For the first time since 2007 the Jacksonville Jaguars will not be selecting in the top 10 in the NFL Draft, so who could they target at No. 29?
One of the the main reasons the Jacksonville Jaguars have selected in the top 10 for the past decade are because of selections like Blaine Gabbert, Derrick Harvey, Justin Blackmon and Luke Joeckel in the first round. All players turned out to be major busts.
The Jags haven’t had a lot of luck with first round picks since their inception, but recent first round picks Jalen Ramsey and Leonard Fournette are stars and some of the best at their respective position. General manager Dave Caldwell and executive vice president Tom Coughlin look to continue adding a playmaker and or budding star in the first round.
After a spending spree in free agency, and coming off an AFC Championship Game appearance, who could those players be? Let’s dive in and take a look.
5. Rashaan Evans, LB, Alabama
Telvin Smith and Myles Jack are two of the fastest and most athletic linebacker positions in football. With the retirement of Paul Posluszny, the Jaguars could nab a linebacker early to fill that linebacker spot. Alabama linebacker Rashaan Evans could be that guy.
Evans played all over the field under Nick Saban in Tuscaloosa. Alex Kirscher of SB Nation says of Evans:
"It might turn out that it doesn’t matter where Evans plays, or where he’s listed on depth charts. He has real sideline-to-sideline speed, and his next team will deploy him plenty in coverage no matter where he lines up. Evans says he’s comfortable covering not just tight ends, but speedy slot receivers."
Dropping into coverage and covering tight ends and slot receivers was one of Poszlusny’s weaknesses; with Evans, it’s one of his strengths. Pairing Evans with Smith and Jack would give the Jaguars without a doubt the fastest linebacking corps in the NFL.