Grading Jaguars 7-pick haul in talent-filled 2022 NFL Draft

Grading Jaguars 2022 NFL Draft: Round 3, No. 70 pick – Chad Muma, LB.

The Jaguars’ defense showed flashes at times last season but ultimately ranked 28th in points allowed. One of their bright spots was linebacker Damien Wilson, who signed a one-year deal last offseason.

While Wilson wasn’t much of a factor early in the 2021 season, he steadily improved and became one of the Jaguars’ most consistent defenders. He showed proficiency to blitz and even snagged his first career interception. However, the top brass opted not to re-sign him and he went on to join the Carolina Panthers. The silver lining is that the Jags made an aggressive effort to upgrade their linebacker corps. Not only did they sign Foye Oluokun in free agency but they drafted Devin Lloyd. However, Jacksonville wasn’t done revamping the unit and drafted Chad Muma with their second-third round pick.

At first, Muma looks like an unnecessary luxury but he was one of the top-rated linebacker prospects of the class. Last season, he appeared in 13 games and had 142 total tackles, eight tackles for a loss, 1..5 sacks, and three interceptions. Even if isn’t a Day 1 starter, the Wyoming product should still get significant playing time as a rookie. A converted safety, he lined up at all linebacker spots for the Cowboys and it wouldn’t be shocking to him to be part of blitz packages.

General manager Trent Balke told the media before the draft that he wouldn’t mind taking the best player available and making a position group stronger. He showed he was being truthful when the Jags drafted Muma.

Grade: A