Jaguars address pass rush, take Dante Fowler Jr. 3rd overall
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The Jacksonville Jaguars made Florida defensive end Dante Fowler Jr. the first defensive player off the board, selecting him with the third overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft.
The Jaguars have reportedly been high on Fowler from the beginning of the draft process. Once Jameis Winston and Marcus Mariota came off the board, it was a no-brainer for the Jaguars to add an elite pass rusher.
Defensive end Leonard Williams and wide receiver Amari Cooper were both on the board when the Jaguars made the pick.
Selecting Fowler means the Jaguars are eschewing needs at running back and wide receiver which will likely be addressed in the second and third rounds.
Dante Fowler Jr. Bio
Position: DE/OLB
School: Florida
College Experience: Junior
Height: 6-3
Weight: 261 lbs.
Age: 20
Combine Results
| Event | Result |
|---|---|
| 40-yd Dash | 4.60 sec |
| Bench Press | 19 reps |
| Vertical Jump | 32.5 inches |
| Broad Jump | 112 inches |
| 3-Cone Drill | 7.40 sec |
| 20-yd Shuttle | 4.32 sec |
Strengths
- Athletic and powerful edge defender capable of rushing the passer either as a 3-4 outside linebacker or a 4-3 defensive end.
- Demonstrated an ability to beat offensive linemen and get to the quarterback in a number of different ways, and his technique in doing so should only improve when settling into an edge role at the next level.
- Capable of either holding the edge on the play side or making a tackle in pursuit in the running game. Willing to take on pulling blockers and demonstrates physicality by initiating contact.
- Rarely ends up on the ground, showing necessary awareness and balance to avoid cut blocks and remain in the play.
- Gets up field with a quick first step off the snap. Plays with a consistently high level of effort and competitiveness until the whistle.
- Active and powerful hands that should only improve in effectiveness with refined technique.
Weaknesses
- Will need to further develop pass-rush technique from the edge, as he lined up and rushed from a number of different positions throughout his career at Florida.
- Can struggle at times in the running game, allowing opposing linemen to get their hands inside and lock out.
- May have the highest ceiling of any edge defender in this year's class, but he could take some time to reach his potential at the next level.