NFL Draft Winners and Losers: Look out for the Jaguars
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It may have taken three days and 253 picks, but the 2016 NFL Draft is finally over, allowing for some proper analysis into which teams fared well with their selections, and what sides were a horror show.
Here’s some winners and losers from this year’s draft:
WINNERS
Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jags have been on a long-term rebuilding project for the past four years and finally look ready to reap the rewards of their hard work after a superb offseason.
They managed to take cornerback Jalen Ramsey, widely considered the best player available in this year’s draft pool, with the fifth selection, then nabbed line backer Myles Jack in the second round as a calculated gamble.
A knee injury saw Jack fall as low in the draft as he did, because nobody is really sure how long his career is going to be. The Jags are willing to take a risk and make use of his immense talent however long he’s around.
Their price of 16/1 to win the AFC could well prove to be too big.
Cincinnatti Bengals
The Bengals managed to make a steal with almost all of their picks this year. William Jackson III, who they took 24th, could pan out to be one of the best two cornerbacks in the draft, while wide receiver Tyler Boyd will be a good fit in their offense.
Swooping for Andrew Billings and Christian Westerman in the fourth and fifth rounds respectively completed an impressive haul for the 14/1 Super Bowl LI chances.
LOSERS
Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons had pressing issues in their defensive line to address in the draft, but decided to overlook those in favour of safety Keanu Neal with their 17th pick. He may have been taken too high, just like line backer Deion Jones was with the 52nd pick.
Tennessee Titans
The Titans upgraded at the running-back spot by trading for Philadelphia Eagles star DeMarco Murray in the offseason, then immediately hampered that move by taking Derrick Henry to play the same position with the 45th pick.
The Titans have now landed themselves in an unnecessary muddle over who will start at running back and how best to use the two players.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
