Jacksonville Jaguars: Expectations for Michael Bennett in 2016
No, not that Michael Bennett of the Seattle Seahawks. Michael Bennett of the Jacksonville Jaguars was considered a steal in the 6th round of the 2015 draft. However, as a rookie, the Ohio State defensive tackle rarely played. What does his forecast in 2016 look like?
He was a Big Ten Champion, a Sugar Bowl Champion, and a College Football National Playoff Champion. Yet, somehow, Michael Bennett of, “The” Ohio State University, slid all the way down to the sixth round of the 2015 draft.
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It’s not like Bennett wasn’t productive or didn’t play much. The two year starter for Urban Meyer’s ball club accumulated 14 sacks, 25 1/2 stops for loss, and six forced fumbles in 2013 and 2014.
The reason Bennett slid all the way down to the sixth round?
His size at 6’2, 293 pounds wasn’t an ideal scheme fit for most teams. As a defensive tackle, Bennett lines up on the outside shoulder of the guard, also known as a 3-technique.
Nevertheless, the Jacksonville Jaguars were happy to see Bennett slide all the way down in the draft.
In fact, Pro Football Focus considered Bennett as one of the biggest steals in the draft saying,
"“Few players in the draft can match Bennett’s balanced production as both a run defender and pass rusher where he graded among the Top 10 for interior defenders in each.”"
Bennett didn’t see much playing time as a rookie, though his snaps increased every game. He played in 13 games, and missed three to injury. Yet, Bennett only had 10 combined tackles and half a sack.
It wasn’t like the Jaguars had an elite defensive line, and Pro Bowl defensive tackle Sen’Derrick Marks missed a lot of 2015.
Vito Stellino of the Florida Times-Union spoke with Jaguars defensive line coach, now defensive coordinator, Todd Wash saying,
"“We know he’s a stout run defender. He played really well against the run. We’re still trying to get him better as a pass rusher, which is usually a bit of a slower process for first-year players.”“I really liked him coming out,’’ Wash said. “I was on the table for him a lot earlier than we took him. You could see the flash and the burst that he has. We know it would transition over to the NFL.’’"
Heading into his sophomore season, Bennett should see his role increase, as well as his playing time. Bennett has had, and will have, all offseason to get bigger and stronger, as well as work on his pass rushing technique.
The Jaguars need all the help alone the defensive line they can get, and Bennett could be a serious breakout player for the Jaguars in 2016.
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“All I can do is try to be as good as I can be so they can’t take me off the field,’’ Bennett said (via Vito Stellino of the Florida Times-Union).