Coughlin, the consummate "needs" picker, had decided prior to the start of today's draft that he would go for a defensive lineman in the first round, then address his need on the offensive line in the second round. He'll also tell you he got lucky.
The Jaguars expected Michigan offensive tackle Maurice Williams to be gone by the time the Jaguars were to select in the second round. Williams was there; the Jaguars made him their easy choice.
"We were fortunate to be able to take Williams. We had him slated (to go) at the very bottom of the first round. This opportunity to fill the need on the offensive line comes together with the pick of Marcus Stroud," Coughlin told reporters.
Williams has been a productive tackle on college football's traditionally best offensive line. He is expected to compete for the starting right tackle job with the Jaguars this summer. If Williams succeeds in taking that job, it would allow Zach Wiegert to be moved back to his natural position of right guard, and that would leave the Jaguars' troubled offensive line situation "fixed."
"I'm real excited about this pick," Coughlin said.
Had Williams not been available, it would've been difficult for the Jaguars to have found a player capable of becoming a starter as a rookie, and that would've reflected poorly on the selection of Stroud. The Jaguars were considering taking Georgia linebacker Kendrell Bell in the second round, but he was selected by the Steelers just ahead of the Jaguars' pick.
Williams' availability may be the stroke of luck that puts this Jaguars draft over the top.
