Jacksonville Jaguars should be excited about their rookie defensive tackles
The Jacksonville Jaguars should be excited about a pair of rookies.
If there’s a silver lining for the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2020 is that their rookie class has infused the team with talent. It’s true that they aren’t getting enough production from their two first-round picks but other first-year players, including a pair of defensive tackles, are making up for it.
The Jaguars 2020 ninth overall selection, C.J. Henderson has struggled in recent weeks, while K’Lavon Chaisson, whom the team drafted with the 20th overall pick is getting less playing time. On the other hand, defensive tackle DaVon Hamilton has had two dominant back-to-back performances and Doug Costin should permanently keep the other defensive line spot once he comes back from the concussion protocol.
How did Hamilton and Costin perform for the Jaguars in Week 9?
Hamilton and Costin played so well agains the Houston Texans that they were Pro Football Focus’ highest-graded rookies in Week 9. The Ohio State standout was given an 89.7 grade after recording four pressures, including his first sack in the pros. He dominated for the second consecutive week after registering eight total tackles against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 7.
Costin received an 87.9 overall grade. He was making his second start in 2020 and registered two total tackles on 29 snaps, 45 percent of the team’s total on defense. Had the former RedHawks defensive tackle not left the game with a concussion, his stat line might’ve been even better.
Meanwhile, Taven Bryan is seeing his playing time decrease. The 2018 first-round pick hasn’t done much with his playing time. Even though he has played 337 snaps, 61 percent of the team’s total on defense, he has registered 11 total tackles and hasn’t made any maningful plays.
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After two and a half years, the Jaguars may have come to the conclusion that Bryan is not the answer at defensive tackle and may be ready to pull the plug on him. This will be an easy decision to make if Hamilton and Costin keep playing the way they did against the Texans.