Will the Jacksonville Jaguars find depth at linebacker in NFL Draft?
The Jacksonville Jaguars have a solid starting linebacker unit, but will they look for depth in the 2017 NFL Draft?
Telvin Smith, Paul Posluszny, and Myles Jack will likely start at linebacker for the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2017. However looking toward the backups, the production drops off.
Currently Dan Skuta, Marcus Rush, Hayes Pullard and Josh McNary provide depth at the linebacker position. As the 2017 NFL Draft quickly approaches, the Jags would be wise to take this opportunity to upgrade the talent and depth at the linebacker position
My prediction is if the Jags decide to draft a linebacker it will be in the later rounds. With that in mind here are a few names to keep an eye on.
Duke Riley
The LSU senior progressed in his final year. Finishing with eighty-six tackles and a sack, Riley would offer consistent production and depth at the outside linebacker position. Could Riley be this year’s Deion Jones? Overall he has the skill set to provide youth, depth, and speed to the Jags linebacker unit.
Elijah Lee
At 6’3″ and 228lbs, the Kansas State linebacker has all the physical tools to make an impact in the NFL. He finished his junior season with 110 tackles. Bringing his production to the Jags would help increase the talent at this position.
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Jaylen Reeves-Maybin
Next, Tennessee senior Reeves-Maybin had his season cut short due to injury. ?However, he played at a high level in his junior year. He secured 105 tackles, six sacks and a pass breakup. Reeves-Maybin will offer depth and competition at the middle linebacker position.
Ben Boulware
Finally, The captain of the Clemson Tigers defense would be a nice addition to the unit. He finished with 131 tackles and an interception. A knock on Boulware is his inconsistency and struggles with pass defense. However adding him as depth would bring toughness, leadership, and determination to the roster.
The Jags have a talented starting linebacker group but behind the starters the team isn’t very deep. Any of these players could help close the talent gap when the starters get off the field. Using the NFL draft to solidify the talent and depth of linebackers will only help add to what looks to be a fierce defensive unit next season.