Linebackers Jacksonville can draft as late round steals

Will the Jacksonville Jaguars use the NFL Draft to find more depth at linebacker?

The Jacksonville Jaguars have two young linebackers, but adding depth is always important in case of injury. Finding another linebacker in the NFL Draft will make this group one of the most feared units in the NFL.

The Jaguars still have one of the best defensive units in the NFL, but there is still room for improvement. Jacksonville has found a gem in Telvin Smith who was a 5th round pick in 2014. Myles Jack has turned into a very productive player after being drafted in the second round out of UCLA in 2016, but there is still a possibility he gets moved back to the SAM linebacker.

Jacksonville also signed linebacker Jake Ryan this offseason from Green Bay. He could possibly start at one of the linebacker positions but he is returning from injury. The Jaguars most likely will opt to bolster their offense during the earlier rounds but adding defensive players could happen in the later rounds.

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Here is a look at a few linebackers the Jaguars could seek in the later rounds of the NFL Draft.

Cameron Smith: USC – 6’2″, 238 lbs. Combine: 40-yard dash: 4.69, Bench Press: 15 Reps, Vertical Jump: 39 Inches, 20 Yard Shuttle: 4.23. Round: 4-6

Pros: Cameron Smith has plenty of experience being a four-year starter for USC. He is very good at the point of attack, who will miss very few tackles. He has a very good motor and doesn’t give up on plays. Smith plays smart as well, he has a very high football IQ.

Cons: Sometimes he overcompensates for his lack of athleticism with overplaying angles which allows for cutback lanes at times. He doesn’t have the elite quickness to close out on those cutback lanes when this happens.

Summary: While his physical attributes and athletic ability are not something NFL scouts will drool over, he makes plays and always finds a way to be around the football. His leadership, football IQ, and tackling ability are all things teams will fall in love with, however.

Most likely if drafted, the Jaguars will sit him a year, or at least part if it and then plug him in at the MIKE and move Myles back to the SAM linebacker.

TJ Edwards: Wisconsin – 6’0 230 lbs. Combine: DNP in 40, 20 Yard Shuttle, or Vertical Jump. Bench Reps: 16. Round: 4- 6

Pros: TJ Edwards is an experienced 4-year starter on a strong defense. He plays with great instincts and is very solid in zone coverage. He strikes runners and is able to make plays at or behind the line of scrimmage. He plays with very good power and is able to go and challenge blockers.

Cons: Edwards isn’t very quick, he is a bit stocky and may have trouble in man coverage. He doesn’t keep up with backs and might have trouble tracking them sideline to sideline. While his instincts are good, if he falls behind a play he doesn’t have the initial quickness to make up for it.

Summary: Edwards could develop into a quality starter if Jacksonville decides to draft him. He is strong and plays very well in zone coverage.

He isn’t as rangy as our other linebackers but could be a good powerful linebacker who delivers strong hits on opposing running backs and receivers coming across his zone.

Emeke Egbule: Houston – 6’2″ 245 lbs. Combine: 40 Yard Dash: 4.65, Bench Press: 20 Reps, Vertical Jump: 33 Inches, 20 Yard Shuttle: 4.38. Round: 4-6

Pros: Emeke Egbule is an athletically gifted prospect with good speed, strength, and quickness. He is a versatile backer capable of providing a good pass rush as well as dropping into coverage. He is quick and reacts well to players crossing him in zone coverage.

He could add diversity to our defense with his history as an edge rusher.

Cons: Egbule is still a very raw talent, while his athleticism is there he still needs to understand how to diagnose an offense and make his key reads. He also isn’t the most consistent tackler and will sometimes rely more on finesse athleticism rather than toughness and strength.

Summary: Egbule is a project player who will not make an immediate difference for this defense. He has all the tools to be an NFL linebacker he just needs to be coached on proper technique.

Egbule could eventually serve as a starter given time and should make an impact on special teams.