Jacksonville Jaguars: S Tre Norwood declares for 2021 NFL Draft
The Jacksonville Jaguars need to add reinforcements on defense.
The offseason is near and the Jacksonville Jaguars are getting ready for it. While the focus will rightfully be on whom they hire as their next head coach, the fact they hold the first overall pick and who will they draft with it is getting the spotlight too. Also, college players are declaring for the 2021 NFL Draft and Oklahoma safety Tre Norwood is one of the most recent ones to announce his decision.
Norwood shared his decision to enter the draft on social media. The junior thanks his family and Oklahoma’s coaching staff for the support he had throughout his college career. He then says he’s grateful for the opportunity to play for the Sooners but says he’s looking forward to pursuing his dream of playing in the NFL.
During his three-year tenure in Oklahoma, Norwood logged 75 solo tackles (two of them for a loss), six interceptions, and 14 passes defensed. More he earned a 77. 6 Pro Football Focus grade and 87.6 in pass coverage in 2020.
The Jacksonville Jaguars need to bolster their safety room.
The Jaguars need help in pretty much every position group on defense. Their defensive line and their cornerback room should be a priority in the offseason, but they can’t neglect their safety group. Veteran Jarrod Wilson has been solid in 2020 but this Jacksonville team hasn’t gotten much production from their other safety spot.
Rookie Daniel Thomas steadily made his way into the lineup and started two games in 2020 before an arm injury prematurely ended his season. Third-year safety Josh Jones has started 12 games this season but is allowing an 86.8 completion rate and has given up 33 receptions for 439 yards and four touchdowns on 38 targets.
If the Jaguars prioritize their front four and their cornerback group early in the draft, they could target Norwood in the middle rounds. He could provide depth and become a potential starter down the road.
This Jacksonville team will have 11 draft selections at their disposal in 2021’s draft and they will have a plethora of choices when it comes to how they want to build their roster. If they decide to add a safety, Norwood could be a prospect worth consideration.