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Following the initial wave of NFL free agency, where the Jacksonville Jaguars began reshaping the roster with nine signings, the team made an obvious selection in a post-free agency mock draft.
Of course, what happens in free agency can have a major impact on how a team approaches the draft, and that's very true in this instance for the Jaguars. Of the nine free-agent signings made, none were along the defensive line, which is a major need for this Jaguars team. So naturally, Charles McDonald of Yahoo! Sports had the Jaguars taking the top defensive tackle in the draft class at pick No. 5.
Tice and Charles McDonald each alternated selections in their most recent joint mock draft. When it came to pick No. 5, McDonald had the Jaguars taking Michigan interior defender Mason Graham. This was already a popular pick in mock drafts before free agency, and given how free agency unfolded, it will continue to be.
"Graham is a monster along the defensive front, which the Jaguars will need to try and turn around in a hurry," McDonald wrote. "He played injured in 2024, but in 2023 he was a dominant player for a Michigan defense that was one of the best in college football history. He has the athleticism and skill that Jacksonville wants on its defensive line."
Graham would record 34 pressures and five sacks during the 2024 season but was extremely effective as a run defender. By PFF's metrics, Graham was their top-rated interior run defender, while also ranking second in run stop rate as well.
A strong and consistent presence from the defensive tackle position can do wonders for an entire defense. A strong push up the middle is the best way to quickly wreck any offensive play, not to mention that the attention that player draws can create opportunities for others, both along the defensive front and at linebacker.
GM James Gladstone mentioned at the NFL combine that he wanted to prioritize this position, and with this year's draft class being loaded at the defensive tackle position, even if the Jaguars take Graham, I would guess they'll use other picks on this position as well.
This article originally appeared on Jaguars Wire: Jaguars NFL draft: Jacksonville makes obvious pick in post free agency mock
Continue reading...
Of course, what happens in free agency can have a major impact on how a team approaches the draft, and that's very true in this instance for the Jaguars. Of the nine free-agent signings made, none were along the defensive line, which is a major need for this Jaguars team. So naturally, Charles McDonald of Yahoo! Sports had the Jaguars taking the top defensive tackle in the draft class at pick No. 5.
Tice and Charles McDonald each alternated selections in their most recent joint mock draft. When it came to pick No. 5, McDonald had the Jaguars taking Michigan interior defender Mason Graham. This was already a popular pick in mock drafts before free agency, and given how free agency unfolded, it will continue to be.
"Graham is a monster along the defensive front, which the Jaguars will need to try and turn around in a hurry," McDonald wrote. "He played injured in 2024, but in 2023 he was a dominant player for a Michigan defense that was one of the best in college football history. He has the athleticism and skill that Jacksonville wants on its defensive line."
Graham would record 34 pressures and five sacks during the 2024 season but was extremely effective as a run defender. By PFF's metrics, Graham was their top-rated interior run defender, while also ranking second in run stop rate as well.
A strong and consistent presence from the defensive tackle position can do wonders for an entire defense. A strong push up the middle is the best way to quickly wreck any offensive play, not to mention that the attention that player draws can create opportunities for others, both along the defensive front and at linebacker.
GM James Gladstone mentioned at the NFL combine that he wanted to prioritize this position, and with this year's draft class being loaded at the defensive tackle position, even if the Jaguars take Graham, I would guess they'll use other picks on this position as well.
This article originally appeared on Jaguars Wire: Jaguars NFL draft: Jacksonville makes obvious pick in post free agency mock
Continue reading...
