Jacksonville Jaguars draft spotlight: LB Jake Hansen

The Jacksonville Jaguars have a lot of picks in the 2021 NFL Draft and a lot of needs to fill. Their most dire needs will be addressed early on which allows some room to add much-needed depth in the later rounds. Linebacker is a position they could potentially double-dip in, grabbing one early in the draft and one later in the draft. Illinois linebacker Jake Hansen is a must-watch name for the Jaguars.

Jaguars: Jake Hansen would be a great addition

Linebacker Jake Hansen has had an exceptional career at the University of Illinois. He finished his college football career with 242 total tackles, 26 tackles for loss, seven sacks, three interceptions, and 10 forced fumbles. This kind of production is something teams will love.

Hansen may have only been a three-star prospect coming out of high school but he’s been the bright star of the Illini defense for the past five years.

In 2020, Hansen transitioned to the position of middle linebacker. In most defenses, the middle linebacker is often referred to as the ‘quarterback’ of the defense; the one who manages the play pre-snap, identifies the play on offense, and calls the blitz and coverage audibles.

Teams are always looking for players with proven leadership skills and a high football IQ and Hansen certainly fits the bill. He has incredible big-play ability, good instincts, great ball awareness, and is slippery in the gap. What stands out the most about Hansen is how he is always able to get his hands involved and punch the ball out of the ball carrier’s hands.

How Hansen can help the Jaguars:

The Jaguars already have two good linebackers in Myles Jack and Joe Schobert but need a third to play alongside them. Hansen is a great candidate to fill this role. He would bring some necessary physicality to the Jaguar’s defense. Considering he does a great job at punching the ball out of the ball carrier’s hands, he could play a huge factor as a special-teamer.