The Jaguars are doing their homework on hundreds of prospects as April's NFL Draft inches closer.
While the research is essential for understanding the Jaguars' draft options, having long-term relationships with prospects can provide even more insight.
The Jaguars currently employ a few coaches who still have former pupils coming out the college game. Those backgrounds could help Jacksonville during the team's evaluation process.
Below are five draft prospects with connections to the Jaguars coaching staff:
D.J. Moore, WR, Maryland
Measurements: 6-0, 210 lbs.
Coaching Connection: Jaguars wide receivers coach Keenan McCardell
College Stats: 129 catches for 1,481 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns
Jaguars Fit: McCardell was Moore's wide receivers coach during the player's first year at Maryland. The coach also could have played a hand in recruiting the young receiver out of high school. During their one season together, Moore caught 25 passes for 357 receiving yards and three touchdowns.
After McCardell's departure in 2016, Moore exploded as a No. 1 wide receiver for Maryland. He produced 121 catches for 1,770 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns during the past two seasons.
The Jaguars could still be looking for a sure-fire No. 1 receiving target and Moore has a clear big-play ability. A potential first-round pick, Moore might need to be selected with the No. 29 pick to make it to Jacksonville.
Mike Gesicki, TE, Penn State
Measurements: 6-5, 247 lbs.
Coaching Connection: Jaguars offensive quality control coach John Donovan
College Stats: 129 catches for 1,481 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns
Jaguars Fit: Donovan was Gesicki's offensive coordinator and tight ends coach at Penn State during the prospect's first two years with the program. During that time, Gesicki caught 24 passes for 239 receiving yards and a touchdown.
Donovan probably played a key role in recruiting the tight end to Penn State and the coached used him relatively early on during the player's tenure.
Gesicki is expected to be a Top 40 pick in the draft and could go as early as the Top 20 selections. His value fits into the Jaguars' draft range at No. 29. With the Jaguars still needing a dynamic target across the middle, Gesicki - an athletic freak - makes a lot of sense.
Dorian O'Daniel, OLB, Clemson
Measurements: 6-1, 223 lbs.
Coaching Connection: Jaguars defensive line coach Marion Hobby
College Stats: 227 tackles (28 for loss), three interceptions and two forced fumbles
Jaguars Fit: O'Daniel played for Hobby while the coach served as the defensive coordinator of the Clemson Tigers.
The young linebacker was a standout on both defense and special teams while at Clemson, tying the program record for tackles in the game's third phase.
The Jaguars are limited with linebacker depth, so O'Daniel could fit in well as a backup for Todd Wash's defense. He is expected to be a Day 3 pick.
Van Smith, S, Clemson
Measurements: 5-11, 185 lbs.
Coaching Connection: Jaguars defensive line coach Marion Hobby
College Stats: 190 tackles (eight for loss), four interceptions and two forced fumbles
Jaguars Fit: Jacksonville added to its safety depth in free agency but could look to create some more competition for its incumbent backups during the draft.
Smith played in Hobby's defense for two seasons and had plenty of success. He could be a fourth safety option and special teams contributor as a rookie.
Smith would probably be a late-round flier for the Jaguars.
Ryan Carter, CB, Clemson
Measurements: 5-9, 180 lbs.
Coaching Connection: Jaguars defensive line coach Marion Hobby
College Stats: 83 tackles, (8.5 for loss), 19 pass breakups and four interceptions
Jaguars Fit: The Jaguars could use some cornerback depth, especially in the slot, following the departure of Aaron Colvin.
While D.J. Hayden is set to become the starter at the nickel position, there's some logic to adding a few prospects through the draft. Carter is probably going to be an option in undrafted free agency.
Follow Mike Kaye on Twitter at @Mike_E_Kaye.