Top questions after Falcons trade Jessie Bates III to Jaguars - ESPN

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The Jacksonville Jaguars addressed one of their biggest weaknesses Monday by sending a 2027 second-round draft pick and a 2028 fifth-round pick to the Atlanta Falcons for safety Jessie Bates III, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.

That may be just the first move the team makes before Tuesday's trade deadline to solidify itself as a legitimate contender. The Jaguars still need help at defensive tackle, especially after the loss of nose tackle DaVon Hamilton for the rest of the season with a quad injury, and the pass rush could use some help, too.

At 6-2, the Jaguars are in third place in the AFC and have a three-game lead in the AFC South. This move could suggest a win-now mentality.

Bates, who made the Pro Bowl in 2023, can stabilize a secondary that has been hit with multiple injuries at safety and cornerback. The Jaguars made a similar move last season at the trade deadline by acquiring receiver Jakobi Meyers to help a position group that had multiple players out with injuries and that keyed an offensive surge that carried them to a division title. The hope is that Bates can do the same for the secondary because getting through the AFC means beating some of the league's top QBs — especially Buffalo's Josh Allen.

The Falcons, on the other hand, were able to get good draft capital for a player on an expiring contract but are still competing in the NFC South.

What does this move mean for the Jaguars' defense and the Falcons' draft plans? ESPN NFL Nation reporters Michael DiRocco and Marc Raimondi and NFL draft analyst Jordan Reid take a look at each.

The Jaguars rank second in the league in opponents points per game (15.1), yet 22nd in passing yards allowed per game (229.0).

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