Jacksonville Jaguars: Yannick Ngakoue gets more motivation

Yannick Ngakoue is motivated to prove his talent and that’s good for the Jacksonville Jaguars.

The Jacksonville Jaguars have a ferocious pass rush defense. Jacksonville recorded 55 sacks last season. Yannick Ngakoue had 12 of them. As a rookie, in 2016, he started 15 games and made 23 total tackles with eight sacks. Additionally, he forced four fumbles and intercepted a pass. Did he suffer the dreaded “sophomore slump“?

Last season, Ngakoue started every game and recorded 12 sacks. He forced six fumbles, while returning one for a touchdown, and was in on 30 total tackles. He was named to the Pro Bowl, as well.

Since Ngakoue is playing at such a high level, Jacksonville decided not to pick up Dante Fowler’s contract option. How is Ngakoue’s talent judged across the NFL? Every year the NFL Network showcases the top 100 player’s.

The list is voted upon by the NFL players themselves. Ngakoue is the No. 88 player. How did that set with him?

John Reid of Jacksonville.com reports Ngakoue’s thoughts:

"″You always got guys ahead of me that didn’t really play or didn’t make as many plays as me,″ Ngakoue said. ″I don’t really take it to heart. But I really want to get to the point where it’s established that I’m No. 1 and I’m in the Top 10.”"

He sounds like a highly motivated player. His motivation actually helps the Jaguars in their pursuit of the Lombardi Trophy. Most of all, Ngakoue will have a terrific season and expect his production to keep rising.

Will his sack total increase from last season? It is very possible for him to reach 14-16 sacks since there were a few games in which he didn’t have one. First of all, he is becoming the strip sack master.

Ngakoue led the Jaguars in forced fumbles in 2016 and 2017. In 2017, five of his six forced fumbles resulted in Jacksonville touchdowns. While sacks are important, forcing turnovers are more beneficial especially deep in the opponents end of the field.

Next: NFL 2018: Each team's biggest storyline pre-OTAs

Expect a motivated Ngakoue to further build his statistical resume’. Seems like the Jaguars struck gold in the third round of the 2016 draft. This upcoming season will be magical.