WHAT TO EXPECT FROM JOSIAH SCOTT IN 2020

Josiah Scott (John Jones/Icon Sportswire)

What are the Jaguars getting in cornerback Isaiah Scott?

BY JORDAN DE LUGO

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The show rolls on. I've made it through the Jaguars' first five selection in the 2020 NFL Draft, breaking down what to expect from these rookies in their first season with the team.

What to expect from Henderson and Chaisson in 2020.

What to expect from Laviska Shenault Jr. in 2020.

What to expect from DaVon Hamilton in 2020.

What to expect from Ben Bartch in 2020. 

Today, it's all about Josiah Scott, the sixth member of the Jaguars' 2020 draft class. Scott was selected in the fourth round, with the 137th overall pick. 

Scott, a diminutive cornerback from Michigan State, left school after his junior season, and for good reason. A cornerback of his stature (5'9" and 185-pounds) and skill level wasn't likely to gain much more momentum with another year in college. He's ready-made to take on the professional game as a nickel corner. Scott improved statistically every year at Michigan State. In his final season for the Spartans, Scott gave up a QB rating in coverage of just 58.7. Scott allowed opposing QBs to complete only 51% percent of their passing attempts, picked up three interceptions, and gave up only two touchdowns. If Scott were two or three inches taller, he might have gotten love as a day one or early day two pick. 

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But what will he bring to Duval in year one? Firstly, Scott will compete on special teams. With his 4.4 speed and supreme toughness, Scott should be able to make an impact on punt and kick coverage. Despite his smaller size, Scott played heavily on the outside at Michigan State, but the Jaguars are unlikely to ask Scott to do so early on. He'll come in and compete to be the second-string nickel cornerback behind DJ Hayden. I'd be surprised if Scott doesn't earn the job as the primary backup. His fluid feet and instincts serve him very well in coverage. And like I mentioned before, he's more than comfortable with the physical aspects of the game. Scott recorded 52 tackles during his junior season in 2019 and routinely took on bigger ball carriers in one-on-one situations. The one thing missing from Scott's stat line at MSU, is sacks. But not for lack of trying — he blitzed effectively for the Spartans, but never got home. Still, he was good at forcing QBs into bad situations when blitzing. Scott should be a special teams asset and valuable backup nickel for the Jaguars in 2020. Should DJ Hayden miss time due to injury — as he has in both years with the Jaguars, playing in just 14 of a possible 32 games — Scott should be able to step in and play well. If Hayden is forced to miss games, he's unlikely to come back to his starting role, that's how good Scott can be. DJ Hayden's contract is set to expire after the 2020 season, and Josiah Scott figures to step into the starting role at nickel entering '21. 

Follow Jordan on Twitter for all the latest Jaguars news and analysis. ​