3 defensive end prospects Jaguars can consider with 25th overall pick

Would the Jacksonville Jaguars draft Carlos Basham Jr. in the first round?

Depending on whom you ask, Demon Deacons defensive end Carlos Basham Jr. may or may not have a first-round grade. Nevertheless, the Jags can’t just take him off their draft board and should consider using a pick on him. A three-star recruit out of high school, he had scholarship offers from Old Dominion, Cincinnati, and Maryland but opted for Wake Forest.

Over his four-year collegiate career with the Demon Deacons, Basham appeared in 42 games and logged 173 total tackles, 35.5 tackles for a loss, 19.5 sacks, and seven forced fumbles. While he lacks elite explosiveness and doesn’t always play like a 285-pound defensive end, he has superb size and length for the position. He has a good arsenal of pass-rushing moves and can still add to it. Also, he knows how to use his long arms and strong hands to shed blocks.

In a recent scouting report, analyst Chad Reuter of NFL Media talked about the Wake Forest product, his skill set, and potential draft slot. Reuter believes Basham’s pro comparison is New Orleans Saints defensive end Cameron Jordan and praised his closing speed, which allows him to track down quarterbacks and even running backs 20 yards downfield.

Reuter highlighted Basham’s penchant for forcing fumbles, football IQ, and use of hands. On the other hand, he says that he isn’t an elite burst-and-bend pass rusher, which could keep him out of the first round. If the Jaguars don’t draft him with the 25th overall selection, and he’s still available at the beginning of the second round (they have the 33rd overall pick), they should consider taking him.