Jacksonville Jaguars 2016 NFL Draft: Yannick Ngakoue grade
By Luke Sims
The Jacksonville Jaguars’ 2016 NFL draft success continued through the third round with the selection of Maryland defensive end Yannick Ngakoue.
Yannick Ngakoue finally addresses the pass rush for the Jacksonville Jaguars. It took the Jags through offseason until the third round for it to get done, but general manager David Caldwell finally did it.
B&T editors Daniel Lago and Luke Sims weigh in to grade the pick.
Daniel Lago:
Grade: B+
"In case anyone was wondering, general manager David Caldwell was hell bent on improving the defense this offseason. With corner and linebacker upgraded significantly using the first two picks, the Jaguars found some much needed depth at LEO behind Dante Fowler. I don’t know too much about Yannick, but he was ultra productive in college and should be better than what the Jaguars had last year with Andre Branch and Chris Clemons. The defense is already looking vastly different and that’s a good thing."
Luke Sims:
Grade: B
"I love seeing the Jaguars finally address the pass rush. It was a clear need for the team and it was important to bring in fresh blood (and legs) after the aged Chris Clemons and inept Andre Branch manned the spot for 2015. Ngakoue does that for the Jags and has some proven production as a pass rusher at Maryland. I like his athleticism and his jump off the ball. It’s just a shame that they waited so long to address the position and ended up with a guy who is more of a developmental prospect than someone who can step in immediately. That’s softened a bit by him playing as part of a rotation and 2015 first rounder Dante Fowler Jr. probably doing most of the heavy lifting."
Next: Jacksonville Jaguars select Sheldon Day
Overall, this pick was a solid addition to the Jags and one that the team will be able to use well in his first year and, hopefully, develop into a potent player.