Jacksonville Jaguars: UCF CB Tay Gowan shouldn’t fly under the radar

The Jacksonville Jaguars need to add reinforcements to their cornerback group. Although they could target UCF’s Aaron Robinson early in the process, they should also keep an eye on another  cornerback, Tay Gowan.

Gowan may not be garnering as much attention as Robinson or other corners in this year’s draft because he opted out of the 2020 season and not long after declared for the selection meeting. Nevertheless, his performance in 2019 should be enough to help his case as one of the best cornerback prospects in this year’s draft.

The Georgia native originally committed to Miami (OH) but later transferred to Butler Community College. There, he registered 27 total tackles (two for a loss), and six interceptions. After his outstanding performance, he changed school once again and transferred to UCF.

In 2019, Gowan logged 31 total tackles, two interceptions, and eight pass deflections. Moreover, he gave up just 20 catches on 50 targets for 274 yards and a 54.9 passer rating. In his lone season with the Golden Knights, he showed the speed and the physical traits of a prototypical cornerback at the NFL level.

The fact Gowan didn’t play in 2020 shouldn’t deter the Jaguars’ front office and other scouts from targeting him in the draft. Even though he would’ve benefited from gaining more experience, his production in 2019 speaks for itself.

The Jacksonville Jaguars could plug Tay Gowan in right out of the gate.

The Jaguars found a starting cornerback in C.J. Henderson last season. Although he had struggled at times and missed the last eight games of the season with a groin injury, he should claim his stop in the starting line up in 2021. However, it’s unclear who will start opposite of him, as Greg Mabin, Sidney Jones, and Greg Mabin are all scheduled to become free agents.

Gowan has the potential to be a starter in the NFL and should be available late in the second round or early in the third. Picking the cornerback in any of those rounds would let the ‘Jags’ use their other early picks in other positions such as left tackle or defensive end or even wide receiver.