The Jacksonville Jaguars bolstered their wide receiver corps in the first round by selecting LSU’s Brian Thomas Jr. at No. 23. They then shifted their focus to the defensive line in the second round, choosing Thomas’ former teammate, defensive tackle Maason Smith, with the 48th overall pick.
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25421027/1237555113.jpg)
Smith, who worked out for the Jags during the pre-draft process, revealed that no other teams showed interest, making Jacksonville’s decision unsurprising.
What can the Jaguars expect from LSU DT Maason Smith in 2024?
Smith will join the Jaguars’ defensive tackle rotation, offering strong run-stopping abilities and improving as a pass rusher throughout his collegiate career. In his final season at LSU, he recorded 2.5 sacks and 4.5 tackles for loss. The only potential concern is his history of injuries, including a torn ACL in 2022. Nonetheless, defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen should be able to maximize his potential. The coaching staff is likely to gradually integrate him into the rotation rather than thrusting him into a starting role immediately.
To start the season, Smith will sit behind veterans DaVon Hamilton and Arik Armstead, the team’s prominent free-agent acquisition. However, he should see increased playing time as the season progresses.
What grade do the Jaguars receive for drafting Maason Smith in Round 2?
Maason Smith said his workout with the Jaguars was his best of the spring, and it was also his last.
It’s easy to imagine Baalke and Ryan Nielsen wanting to get their hands on him. pic.twitter.com/Netxf60wXr
— Кevin (@KevinFromDuval) April 26, 2024
Grade: C+
Maason Smith has the potential to become a dependable contributor, providing much-needed depth to the interior defensive line. However, cornerback was a more pressing need in Round 2, and the Jaguars chose not to address it, allowing other teams to make moves for the position. Despite passing on top cornerback prospects like Kool-Aid McKinstry (New Orleans Saints) or Cooper DeJean (Philadelphia Eagles), the Jaguars decided to stick with their pick.