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Jacksonville Jaguars 2016 NFL Draft: Todd McShay sends Jaguars defensive help in 2-round mock

By Daniel Lago

Nov 28, 2015; Columbia, SC, USA; Clemson Tigers cornerback Mackensie Alexander (2) blocks the pass intended for South Carolina Gamecocks wide receiver D.J. Neal (3) during the first half at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 28, 2015; Columbia, SC, USA; Clemson Tigers cornerback Mackensie Alexander (2) blocks the pass intended for South Carolina Gamecocks wide receiver D.J. Neal (3) during the first half at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports /
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The 2016 NFL Draft is looming on the horizon and it’s now in full focus with free agency all but over. The Jaguars addressed some of their needs with veterans but this is still a monumentally important draft. General manager David Caldwell should be able to find a difference maker with his 4th straight top 5 draft pick, and it’s possible to find another immediate contributor at the top of the second round.

It’s no secret the Jaguars need to improve the defense and Todd McShay took this into account in his latest mock draft, one which spanned two full rounds.

At number 5, McShay is going with the momentum and sending the most athletic linebacker in the draft to Jacksonville.

"5. Jacksonville JaguarsMyles Jack, OLB, UCLAThe Jaguars have made a conscious effort to get better on defense this offseason. Next year, they’ll add free agents Malik Jackson and Tashaun Gipson— along with 2015 first-rounder Dante Fowler Jr. (torn ACL) — to a defense that finished 31st overall in 2015. But the Jaguars still need a playmaker at linebacker, and Jack fits the bill. A true sideline-to-sideline defender, the UCLA product excels in coverage and can make plays all over the field versus the run."

No surprise here – the Jaguars found defensive starters in free agency along the defensive line and the secondary, but they desperately need to revamp the linebacking corps. Jack is a freak athlete who tackles with authority but covers slot receivers and tight ends like a shutdown corner. This is a no-brainer if he’s on the board.

In the second round, McShay has the Jaguars snatching a player who seems like an odd fit.

"38. Jacksonville Jaguars: Mackensie Alexander, CB, ClemsonAlexander has one of the higher ceilings in this year’s cornerback class due to his movement skills and ability to play press-man coverage. Zero interceptions in 27 college starts is a red flag, though."

Alexander is one of the smallest cornerbacks in the draft, but he’s had a lot of buzz since the end of the college football season. He’s aggressive and physical with receivers, traits the Jaguars need along their entire defense. He’s not ideal in terms of height and arm length for a typical corner in Gus Bradley’s scheme, but that doesn’t matter too much if he’s terrific in coverage.

Whether it’s Jack and Alexander or some other combo, it’s wouldn’t be shocking to see the defense addressed with both of the first two picks.

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