2015 NFL Mock Draft: Dante Fowler to the Jacksonville Jaguars

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Dante Fowler Jr. will be the third overall selection in the 2015 NFL Draft

….at least according to the weekly Fansided 2015 NFL Mock Draft.

Fowler really wowed at the NFL Combine and shot up draft boards with strong interviews and superb 40-yard dash time for such a big pass rusher. We compared him to other top pass rushing prospects Randy Gregory and Vic Beasley (the biggest standout from the 2015 NFL Scouting Combine) a day ago and honestly I’d be perfectly fine seeing him brought to the Jags as writer Ryan Lehrman suggests.

Here’s what Lehrman had to say:

"The Jaguars have picked offensive players the last two years under Gus Bradley’s regime, and now that their supposed franchise QB Blake Bortles has been locked down, they can focus on bulking up their defense with Dante Fowler, Jr. Fowler, who’s entering the draft as a junior, has a relentless attack that puts pressure on QBs and fulfills the best of both worlds as a run-stopper and pass-rusher.In Florida, he led the team with 15 tackles-for-losses and 8.5 sacks his final year. Showcasing all-around versatility, Fowler is slated to become a high-impact outside linebacker whose presence will be immediately felt in EverBank Stadium."

You can’t argue with Lehrman’s logic that addressing the defense in the first round is overdue for GM Dave Caldwell. The 2015 NFL Draft also happens to fall in a time when the Jags’ holes on offense – especially right tackle – likely can’t be filled (or shouldn’t be filled) so early in the draft.

Dante Fowler Jr. would be a great value-need marriage for the Jaguars, especially as the team looks to find a dependable pass rushing threat to build around. While there are other defensive needs, right now Fowler is at the top of a deep pass rushing class and would be a perfect pick for the Jaguars. His speed is especially desired for the Jaguars who need guys who can make an impact quickly each play, especially after having been burned for big plays on longer-developed routes so much in 2014.

I expect to see Dante Fowler mocked to the Jaguars often over the next few weeks as 2015 NFL Mock Drafts abound. He’s a strong candidate for the Jags at three overall.