Spandex Standouts: 5 Potential Jaguars Shine at the 2016 NFL Combine

2/29/2016

The NFL Combine took place this weekend and ended on Monday with the defensive backs. Several potential Jaguars had incredible displays in their individual drills. Here are five players to keep your eye on moving forward.

By Jordan de Lugo

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Joey Bosa: Junior DE, Ohio State - Projected Top 5 pick

Bosa had a big day at the combine on Sunday, not that he needed it. Bosa was a top performer in several drills including the 3 cone drill, 20 yard shuttle, and broad jump. Despite his perceived lack of elite athleticism, Bosa is regarded by most as the past defensive lineman in the 2016 NFL Draft. He furthered his argument for being the best player in the draft with his impressive showing at the combine. With his 3 cone drill and 20 yard shuttle performances he showed impressive explosiveness and the ability to change direction quickly. With his broad jump he displayed explosive leaping ability and balance. While his 32’’ vertical was not among the best in this class, it is impressive when you consider his 6’5’’, 270 lb. frame. Bosa is a legitimate candidate for the Jaguars to draft with the 5th pick in the upcoming NFL Draft and as their roster stands now, he would likely start immediately.

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Jalen Ramsey: Junior FS/CB, Florida State - Projected Top 5 pick

Jalen Ramsey can fly. Standing at 6’1’’ and weighing at nearly 210 lbs. Ramsey is a physical specimen as a defensive back, and adding to his already impressive resume, Ramsey ran a 4.42 40 yard dash, a 135’’ broad jump, and posted a ridiculous 41.5’’ vertical at the NFL Combine on Monday. Ramsey will almost certainly go in the top 5 picks of the upcoming draft and if he is available with the fifth pick in the draft, it is highly likely that he will be selected by the Jags, who lack an explosive playmaker in the secondary. Ramsey’s high football IQ, love of the game, and rare explosiveness make him a truly unique prospect that will dramatically change the fortunes of which ever team is lucky enough to nab him early in the first round.

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Darron Lee: Sophomore LB, Ohio State - Projected 1st - 2nd Round pick

Lee was the star of the combine this weekend posting an insane 4.47 40 yard dash. In addition to his blistering 40 time, Lee posted a 35.5’’ vertical jump and a 133’’ broad jump. His rare athletic ability will certainly entice teams in the mid to late first round. Lee weighed in at just over 230 lbs. which is a concern to some, but it shouldn't be. His unique athleticism at the linebacker position will create nightmares for offensive coordinators. But where does he fit with the Jags? Many draft scouts list Lee as an outside linebacker, but he sees himself as a new breed of inside linebacker and so do I. If Lee is available at the top of the second round he could be a steal for the Jaguars and the heir apparent to Paul Posluszny. His current weight is only 8 pounds shy of Posluszny’s 240 pound playing weight and really shouldn't be an issue when you consider his athleticism. Jaguars Head Coach Gus Bradley wants more speed on defense and Darron Lee, if available in the second round, could be just the guy to provide it.

Shilique Calhoun: Senior DE, Michigan State - Projected 2nd Round pick

Calhoun showed tremendous leaping ability at the combine with his 35’’ vertical. His 6’4’’ frame combined with his impressive vertical shows that he will have the ability to deflect passes at the line in the NFL. In addition to his great leaping ability, he showed impressive quickness and change of direction in his 3 cone drill and 20 yard shuttle. Calhoun, while an impressive specimen, is not so highly regarded as Joey Bosa and could be available in the 2nd round of the draft. He has an impressive skill set, but seems to get lost in games. Calhoun’s eye popping 27 career sacks and 44 tackles for loss will certainly be very enticing for any team looking to bolster their pass rush. While he looks average on many of his snaps, he shows the ability to make a couple of splash plays in nearly every game. He could be a valuable addition to a Jaguars pass rush that is greatly lacking the ability to make splash plays.

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DeAndre Houston-Carson: Senior FS, Willam & Mary - Projected 3rd - 4th Round pick

Houston-Carson draft stock no doubt suffers as he is from a small school, but physically he looks like a power 5 player who could end up a starter in the NFL. He impressed at the Combine on Monday running one of the faster 40 yard dash times of any safety a 4.56. Combining his size, speed, and knack for finding the ball, Houston-Carson could elevate himself to a late second to early third round pick. Standing at 6’1’’ and weighing in at just over 200 lbs. he has ideal size for a Gus Bradley free safety and could be a target for the Jaguars in the third round if they fail to address the free safety position earlier in the draft or in free agency.

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