Jacksonville Jaguars bolster linebacker corps, sign Dylan Moses as UDFA

Even though the 2021 NFL Draft finished with the announcement of this year’s Mr. Irrelevant, linebacker Grant Stuard, the Jacksonville Jaguars weren’t done adding players and signed a handful of players as undrafted free agents. Among the prospects the team signed is former Alabama linebacker Dylan Moses.

The Jags announced after the draft ended they agreed to terms with several players that went undrafted, the aforementioned Moses, Georgia cornerback DJ Daniel, Illinois wide receiver Josh Imatorbhebhe, Southern Mississippi wide receiver Tim Jones, Charleston defensive tackle Kenny Randall, and Louisiana Monroe cornerback Corey Straughter.

Of all the Jaguars’ undrafted free agents, Moses may have the best chance to make the roster this offseason. Although he needs to work on diagnosing plays better and is just average in coverage, the Alabama product is an explosive tackler with great range, so why did teams avoid him in the draft?

Matt Miller of The Draft Scout says Moses’s injury history is notable, especially a recent meniscus injury. Also, teams had a hard time getting medical information and as many as six even took him off their boards entirely due to his injury red flags. The former Crimson Tide linebacker believes he suffered the torn meniscus in the third game of the 2020 college season, and underwent surgery on his knee last February.

How does Dylan Moses fit the Jacksonville Jaguars’ linebacker corps?

If Moses had had a clean bill of health, he would’ve probably been drafted in the first or second round. He has the talent to compete for a roster spot if he recovers and has the potential to become a solid player in the pros. If shows progress during his rehab, there’s no doubt he will make the team. Keep in mind running back James Robinson and defensive tackle Doug Costin were undrafted free agents last year and both of them were key contributors for this Jacksonville team.

Also, there’s the fact the Jags didn’t pour many resources into their linebacker corps this offseason, other than signing Damien Wilson in free agency and drafting EDGE defender Jordan Smith. It’s uncertain how many linebackers Jacksonville will carry into the regular season but Moses could be one of them.

The Jaguars’ came out of the draft with a solid haul and signing Moses as an underrated free agent might’ve been the icing on the cake. Don’t be surprised if the Alabama standout ends up having a bigger impact than some of the team’s late-round picks.