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Michael Bennett Selection: Updated DT Depth Chart

By Luke Sims

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The selection of Michael Bennett, defensive tackle out of Ohio State, is purely a best player available move by general manager Dave Caldwell. He plays a position the Jaguars are already stacked at, but with the chance to add a second or third round talent in the sixth round, Caldwell simply couldn’t pass him up.

Here’s what the Jaguars have at defensive tackle already:

1) Sen’Derrick Marks

2) Roy Miller

3) Jared Odrick

4) Ziggy Hood

5) Abry Jones

With a base 4-3 defense, two defensive tackles are on the field at any one time. I think that Bennett can compete with Hood for that fourth spot, coming in ahead of Jones for sure. If Odrick is used in a versatile way, as anticipated, then it really could be competing for that third spot rotation in the middle of the defensive line.

Sen’Derrick Marks and Roy Miller are cemented as foundation pieces for the Jaguars going forward, but if Michael Bennett can capitalize on his immense potential, then he could easily become that third guy or even end up inheriting one of those two starting spots. Marks and Miller aren’t going anywhere in 2015 except due to injury, so expect Bennett to be nice depth for the coming season and maybe beyond.

I love this selection and think it is not only great value but also bolsters a position that was already a strength for the Jaguars. You can never have too many defensive linemen and Bennett will prove that with the Jags. He’s got a nice motor and he’s been productive at Ohio State, providing penetration against the ground game and collapsing the pocket when the opposing quarterback drops back to pass.

Dave Caldwell is making some excellent picks in the later rounds of the 2015 NFL Draft and Bennett is the latest cherry on top.

Next: Grading the Michael Bennett Selection

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