The Jacksonville Jaguars addressed two offensive depth needs in the middle of the draft. They didn’t have a fifth round pick, but that didn’t stop them from choosing the best player available.
RT Will Richardson, North Carolina State University, (Round 4, Pick No. 129)
In the fourth round, the Jaguars selected Will Richardson from North Carolina State. Richardson started at Right Tackle for the wolfpack for three years and was an anchor for their offensive line. He did not give up a sack in his final year with NC State despite playing against very talented ACC defensive lines.
Richardson comes to the Jaguars viewed as a versatile offensive lineman by general manager Dave Caldwell. Caldwell believes Richardson can play around the line at the guard positions and possibly the tackle positions. The thoughts here are that Richardson will be viewed as the team’s swing tackle.
There are character concerns with Richardson as he has been cited for a DUI twice in his time with North Carolina State. He was also suspended two games to start his final year for marijuana-related offenses. The Jaguars are very confident that those issues are behind him and that he is ready for the next level. Richardson would have been a day two pick if not for these issues.
Richardson has the skills to succeed at the next level and possibly be the future to replace Jeremy Parnell at right tackle. The Jaguars loves his versatility.
QB Tanner Lee, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, (Round 6, Pick No. 203)
With the 203rd pick the Jaguars selected Tanner Lee from Nebraska. He started at quarterback for the Huskers in his final year of eligibility after he transferred from Tulane University.
Lee started all three years he played football but didn’t win very many football games at either school. He had a subpar completion percentage each year and won no more than four games each season. His interception to touchdown ratio was a horrible 46:37 ratio. He can not play well in the pocket and is stiff under pressure. He also throws the ball with no anticipation or timing.
The thing scouts like about Lee is that he has the physicality to play at the next level and has a strong arm. Although he has these traits, he can not make the correct reads and fails to produce quality quarterback play.
The Jaguars brought Lee in to compete for the backup position with Cody Kessler. They’ll see if Lee can develop his mechanics and become better quarterback in the near future.
