3 University of Wisconsin and Duke NFL Draft Prospects for the Jaguars to Look At
By Luke Sims
Oct 25, 2014; Madison, WI, USA; Wisconsin Badgers offensive lineman Rob Havenstein (78) during the game against the Maryland Terrapins at Camp Randall Stadium. Wisconsin won 52-7. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
2) Rob Havenstein, OT, University of Wisconsin
An offensive tackle projected to be a right tackle in the NFL, he provides nice size (6’7″, 321 pounds) and would instantly bring in quality depth for the Jacksonville Jaguars along the offensive line. With backups like Austin Pasztor and Sam Young not inspiring confidence the Jaguars should look to a player like Havenstein. His NFL.com profile notes that he is the “unquestioned leader of the Wisconsin offense.” For an offensive tackle to assume that role, he’s got to be something special.
The Jaguars are facing a bit of a crisis at offensive tackle and while Havenstein likely wouldn’t be an ideal fit at left tackle, he could be the kind of presence that motivates the struggling Luke Joeckel. He would also provide insurance should free agent addition Jermey Parnell struggles at right tackle. Quality tackle backups have been lacking for the Jaguars for some years so bringing in a leader will help a lot for that unit. It will also help Blake Bortles sleep a little more easily knowing that he isn’t going to have a handful of misfits in front of him on Sunday.
Projected as a third or fourth round selection, the Jaguars could easily add Rob Havenstein to their roster in the 2015 NFL Draft. He would be a prudent investment and an unsexy pick but University of Wisconsin linemen have performed well in recent years and he would be insurance that the team desperately needs. The fact that he brings leadership is also important as the Jaguars are among the youngest teams in the league and need some leaders to step up in year three of their rebuild.
Next: A Duke Wide Receiver to Help Out