On Monday, Jaguars general manager Dave Caldwell told reporters that the Jaguars would stick to "picking the best available player" in the 2019 NFL Draft.
Late Friday night, Caldwell told reporters that the Jaguars did enter Days One and Two with the intent of "coming out of [their] first three picks with a pass rusher, an offensive tackle and a tight end."
So, as for Day Three?
"We'll see."
What we saw: as they did with first-round selection Josh Allen, the Jaguars are focusing on high-character players.
"Temple Tough" was mentioned three times by Assistant Director of Player Personnel Andy Dengler when describing Jaguars' fifth-round selection RyQuell Armstead. Dengler noted how, when scouting Armstead, the running back consistently wore the "lower numbers" the Owls award to the hardest working players on the field. Normally, that's reserved for upperclassmen. Armstead has bestowed the honor since he was a sophomore.
The three-year starter for Temple was 10th in the nation in rushing touchdowns last season (12) and 11th in rushing yards per game (115.8), eclipsing 1,000 yards for the season.
The most unique story about Armstead: he is only the third player in college football to ever rush for 100 yards and record a sack in the same game. After joking in practice how much he'd love to play defense, Temple's coaching staff asked Armstead to fill in for an injury-plagued defensive line.
"Next guy up was me. I just wanted to step up and help the team win," Armstead explained via teleconference on Saturday.
Character.
Much like Armstead's fellow rookie Jaguar, Gardner Minshew.
With the 178th pick, the Jaguars selected the Pac-12 Offensive Player of the Year, who finished fifth in this year's Heisman voting.
The Washington State product has had a winding journey to Duval County. He walked-on at Troy, transferred to a junior college, went to Eastern Carolina, and then -- after almost heading to Alabama to be a third-string QB/GA -- went west to lead Mike Leach's Air Raid offense. Minshew led Wazzu to a record, 11-win season and an Alamo Bowl victory.
The Jaguars' scouting department praised his character and intellect, noting Minshew's eventual aspirations to one day coach.
"When you meet him, you'll enjoy talking to him," said Director of College Scouting Mark Ellenz. "He's got some swagger."
Via teleconference, Minshew said he couldn't wait to get his hands on the playbook. He added that having been "the new guy in a new locker room" four times has prepared him for the opportunity at the next level.
The Jaguars had a pair of consecutive, seventh-round picks, but dealt No. 236 to the Seattle Seahawks for a 2020 sixth-round pick. With No. 235, the Jaguars selected Auburn defensive tackle Dontavius Russell. The 319 lb lineman started 50 games for Auburn tallying 153 tackles and four sacks. He is expected to provide depth on run-defense.
His former associate head coach, Rodney Garner, called Russell "a steal." Jaguars EVP Tom Coughlin reassured reporters following the pick that, despite his large frame, Russell is in terrific shape.
Following the completion of the 2019 NFL Draft, general manager Dave Caldwell said he anticipates signing 19 undrafted free agents over the next day.
A complete recap of the Jaguars' 2019 Draft:
Round One, No. 7 - Josh Allen (EDGE, Kentucky)
Round Two, No. 35 - Jawaan Taylor (OT, Florida)
Round Three, No. 69 - Josh Oliver (TE, San Jose State)
Round Three, No. 98 - Quincy Williams (LB, Murray State)
Round Five, No. 140 - RyQuell Armstead (RB, Temple)
Round Six, No. 178 - Gardner Minshew (QB, Washington State)
Round Seven, No. 235 - Dontavius Russell (DT, Auburn)
