NFL Draft Defensive Line Prospects Meeting With Jaguars
By Luke Sims
November 17, 2012; Gainesville FL, USA; Florida Gators defensive lineman Sharrif Floyd (73) gets ready to rush against the Jacksonville State Gamecocks during the second half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Florida Gators defeated the Jacksonville State Gamecocks 23-0. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
The Jacksonville Jaguars, having released defensive tackle C.J. Mosley, are now meeting with top defensive line prospects coming out in the 2013 NFL Draft. Todd McShay’s recent mock draft had the Jags picking defensive end/outside linebacker Dion Jordan out of Oregon and many mock drafts have the Jaguars picking Florida defensive tackle Sharrif Floyd.
Both talented prospects are coming to Jacksonville to visit.
Floyd spent the night of Monday, March 1st visiting with the Jaguars and will continue into Tuesday. Floyd flew up draft boards after a strong showing in the offseason, particularly during the NFL Scouting Combine. After Star Lotulelei’s heart condition was discovered via an echocardiogram, the Florida defensive tackle became the best interior defensive lineman available in the draft. Paired with Roy Miller and Tyson Alualu (who can play at defensive end as well), Floyd would help make the Jaguars’ front four much more powerful.
Jordan is expected to visit the Jaguars on Tuesday, March 2nd. Jordan is a pass rushing specialist who is easily the most fluid defensive end/outside linebacker prospect available in the draft. Jordan displayed this fluid movement and natural skill during the NFL Scouting Combine and has been frequently mocked as a top-5 pick since. Jordan is an athletic, instinctual player and would be an immediate upgrade for the Jags’ league-worst pass rush.
If the Jaguars pick either Floyd or Jordan in the draft at #2 overall, I would be satisfied. I lean toward picking Floyd because I think the interior defensive line needs help and there is a deeper class of pass rushers in this draft. Having Jordan on the team would provide a threat the Jaguars haven’t had in a long, long time.
– Luke N. Sims
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