Is Malik Jackson a Fit with the Jaguars?

2/25/2016

Malik Jackson is an unrestricted free agent who is looking to get paid big money this offseason, coming off his huge role in the Broncos 2015 Super Bowl run.

By Jordan de Lugo

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Who is This Guy?

Most football fans know Malik Jackson as the disruptive interior force that he was for the Broncos in 2014 and 2015. Prior to his recent success Jackson was a fifth round pick out of Tennessee in the 2012 draft. An unheralded defensive lineman drafted by the Broncos as a project, Jackson quickly showed that he belonged. In his second season with the Broncos he recored 6 sacks. In his last three seasons combined he has recorded 14 sacks, not an eye popping number, but what is impressive is his 96 QB pressures in the last two seasons. Jackson is a guy that is looking to get paid big money. He reportedly just turned down a deal from the Broncos that would have have earned him over $10 million a year over a 5 year period. Jackson is reportedly looking for a deal more in the 5 year, $75 million range.

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Does He Fit with the Jags?

Jackson was a 3-4 defensive end/tackle in Denver, but despite the difference in scheme he appears to be a great fit for the Jags. According to Mike Klis of 9 News Denver "the Jaguars covet Jackson". It makes sense because he is the type of player who has the versatility (similar to Jared Odrick) to play the elephant end and the 3 tech in the Jaguars current defense. Standing a 6'5'' and weighing in at over 290 pounds he has the strength to play inside against guards and centers and the athleticism to rush the passer from the edge as well. Jackson may not have eye popping numbers in terms of sacks, but he recored 60 QB pressures last season alone and would quickly upgrade the Jaguars pass rush and run defense.

In terms of money the Jaguars shouldn't be worried about overpaying a few players that they "covet". He will likely cost the team around $15 million a year, which is a hefty price, but if the Jags expect to compete in 2016 it's a price they should be willing to pay.

Personnel wise Jackson would probably knock Jared Odrick into a lesser role and could eliminate Tyson Alualu's role with the team completely. He also could impact Sen'Derrick Marks' value with the team, but that isn't something the Jags should worry about. If they truly do "covet" Jackson they need to get him to Jax and worry about how he fits in with our other personnel once he gets here.

The bottom line is Jackson is a talented player, a guy who ranked near the top of the Pro Football Focus rankings for defensive lineman, and a guy the Jaguars should absolutely pursue. It's unlikely that the Broncos will look to finagle money around and figure out a way to resign him as they have other big contracts looming. Look for the Jaguars to make a strong run at Jackson and if they do you could be seeing yet another Bronco turned Jaguar this offseason.

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