, Bradley will be Gabbert’s fourth head coach in his short pro career. Likewise, veteran Chad Henne is also a holdover from an old regime. In February, Caldwell told NFL.com that there would be “a wide-open competition” at quarterback.
With numerous needs and the QB uncertainty, the Jaguars could go any number of ways with that No. 2 pick. If they believe Geno Smith is the answer at the most important position on the field, taking him makes sense. That said, a trade down is logical, too -- this is a new era in Jacksonville, and roster changes go hand-in-hand in these situations. And should the Jaguars deal down in Round One and pick up more picks ... well, they need playmaking punch throughout the offense, and they will get a nice, in-person look at one Tavon Austin on Thursday.