Jaguars add post-draft linebacker depth
By David Levin
The Jacksonville Jaguars have announced they have signed D.J. Alexander, Najee Goode and fifth-Ramik Wilson to the 90-man offseason roster.
If the team’s need for linebacker depth was still a question following the NFL Draft, the Jacksonville Jaguars did something about it on Wednesday. The team announced signing fifth-year pro, D.J. Alexander, eighth-year veteran Najee Goode, and fifth-year veteran Ramik Wilson to the 90-man offseason roster.
The ball club previously signed linebacker James Onwualu off waivers from the 49ers earlier this week. Jacksonville drafted Quincy Williams out of Murray State with the 98th pick in Round 3 on Friday night.
Jacksonville goes into the 2019 season with both Telvin Smith and Myles Jack as starters and a host of players in the mix to fill the third linebacker position. Jacksonville also signed Jake Ryan in free agency from Green Bay who can play inside which would allow Jack to move back outside and for the team to take advantage of his speed.
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"Per Jaguars.com, “The Jaguars currently have 75 players signed to their active roster. The team has also agreed to terms with 21 undrafted rookies and will need to make corresponding moves when those players are signed to the 90-man offseason roster.”"
For me, Wilson might be the most intriguing of the trio to come aboard. A former Georgia Bulldogs star, he has appeared in 45 career games and registered 142 tackles, five passes defensed, two forced fumbles and one INT.
Wilson was originally drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs but spent the past season with the Los Angeles Rams.
The Jaguars signed three linebackers on Wednesday: Ramik Wilson, Najee Goode, and D.J. Alexander. The team also signed LB James Onwualu on Tuesday. All four linebackers have a combined 27 starts (Wilson has 21) in a combined 16 seasons https://t.co/ho0QBEd2J9
— Michael DiRocco (@ESPNdirocco) May 1, 2019
The linebackers for the Jaguars did not play as aggressively last season as they did in 2017. Smith was a Pro Bowl player two seasons ago. Some would say Jack regressed as showing plenty of promise in his second season with the team.
There were too many times the unit as a whole was left in space and allowed too many plays across the middle of the field.
"Per the Jaguars, “Goode, 6-0, 244, was selected by the Buccaneers in the fifth round (140th overall) of the 2012 NFL Draft and has appeared in 80 career games, making four starts. He has accumulated 40 total tackles (28 solo) and 40 special teams tackles in stints with Tampa Bay (2012), Philadelphia (2013-17) and Indianapolis (2018).”"
Alexander at 6-foot-2 and 233 pounds, was originally drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in the fifth round and could be a factor on special teams.
Next. Another website ranks the Jaguars after the Draft. dark
The team now has 12 linebackers on their roster, including draft picks and free agents that they have signed this offseason.