After taking Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence with the first overall pick and Clemson running back Travis Etienne 25th overall, it was fair to wonder whether the Jacksonville Jaguars would continue adding playmakers to their offense in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft or they would fortify their defense. They opted for the latter and drafted Georgia cornerback Tyson Campbell 33rd overall.
A five-star prospect out of high school, Campbell appeared in 31 games and logged 89 total tackles, ten passes defended, one interception, and one forced fumbles over his three-year collegiate career at Georgia. Although his lack of interceptions may be a cause for concern, the Florida native is a smooth athlete that posses the ideal size and length to play the cornerback position at the pro level.
The Jaguars’ defense was 27th in passing touchdowns allowed last season, and they needed to fortify their secondary this offseason. Campbell gives this Jacksonville team another option at the cornerback position.
How does Tyson Campbell fit the Jacksonville Jaguars’ defense?
The Jaguars already have three starting cornerbacks in Shaquill Griffin, C.J. Henderson, and Sidney Jones, so Cambell won’t be pressed into action right off the bat. Instead, he will have to chance to adjust to the NFL and compete for a playing time. That doesn’t mean he won’t see the field in his rookie year though. It’s likely the team will give the Georgia product an opportunity to earn a starting role, but if Griffin and Henderson are the starters, Campbell should get some snaps.
Head coach Urban Meyer said the team felt comfortable about their cornerback room, so drafting Campbell was a little surprising, especially since tight end and safety may be more pressing needs. It feels like this pick was made with the future in mind, as Jones and Tre Herndon will become free agents in 2021.
The Jaguars still hold another pick in the second round, the 45th overall, and will have the first selection in the third round, the 65th overall. Will they go back to adding offensive talent or will they continue to fortify their defense?