There is a nagging feeling in Jags Nation that they could have gone farther in last year’s playoffs with a more effective pass rush, and the New York Giants’ defensive success which hinges on terrifying and constant QB pressure, did not go unnoticed and only validates that thought.

However, if the Jaguars stand pat and don’t trade down, Cal WR DeSean Jackson may present an interesting conundrum for Jacksonville’s draft triggermen, if he’s available. While loaded (with bodies) at WR after the off-season acquisitions of Jerry Porter and Troy Williamson, Jackson would be an intriguing playmaking threat in the slot for franchise quarterback David Garrard, an attractive compliment to a potent running game, and an instant upgrade in the return game over Dennis Northcutt.

In 5 drafts since Jack Del Rio took over as head coach, Jacksonville has used 4 first round picks on offensive players. But in the end, Jags brass knows that if they want to go into next year’s playoffs as a division winner, they are going to have to get disruptive pocket pressure on their most vaunted divisional adversary, Peyton Manning.

That said, with the 26th pick in Pancake Blocks’ 2008 Mock Draft, The Jacksonville Jaguars select North Carolina defensive tackle Kentwan Balmer. Balmer’s size (6’5”, 308 lbs.) and strength (33 reps of 225 lbs.) gives Jacksonville’s front four much needed versatility and an ability to collapse the pocket. Under the tutelage of Pro Bowler John Henderson, Balmer could make an impact early on in his career and solidify a Jackonville defense known to be synonymous with stout.

2008 Pancake Blocks Mock Draft

1. Miami Dolphins (Scott L.) - Chris Long
2. St. Louis Rams (Evan Silva) - Glenn Dorsey
3. Atlanta Falcons (Troy Hill) - Matt Ryan
4. Oakland Raiders (Stephen G.) - Jake Long
5. Kansas City Chiefs (Jeremy S.) - Darren McFadden
6. New York Jets (John B.) - Vernon Gholston
7. New England Patriots (Gregg R.) - Sedrick Ellis
8. Baltimore Ravens (Ryan F.) - Leodis McKelvin
9. Cincinnati Bengals (Jacob C.) - Ryan Clady
10. New Orleans Saints (Scott K.) - Keith Rivers
11. Buffalo Bills (James N.) - Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie
12. Denver Broncos (Taylor C.) - Chris Williams
13. Carolina Panthers (Matthew W.) - Derrick Harvey
14. Chicago Bears (Zone) - Branden Albert
15. Detroit Lions (Adam P.) - Rashard Mendenhall
16. Arizona Cardinals (Scott C.) - Aquib Talib
17. Minnesota Vikings (Tim L.) - Jeff Otah
18. Houston Texans (Jimmy) - Mike Jenkins
19. Philadelphia Eagles (Andy G.) - Devin Thomas
20. Tampa Bay Bucs (Robert O.) - Antoine Cason
21. Washington Redskins (James M.) - Philip Merling
22. Dallas Cowboys (Marv) - Jonathan Stewart
23. Pittsburgh Steelers (Matt G.) - Gosder Cherilus
24. Tennessee Titans (Stephen S.) - Felix Jones
25. Seattle Seahawks (John W.) - Limas Sweed
26. Jacksonville Jaguars (Tony B.) - Kentwan Balmer