How experts graded the Maason Smith, Jarrian Jones picks for the Jacksonville Jaguars
Night two of the 2024 NFL Draft saw the Jacksonville Jaguars select Maason Smith with their second round pick (No. 48) and Jarrian Jones in the third round.
Smith is a 6-5, 306 pound defensive lineman and a self-described physical-freak out of LSU. He suffered an ACL injury during the first game of the 2022 season, tanking his stock a bit.
But he will be able to slot into the rotation of defenders for Jacksonville along with Josh Allen, Travon Walker, Roy Robinson-Harris, DeVon Hamilton and Arik Armstead.
Smith was the second LSU player selected by the Jaguars after the team used their first round selection on wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr.
The team used their third round pick to select Jones, a nickel corner from FSU who the team thinks is versatile enough to play inside and out.
Jones is 6-0, 190 and appeared in 55 games during his collegiate career. He recorded 96 tackles, 12 pass breakups, five interceptions, two fumble recoveries and one forced fumble.
Here's how NFL draft experts are grading the two picks.
Jacksonville Jaguars' NFL draft expert grades for Maason Smith pick
USA TODAY: B-
The Athletic: B-
CBS Sports: B-
OUTLOOK: The experts are all in agreement on Smith. It's a good pick, not great. Likely due to the prior injuries for him that derailed some of his college career.
The Jaguars could've opted to use the pick to bolster the thin cornerback room, but they opted to build out the defensive line. Still, he can make an instant impact and will be a good asset for defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen.
Jacksonville Jaguars' NFL draft expert grades for Jarrian Jones pick
USA TODAY: C
The Athletic: C
CBS Sports: B
OUTLOOK: The Jones selection was not graded highly by NFL Draft experts. With the way cornerbacks went on Day 2 (10 selected in the second and third rounds) and for the players still available at the position it was a viewed as a meh at best move.