KC Chiefs: Jacksonville Jaguars are now the best fit for Eric Bieniemy
By Cullen Jekel
KC Chiefs: Jacksonville Jaguars are now the best fit for Eric Bieniemy
Should Bieniemy land in Jacksonville, he’ll join an organization with some key tools to rebuild the current roster.
Not only do the Jaguars have the No. 1 draft pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, but the team also has the most draft capital in the league. That includes a second first-round pick from the Los Angeles Rams that would fall only as late as pick No. 18 should the Rams miss the playoffs.
On top of that, the Jaguars have two second-round picks (their own, locked at No. 33, plus Minnesota’s), their own third-round pick, two fourth-round picks, two fifth-round picks, and two seventh-round picks. In all, that’s 11 selections as of this time.
Right now, the only pick that’s certain is that No. 1 overall pick. It’s almost certain that Jacksonville will take Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence, a generational talent and clearly the best quarterback available in the 2021 Draft. That Rams pick could be used on more protection along the offensive line, another receiving weapon (Kyle Pitts, OMG), or a solid defensive player.
In addition to the draft capital, the Jaguars also own the most cap room of all 32 NFL teams this offseason. According to Spotrac, Jacksonville will have just over $84 million in cap space, about $3 million more than the next team (Jets) but nearly $12 million more than the third team (Patriots).
Of course, Jacksonville will have to spend that money wisely, and that probably starts with locking up left tackle Cam Robinson to a new deal. Outside of Robinson, though, there doesn’t appear to be a whole lot of talent on expiring deals that would warrant extensions–though Bieniemy may opt to keep around ex-Chief Chris Conley for nostalgia sakes.
With those available assets, Bieniemy and the Jags’ next GM could quickly mold this team into one that could soon contend with the Titans, Texans, and Colts sooner rather than later, and with Lawrence under center, for years to come.