Aaron Colvin suspended 4 games for violating PED policy
By Daniel Lago
Some say no news is good news during this time of the NFL calendar, and unfortunately the Jaguars had some news on Friday afternoon. Promising third year cornerback Aaron Colvin was suspended for the first 4 games of 2016 for violating the NFL’s PED policy.
CB Aaron Colvin suspended first four games of 2016 regular season for violating NFL policy on performance-enhancing substances.#Jaguars
— John Oehser (@JohnOehser) April 8, 2016
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Colvin was expected to man the nickel spot and play a very integral part in the defense and his absence demands another player step up for the first four weeks.
The Jaguars weren’t expected to target a cornerback (Jalen Ramsey being considered more of a safety) with the top 5 pick, although Vernon Hargreaves III is mighty tempting there. Colvin’s suspension shouldn’t change the team’s approach in the first round, but the team could prioritize a nickelback in the 3rd round or later to try and shore up the secondary.
While this is disappointing for Colvin, the Jaguars could benefit if someone like Nick Marshall steps up and demonstrates the ability to cover inside on a consistent basis. Even so, the Jaguars were expecting Colvin to cement himself as a foundation piece in the secondary in his third season, something he can’t do if he’s not on the field. Colvin showed significant promise as a rookie, overcoming a devastating knee injury sustained during the senior bowl and flashing playmaking ability over the final few games of the 2014 season. Colvin didn’t make the leap many had hoped for in his sophomore season, but he still has the skills and instincts to be a solid player on the inside.
Colvin has already showed remorse, a good sign for the future.
I apologize to my family, my teammates & coaches and the fans. I will not let this define me & I will overcome this pic.twitter.com/cZ60Rwml3Q
— Aaron Colvin (@AColvin_22) April 8, 2016
PED violations are not an uncommon occurrence for any team in the NFL, but the Jaguars cannot afford to lose talent on the defensive side of the ball. Head coach Gus Bradley is going into a make-or-break year and he needs improve the defense dramatically in order to keep his job. Colvin’s absence certainly won’t help matters.