5 players from the College Football National Championship that could be Jaguars in 2017

1/10/2017

The 2017 College Football National Championship between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Clemson Tigers was loaded with NFL talent. Here's five guys from the game that could be wearing teal and black in 2017.

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Johnathan Allen - Allen is perhaps the most well known quantity on the defensive side of the ball for the Alabama Crimson Tide after coming back to Tuscaloosa for his senior season. His combination of size and speed are hard to find. He stands 6’3’’ tall and weighs in at just under 300 lbs. He is far more advanced that most defensive lineman entering the draft in terms of hand use and awareness. The patented “violent hands” of the Bama defensive line are on display when watching Allen. He is an excellent run stuffer yet is also a highly skilled pass rusher. He likely projects as a 3 tech in a 4-3 scheme or a 5 tech in a 3-4. He has a somewhat similar skill set to Malik Jackson, but is far more advanced than was Jackson when he entered the NFL Draft. Allen could be in play for the Jaguars with the fourth overall pick if they decide to upgrade the defensive front. He is a scheme versatile guy that can play multiple positions along the defensive front and would immediately help the Jaguars pass rush and run defense.

Tim Williams - Williams is another Alabama defender that projects to go in the top half of the first round. He compares favorably to Dante Fowler and Yannick Ngakoue, the Jaguars current edge rushers. He stands 6’4’’ and weighs in at right around 250 lbs. With his combination of size/speed/bend, Williams might be the best edge player in the draft. Plus Williams has legit college production - in his final two seasons at Alabama he recorded at least nine sacks in both seasons and recorded a combined 27.5 tackles for loss. He might be considered a bit of a reach at four, but his pass rushing acumen and ability to set the edge in the run game could have him sneaking into the top five of the 2017 NFL Draft.

Deshaun Watson - This is more of a wild card than the first two names on the list and no-one knows whether or not Watson will go in the top five or even drop all the way down to the second round. I suspect he will go sometime in the first round, and I highly doubt the Jaguars will be willing to spend a first round pick on a quarterback with Blake Bortles still in town, but if Watson does slip to the top of the second round he could give the Jaguars pause. His work ethic, and knowledge of the game are vastly underrated and that combined with his above average arm strength, accuracy, and athletic ability could lead to a productive NFL career for Watson. If the Jaguars are serious about creating a winning organization then Watson could be the guy at the top of the second round — if he isn't selected in the first.

Wayne Gallman - Gallman is one of the more exciting backs in college football. He possesses short area explosiveness and above average power. In his three seasons at Clemson Gallman averaged over 5 yards per carry on his way to over 3,400 rushing yards and 36 total TDs. But he isn't a true home run threat and runs a bit upright due to his 6 foot plus frame. While he doesn't have the build of a traditional power back his ability to get north and south and push the pile forward after contact will be very attractive to NFL scouts. He’s in a tremendous running back class, which will hurt his draft stock, which may leave him available in third or fourth round of the draft. If the Jaguars elect not to draft a running back in the first or second round, then Gallman could be a guy the Jaguars target in the middle rounds. Following a 2016 season in which the Jaguars running game never found life I fully expect there to be a new running back on the Jaguars roster in 2017.

Cordea Tankersley - The cornerback from Clemson may not be a household name but Tankersley projects as one of the very best cornerbacks in the 2017 class. In 2015 as a junior Tankersley recorded five interceptions. After flirting with the NFL Draft “Tank” elected to stay in school and it really paid off. He helped secure Clemson it’s first National Title since 1981 and added another 4 interceptions to his career total. His 6’1’’ frame will help him to compete with some of the athletic freaks at the wide receiver position in the NFL. If the Jaguars and Prince Amukamara don't come to terms on a new deal this offseason then the Jaguars will be in need of another starting cornerback opposite Jalen Ramsey. The Jaguars could look at Cordea in the second round or beyond — if he’s still around.

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