Dante Fowler Jr. brings the speed through OTAs
By Luke Sims
Dante Fowler Jr., the 2015 first round selection by the Jacksonville Jaguars, is a key contributor in turning the ho-hum defense from year’s past into a speedy, aggressive unit in 2016.
Dante Fowler Jr. is worthy of plenty of attention heading into 2016. Aside from remaining healthy to this point, it is widely expected that he will be a key contributor for the coming season.
In fact, he has to be.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are gambling on Fowler being the difference maker they drafted him to be a year ago despite not having taken a single regular season snap. He’ll have to deliver on his potential quickly and turn the Jags’ base defensive package into a threat down after down after down.
The defensive line for the Jaguars saw some key additions, including defensive tackle Malik Jackson and rookie edge rusher Yannick Ngakoue, but the brunt of the pass rushing responsibility will fall on Fowler. It was widely expected that the Jags would sign another proven pass rusher but they weren’t able to.
The pressure mounts, but with improved support at other positions it is perfectly feasible that Fowler could capitalize on his athleticism and a year of learning from the bench.
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Fowler is reportedly happy with his progress on his return from his ACL injury (
). He is joining a defense that is
, in part because of Fowler’s presence on the field. Players like Jackson, Ngakoue, and defensive back Prince Amukamara and Tashaun Gipson (not to mention linebacker Myles Jack and 2016 first-rounder Jalen Ramsey) will make the unit even more formidable.
The Jags are playing into the speedy, aggressive nature of players like Fowler. He’ll be able to turn his speed and athleticism into a huge advantage over the opposition in the coming year, helping to set the tone for a young defense eager to prove itself.
"I feel like every day, I play faster and faster, especially when I’m able to get into the film room with my coaches and go over the plays – Dante Fowler Jr."
It would be unwise to overlook Fowler’s impact going forward. He was almost built for the role he’ll occupy on the team’s defense. Because of his 2015 injury it is easy to think he’ll be reactionary to what is going on around him, but it’s possibly more likely that he’ll be a catalyst for development and change on the defense.
He’s bringing his speed and setting the pace for the team.