Jacksonville Jaguars NFL Top 100: Calais Campbell makes it at #14
By Daniel Lago
Marking the 6th representative of the Jacksonville Jaguars to make the list, defensive lineman Calais Campbell made his appearance on the NFL Top 100 at #14 in 2018.
The bigger part of a pair of massive free agent signing for the Jacksonville Jaguars last offseason, defensive lineman Calais Campbell made a much bigger impact than anyone could have imagined in his first season with the black and teal.
Campbell set a franchise record for sacks in a season (14.5) en route to an All Pro bid and a near miss for the defensive player of the year award. Campbell was the emotional leader on a defense filled with stars and the impact of his veteran presence can’t be overstated.
As such, he’s the highest rated Jaguar on this year’s NFL Network Top 100 list.
He had an instant impact in his first year on the @Jaguars defense.
— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) June 19, 2018
@Campbell93 checks in at #14 on the countdown!#NFLTop100 pic.twitter.com/fRnQedlItR
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Primarily a defensive tackle during his time in Arizona, some were skeptical that Campbell could transition to a full time role as a pass rushing defensive end. The chance to become that was likely a driving factor in Campbell’s decision to come to Jacksonville (along with the money), but he proved he’s more than capable of being a force along the edge. Campbell started the season off strong with a dominant performance in the opener against the Houston Texans and he never really let up.
Campbell was a monster in the playoffs up until the AFC Championship game, where fatigue and injuries clearly hampered him.
I’m genuinely a little bit surprised Campbell ended up higher on the list than Jalen Ramsey (17) but I guess it makes sense considering the rankings are comprised of votes from peers and Campbell is one of the most respected players in the NFL.
What do you guys think, should Campbell be higher?