Jacksonville Jaguars 2010 Draft Review

The immediate reaction to this draft was this Jaguars' draft class was terrible because the Jags didn't come away with value or need.
I understand handing out grades is fun, but the reality is school hasn't even started yet.
The Jaguars' biggest need is a pass rusher. I'm assuming the Jaguars believe Tyson Alualu will fill that need. As a versatile three down player, he could play defensive tackle on most downs and kick out to defensive end on passing downs. This type of versatility is what got him drafted ahead of players ranked higher by many experts. D' Anthony Smith, Larry Hart, and Austen Lane are a part of a major face-lift for the defensive line, which included cutting former Pro Bowler John Henderson. The Jags will want to employ a rotation of defensive linemen. If these early picks can be a part of that rotation, Jacksonville will make lemonade out of lemons.


Round 1, Pick 10

Tyson Alualu, DT/DE. California

Ht: 6’ 2 3/8” Wt: 295

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Alualu is the first shocking pick of the draft.  Many people thought he was miscast as a 3-4 defensive end and maybe the Jags believe he is a game changing 4-3 defensive tackle.  

Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report:  Strong, stoutly built, high-energy, athletic defender with the versatility to play any- where in a “30” or “40” front and could be a terrific mismatch piece for a creative defensive mind. Was not used to penetrate inside much in college, but could be an explosive three-technique in the pros. Could become an outstanding pro if paired with the right coach and should be very attractive to the Jets, Ravens and Patriots.

NFL projection: Top-50 pick.

GM Jr’s scouting report:  Right now Alualu is a better athlete than football player and must become more consistent with his technique (Especially playing with leverage) and aggressive playing style if he is going to become the player he has the talent to be.  He has the size, strength and athleticism to be a good starting DT in the NFL (Either as a DT in the 43 or a DE in the 34), but he is not there now and needs to improve a lot to be a consistent starter in the NFL.  Overall, Alualu is going to be drafted higher than I have him rated based on his athleticism and flashes of production, but if he does not improve his consistency he will never become the player he is capable of and will end up as a frustrating backup/3^rd DT who flashes, but is never consistent enough. 

Lindy’s Sports scouting report:  Quick, strong and passionate, Alualu’s production is even more impressive considering he played defensive end in the 3-4 alignment – a position typically defined as a block-consuming, role-playing spot more than a stat-producing position.  Scouts believe Alualu’s numbers would be even more impressive if he were playing in a 4-3 defense.  He appears to be better suited to be “three technique” defensive tackle.  Had Alualu played in the Big Ten or SEC, more would know his name.  Considering the impressive career he had at Cal, don’t expect scouts to forget to include him among the top 64 in April.

Round 3, Pick 74

D’Anthony Smith, DT, Louisiana Tech

Ht: 6’ 2 1/8” Wt: 304

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Jacksonville is looking to replace the once dominate inside force that was Marcus Stroud and John Henderson.  Alualu was a high-energy over-achiever, but Smith is the opposite.  Like many big men, he has an inconsistent motor, and it will be hard to tell if he will improve after receiving a NFL contract.  

Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report: Looks the part and will be selected on his size and movement skills alone, but he lacks the competitiveness required in the NFL’s trenches. Is not the constant penetrator his skill set indicates and lacks base strength to hold his own on an every-down basis. Versatility and athletic ability are attractive enough to warrant a starting job but appears destined to disappoint.

NFL projection: Third- to fourth-round pick.

Lindy’s Sports scouting report:  Smith wasn’t flashy at the Senior Bowl, but proved that he could handle the step up in competition.  He doesn’t have the rare size or athleticism to warrant a first-round grade, but he ranks among the more intriguing second-tier defensive tackle prospects.  A team looking for a young defensive tackle ready to contribute immediately but still possessing some upside, will be sure to consider the former Bulldog in the middle rounds.

143.)  Jacksonville Jaguars
Larry Hart, DE, Central Arkansas
Ht: 6' 0" Wt: 246

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Another hustle type pass rusher, Hart can make an impact on special teams and as a situational pass rusher for the Jags.  Looking to step up their pass rush, the Jaguars have focused on their defensive front in this draft.  

Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report:  Productive, undersized, small-school leverage rusher who played with his hand on the ground in college. Did not receive an invitation to the Combine despite posting two strong seasons at UCA but runs well and flashes enough pass-rush ability to warrant looks as a 3-4 outside linebacker or 4-3 rush end.

NFL projection: Fifth- to sixth-round pick.

153.)  Jacksonville Jaguars
Austen Lane, DE, Murray State
Ht: 6' 6" Wt:  267

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Jacksonville continues to overhaul their defensive line with this player.  He is an experienced pass rusher but needs to get stronger to be able to become a full-time player.  Lane has starter potential, but if he doesn't physically develop, he could languish as a back up.   

Lindy’s Sports scouting report:  Lane helped his cause with a strong showing at the Senior Bowl and is a unique athlete likely to wow in workouts.  Even with the additional 50 pounds he added over his career, Lane isn’t yet strong enough to hold up against an NFL running game.  He is surprisingly refined as a pass rusher and has a blend of burst and size 3-4 and 4-3 defenses can work with.  A team willing to invest a mid-round pick in Lane would see the move pay big dividends down the road.

180.)  Jacksonville Jaguars
Deji Karim, RB, Southern Illinois
Ht:  5' 11" Wt: 205

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Jacksonville is in need of depth at running back, and Karim is an adequate addition.  He may have been brought him to play special teams.  

Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report:  Functional runner who takes what a defense gives him but has few standout traits and could struggle to translate his production to the pro level.

NFL projection: Late draftable pick.

203.)  Jacksonville Jaguars
Scotty McGee, CB, James Madison
Ht: 5' 8" Wt: 190

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  An explosive returner, McGee will give Jacksonville an instant shot in the arm in the return game.  As a cornerback, his skills are not NFL ready, and he may never become a regular at this position.    

Pro Football Weekly 2010 Draft Preview available @ http://www.pfwstore.com/detail.aspx?ID=695

GM Jr. 2010 Draft Guide available @ http://gmjrnfldraft.com/

Lindy’s Sports 2010 Draft Guide available @http://www.lindyssports.com/product.php?cn=332

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