Jacksonville Jaguars 2016 NFL Draft: 5 3rd round options
By Luke Sims
3) Shilique Calhoun, DE, Michigan State
There isn’t much to not like about Shilique Calhoun. He has the right kind of size, speed, and explosiveness that teams want out of a defensive end. While NFL.com’s comparison him to Andre Branch will scare some Jags fans, he looks to be much better than Branch. Calhoun has much more consistent production (Branch jumped from five sacks to 10.5 as a senior) posting moderate increases from 7.5 to eight to 10.5 sacks in his final three seasons. He has also had 10 or more tackles for a loss for three seasons compared to Branch’s odd senior leap.
Moving past the Andre Branch comparisons, Calhoun is athletic and more than willing to mix it up with offensive linemen. He isn’t all about speed and he isn’t all about power, making use of a more balanced repertoire to get past blockers and make plays.
It seems that his floor will be as a solid, multi-year starter in the NFL. That, at a minimum, is what the Jacksonville Jaguars are looking for. They need someone who can consistently contribute in the rotation and support Dante Fowler Jr., who figures to be the team’s top pass rusher.
But it’s Calhoun’s ceiling that should get more attention. Everything about his collegiate career suggests that he can put it all together and become something special. His sacks and tackles for a loss have been consistent and reflective of a player that just keeps getting better. He can be someone great with the right coaching and situation. The Jags can give him that and bring him along more slowly, letting him work into being the best player he can be.
Next: Time to gamble on another stud linebacker?