Hungary for the Truth: UDFA Wishlist for the Jaguars

Defensive Players

• DT/NT: Ian Williams, Notre Dame
  

I agree with Jason’s suggestion that the Jaguars could use a DT who can play NT, as well. Other then Terrance Knighton, the team doesn’t have that type of player and that next guy could be Ian Willaims. Although the roster has some depth at the position with Leger Douazable and the late season addition of Nate Collins, with Williams the Jaguars might add a roster a player who could actully push “Pot Roast” a little more than he has been. It’s worth nothing that Williams is coming off of a kneee injury, but I expect he will 100% recovered from that.

• DT: Martin Parker, Richmond

Parker played very effectively in the top DII conference (a relative term), the Colonial Athletic Association. In the last couple of seasons, he was 2nd in the conference in sacks and TFLs and was 1st in tackles/game. He played in every game in his college career, so durability is also one of his strengths. Based on how much the Jaguars like to add small school talent to their roster, combined with his abilities as a tackler and pass rusher, he could another potential target for Gene Smith.

• DE: Christian Anthony, Grambling State
  

Anthony is a risk-reward type of player. Before 2010, he was considered the best DE in all of D-II. He was a tackle machine, a force in the pass rush, and even a bit of ballhawk  with 5 interceptions in 2009 alone. Then he had a heart attack and did not play his senior year, except for the NFLPA game, formerly knows as Texas vs. The Nation, in February. If the doctors say his heart is not a major concern anymore, he could be someone the Jaguars bring to camp.

• LB:  Scott Lutrus, Connecticut

Lutrus is an experienced, talented senior and a workout warrior (had an excellent combine) with a lot of intelligence and all-academic honors. He is listed as an outside linebacker, but Gil Brand thinks he can fit into the 4-3 system as an inside LB, too. His one issue has been durability, which was a nagging obstacle for him in college. He struggled with a lingering stinger injury in 2009 and had a neck injury in 2010. If he can stay healthy though, he could be a decent contributor.

• MLB: Josh Bynes, Auburn

Bynes had a more than decent season with the BCS Champion Auburn Tigers last year. He was the leading tackler and add three INT’s as a key contributor for Auburn. Also, he is a three year starter for Tigers, which means he has plenty of experience as well. He was not invited to the combine and some say that he and the rest of the Auburn back seven were beneficiaries of an outstanding Auburn defensive line, led by the 13th pick of the draft, Nick Fairley. If he does wind up in Jacksonville though, he may again benefit from a young, strong defensive line in front of him.

• FS: Deunta Williams, North Carolina

Williams could have easily been drafted, but had a four game suspension (for receiving extra benefits) and later broke his ankle at the Music City Bowl. Other then the suspension, he played in every game during his college years. He is a solid tackler with ballhawking abilities and many expert thought he was a middle round prospect. Now, that suspension might be a red flag for GM Gene Smith, but the lack of talent currently on the roster in Jacksonville may pursuade Gene to take a chance on Williams in college free agency.

• FS: Jerrard Tarrant, Georgia Tech

Tarrant was the interception leader for Georgia Tech last year and has a nose for the football, in addition to beinga very dangerous returner. He has scored a total of four touchdowns via two punt returns, an interception return, and a fumble recovery taken for a touchdown. Concerns about him? He was suspended in ’08 because of a legal issue and that is a problem, because he is a junior who didn’t play missed an entire season of the only three season he played in college.

• SS: Mana Silva, Hawaii

Silva is the only other prospect besides David Mims, who made both this and Jason’s list. The former Oregon State player had a pretty impressive senior campaign with the Warriors. He had 8 interceptions last year (2nd best nationwide) and picked off Boise State’s Kellen Moore twice. He defended 14 passes and finished 2nd in the Hawaii defense in tackles. As Jason wrote he has good size and speed and because there is basically nobody behind Courtney Greene at the SS position, the Jaguars can give him a shot to compete.

• CB: Kendric Burney, North Carolina

Burnley is another prospect, whose draft stock was hurt by suspension last year.  The reason I added him to my UDFA list is simple – he is likely the best CB among the undrafted rookies. He has excellent speed and is very good in coverage and great against the run. He had four very productive years at North Carolina, tallying 209 tackles and 11 interceptions. The only negative thing besides the suspension is his relative lack of size.

The UDFA news is already pouring in, who do you think we’re going to take?

– Zoltan Paksa