Jacksonville Jaguars must consider using Day 3 pick on Cameron Sample

When talking about the 2021 defensive end draft class, the Jaguars should discuss Carlos Basham Jr., Kwitty Paye, and Gregory Rosseau as potential draft picks in the first round. However, if they want to wait to choose one or double down at the position later in the process, they need to consider targeting Tulane’s Cameron Sample.

The Georgia native had a solid career with the Green Wave, logging 162 total tackles (20.5 for a loss), 10.5 sacks, and seven passes defensed. Although he may lack elite athleticism and burst at the line of scrimmage, he likely got scouts’ attention after a solid week of practice ahead of the Reese’s Senior Bowl, where he was named Defensive Player of the Game.

Chris Trapasso of CBS Sports believes Sample’s draft stock got a boost while Mel Kiper of ESPN praised the Tulane product when he said that he doesn’t have any lack in his ability to show consistency in terms of motivation and hustle’.

Sample should get his name called in the third or fourth round and would a good option for the Jaguars at that point of the selection meeting. They have three picks in that span, one in the third, and two in the fourth. They could use one on the defensive end and still be able to address other positions.

Does it make sense for the Jacksonville Jaguars to draft Cameron Sample?

The ‘Jags’ had a hard time generating pressure upfront for a myriad of reasons. Moving on from defensive ends Yannick Ngakoue and Calais Campbell left a void the team couldn’t fill. The fact Josh Allen dealt with a knee injury didn’t help matters and 2020 first-round pick K’Lavon Chaisson, who could’ve picked some of the slack, was a non-factor for most of the season.

Allen should be back, and Chaisson should be better, but this Jacksonville team can’t bet all its chips on the duo and should bring in reinforcements this offseason. Sample wouldn’t have to start right out of the game and could steadily earn snaps while providing depth to the defensive line.

The ‘Jags’ won’t be limited in their ability to acquire talent this offseason due to their high number of selections. They may have enough to fortify both sides of the ball and Sample could turn out to be a solid pickup in the middle of the draft.