Getting to know the new Jaguars: DT Malik Jackson
By Justin Moore
Malik Jackson will give the Jaguars a most needed much boost in their pass rush department, he his a player that provides versatility with his ability to make plays all over the defensive line.
The Jacksonville Jaguars have been one of the most aggressive teams in free agency so far, in the first two days of free agency they have inked deals with four players.The biggest story of them all was the signing of super bowl winning defensive tackle, Malik Jackson. With him signing a six year, 90 million dollar deal, it’s safe to say he will be playing for the Black and Teal for a while, now it’s time to look at his football career before Jacksonville.
Before being selected in the fifth round of the 2012 NFL Draft, Malik Jackson had a brief stint at University of Southern California before transferring to the University of Tennessee for his junior and senior season’s. Jackson showed off his ability to get in the backfield by registering 22 tackles for a loss and 7.5 sacks in his two years with the Volunteers. Despite his success in the NFL now, Malik Jackson’s ability was heavily questioned going into the 2012 NFL Draft. After the 2012 combine, NFL.com valued him as a seventh round talent, questioning his ability to hold up against big offensive lineman.
In his first season with the Denver Broncos, he saw limited action but his production vastly changed in his second year in the NFL. Jackson finished his second season with a career high six sacks, 37 tackles, six pass deflections and one forced fumble. The 6’5″ defensive tackle didn’t stop there, over his next two seasons he combined for 8.5 sacks, 68 tackles, 11 pass deflections, one forced fumble and two fumble recoveries.
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The unique thing about Malik Jackson is, you may not always see him pad the stat sheet but he will always have a major impact in the trenches. Jackson’s ability to reek havoc against guards led him to lead all defensive players in rushes against guards last season. He is exactly what the Jaguars need, a big, tall, physical defensive tackle who can influence the play of the whole offensive line. Yes the Jaguars may have overpaid to get Jackson but his addition will benefit the whole Jaguars defensive line which should lead to a more consistent pass rush next season.