Davon Hamilton adds more depth to the Jacksonville Jaguars D-Line
By David Levin
After taking a wide receiver with their second-round pick, the Jacksonville Jaguars address needs at defensive tackle in the third round of the NFL Draft.
The Jacksonville Jaguars once again address the defensive side of the ball by taking defensive tackle Davon Hamilton of Ohio State. The move helps the interior defensive line that was bludgeoned at times last season by opponents who ran the football at will last season.
Hamilton, along with free-agent signees Al Woods and Rodney Gunter, could be the answers upfront.
"“Athletic 4-3 tackle who stacked good tape in back-to-back seasons and should garner consideration as a rotational interior lineman with eventual starter potential,” writes Lance Zierlein of NFL.com. “He does a nice job of creating leverage with his initial strike and has the athleticism and closing burst to hound running backs with an extended pursuit radius.”"
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The Jaguars have a new-look on defense as players who were part of defensive coordinator Todd Wash’s scheme the past few seasons have either been traded or released. Calais Campbell made the Pro Bowl as an interior lineman but was traded to Baltimore this offseason. Marcell Dareus was released for salary cap reasons but spent most of the 2019 season on the injury-reserved list.
Before Gunter and Woods were signed, there was very little depth on the inside with Abry Jones and Taven Bryan there as holdovers. Now, Hamilton has a chance to make a big impression early in his NFL career.
"“He flashes needed traits as both a one- and two-gapper, but better skill with his hand-fighting could help unlock quicker wins and clearer paths to the quarterback,” Zierlein added. “His draft stock could be tied to how teams view his upside as a pass rusher.”"
And if he can give the Jaguars any kind of push up the middle, it should help outside pass rushers Yannick Ngakoue, Josh Allen and first-round draft pick, K’Lavon Chaisson who can play on the line or at outside linebacker.
He is quick for a big man, who at 6’4” and 320 pounds ran a 5.1 40-yard dash. That speed helped to account for his 10.5 tackles for loss last season with the Buckeyes.
The Jaguars still have many needs to fill as they have eight picks in the final four rounds of the Draft on Saturday. Depth on the offensive line is still a concern. The team may also look for more help at wide receiver or seek a running back. Even with the solid picks the first two nights, there are areas of concern and holes to fill.