3 Clemson linemen the Jacksonville Jaguars should target in the 2023 NFL Draft
By Beau Adams
1. Clemson player the Jaguars must target in the 2023 Draft: KJ Henry
. . KJ Henry sounds like a Jacksonville Jaguar. 432. . KJ Henry, Edge Rusher. 5. player
There is a lot to like about K.J. Henry. First and foremost, he has a high personal character and shows outstanding leadership in the locker room and the community. On the field, he is a disruptive EDGE rusher. His NFL prospect profile boasts his ability to read the quarterback while staying low and smooth with terrific transition speed. Look at the speed on this spin move.
Need Edge talent outside the 1st?
— Jared Tokarz (@JaredNFLDraft) January 31, 2023
KJ Henry #Clemson 6’4 255
Former 5 star recruit
Can play play the run/rush the passer well. Heavy Hands.
Spoke to 1 scout who thinks the gap between Murphy+ Henry is less than most think
Check him out @ Senior Bowlpic.twitter.com/Mf7I42gTcR
Henry was a five-star recruit with a top-ten grade in the 2018 recruiting class coming out of high school. Standing 6'4 and 251 pounds, he is comparable in size to San Francisco 49ers edge rusher Nick Bosa but with the 40 speed of Myles Garret. His scouting report states he has the prototypical length to play on the edge.
Moreover, Henry has a high football IQ, with reports saying he is a cerebral player. He has the size, football IQ, speed, and leadership, everything you look for in a player. So why is he only projected to be a third-round pick?
We can go on about how great K.J. Henry is, but it's not all roses. Most of the weaknesses are based on not what he can’t do and more on how he was used at Clemson, saying he can only play early downs or he is not an every-down player. From what I can tell, it's more likely he was getting lost in the shuffle of the deep Tigers' defensive line with Myles Murphy and Brian Bresee.
It appears he makes the players around him better and maybe a middle-round steal for a team that can utilize his strengths. When we look back on the 2023 draft in future years, Henry could be the best of the Clemson defensive lineman drafted. Jags would do well to use a third-round pick on him.
All three to the Jacksonville Jaguars for a Clemson reunion
Without having to address any gaping wholes in the roster during the draft, it may not be unreasonable to use four picks to grab all three Clemson prospects. It would reunite Trevor Lawrence and Travis Etienne with their collegiate teammates and establish a fearful front line for years to come.
Next. 3 Notre Dame players the Jaguars should target in the 2023 NFL Draft. dark