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Jacksonville Jaguars get ‘B+’ for undrafted free agent haul

By Daniel Lago

Dec 19, 2015; Las Vegas, NV, USA; BYU Cougars quarterback Tanner Magnum (12) has a pass attempt partially blocked by Utah Utes defensive end Hunter Dimick (49) during the Las Vegas Bowl at Sam Boyd Stadium. Utah won the game 35-28. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 19, 2015; Las Vegas, NV, USA; BYU Cougars quarterback Tanner Magnum (12) has a pass attempt partially blocked by Utah Utes defensive end Hunter Dimick (49) during the Las Vegas Bowl at Sam Boyd Stadium. Utah won the game 35-28. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Jacksonville Jaguars have found some undrafted gems in recent years and they might have done it again with another solid haul in 2017.

The Jacksonville Jaguars have been a prime destination for top undrafted free agents over the last several seasons thanks to a lack of overall talent of the roster. Subsequently, we’ve seen the Jaguars give real chances to undrafted guys and some have made the roster.

Undoubtedly the biggest undrafted free agent acquisition has been wide receiver Allen Hurns. The former University of Miami standout earned a starting job as a rookie and has never looked back, earning a lucrative second contract already.

The Jaguars may have found their next big undrafted contributor in Utah defensive end Hunter Dimick.

"The Jacksonville Jaguars have spent a fortune on defense over the past two years, both in terms of free-agent dollars and early draft picks.Those players will form the core of the Jacksonville D in 2017, but there’s still depth to flesh out.And in that regard, the Jaguars may have gotten a gift this year in the form of Utah defensive end Hunter Dimick.Despite piling up 13.5 sacks and 19.5 tackles for loss for the Utes in 2016, Dimick wasn’t invited to the combine. But after shining at Utah’s pro day, Dimick told Amy Donaldson of the Deseret News he was confident he’d allayed concerns about his lack of speed and athleticism.“I just feel like people got the impression for some reason that I was slow and couldn’t change direction very well,” Dimick said. “So I felt like I did a good job today of show that’s incorrect, and that I’m overall just a good athlete.”Apparently not so much, as the draft came and went without Dimick’s name being called.Now, Dimick doesn’t have Myles Garrett’s first step, or Solomon Thomas’ leverage at the line of scrimmage.But he was wildly productive in a big-time conference, and now he enters the NFL with a 65-pound chip on his shoulder.GRADE: B+"

Hunter Dimick was the only “Force” edge player that went undrafted, meaning the Jaguars got a terrific athlete after the draft. Usually players with Dimick’s tools and production get drafted at some point so the Jaguars got terrific value.

Dimick should get some real chances to contribute as well, with Dante Fowler Jr. still struggling to find his footing and Yannick Ngakoue working to improve as a run defender.

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