Who Is Jacksonville’s Next Undrafted Star Player In 2017?

The NFL Draft has brought great young talent to the Jacksonville Jaguars through the years.  Allen Hurns is an example of undrafted players that are able to make significant contributions.

Allen Hurns is a major contributor to the Jacksonville Jaguar offense.  He appeared in only eleven games in 2016 due to injuries. Hurns caught 35 passes for 477 yards and three touchdowns.  Jacksonville signed him as an undrafted rookie out of Miami, FL.

Ryan O’Halloran of jacksonville.com reported that the Jaguars have some roster spots available.

"The Jaguars have 77 players under contract, leaving them 13 spots for their eight draft picks and selected undrafted free agents."

Since that article, Jacksonville claimed Tracy Howard off the waiver wire from the Cleveland Browns.  Consequently, the number of available roster spots reduces from 13 to 12.  Rather than signing a veteran free agent, the Jaguars might find gold from the college ranks.

Undrafted players are often diamonds in the rough.  In the right situation, they can become NFL hall of famers.  Kurt Warner, Warren Moon, and Tony Romo are starting NFL quarterbacks that teams passed over in the draft.

Jacksonville Might Consider Signing These Four After The Draft

First, Illinois quarterback Wes Lunt is worthy of bringing into camp to push for a roster spot.  Lunt is six foot four inches tall and weighs 222 pounds.  The former Oklahoma State transfer struggled through injuries and has played for four head coaches and five offensive coordinators.  A change of scenery may help his career.

Next, Alabama receiver Gehrig Dieter might be a nice fit for the Jaguars offense.  At six foot three inches tall and weighing 207 pounds, he is similar to Allen Robinson and Hurns in size.  At Alabama, he was utilized as more of a blocker than a receiver due to the Alabama offensive scheme.

Third, Middle Tennessee State running back I’Tavius Mathers has 4.44 speed in the forty yard dash.  Mathers posted very good numbers in 2016.  He rushed for 1561 yards and 17 touchdowns  while having 663 receiving yards on 66 receptions and three touchdowns.

Finally, linebacker Brandon Bell of Penn State makes perfect sense as a camp invitee.  Bell is similar to Paul Posluzny in size. Bell had huge games against Ohio State and Michigan State due to making eighteen tackles in each game.

Jacksonville will have a few roster spots available after the draft.  The Jaguars should be open to any player who might help turn the team into a winner.