The Jacksonville Jaguars have four selections in the top-3 rounds of the 2020 NFL Draft, and with Yannick Ngakoue likely not to suit up for them again, it would be nice if one of those picks were used on a pass rusher. Sure, the team has Josh Allen who has shown a lot of promise, but as fans know, it takes multiple pass rushers to keep up with the elite offenses.
One player we’ve mocked to the Jags as an option in the draft is Charlotte edge rusher Alex Highsmith, who looks to be a mid-to-late third-round selection. Per Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle, the Jags are one of many teams who’ve met with him via video conference as he seems to be a popular name in the eyes of front offices.
Charlotte pass rusher Alex Highsmith @highsmith34 @CharlotteFTBL video conferences with half the league, including Texans, Patriots, Cardinals, Titans, Falcons, Colts, Bills, Jaguars. Has met with every team at some point during draft processhttps://t.co/k4UKHp6G1Z
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) April 18, 2020
At 6-foot-3, 248-pounds, Highsmith is a player who was ultra-productive behind the line of scrimmage while at Charlotte, garnering 47 tackles for loss in four seasons. He especially stood out last season, garnering 75 total tackles, 21.5 tackles for loss, and 15 sacks — all of which are career-highs. What’s even more impressive is that he joined the team as a walk-on and his production shows how much work he put into his craft.
When looking at Highsmith on film, most scouts project him to be targeted by 3-4 teams. That said, the Jags could have him on their radar because he could help them make a transition in scheme. While Todd Wash seemed firm on saying the Jags would predominantly be a 4-3 team last season, head coach Doug Marrone has stressed that the staff will look to put players in better position to flourish this offseason.
In terms of the cons, most feel he needs to improve in the strength category, including NFL Network’s Lance Zierlein.
Stand-up edge rusher with splashy production to get him noticed by 3-4 fronts. Highsmith is quick to diagnose and slip blocks to make plays in the backfield, but lacks the strength and anchor to take on blocks and set strong edges. He’s clearly put in work when it comes to creating a diverse inside/outside rush attack that has a chance to keep growing if he can weaponize his hands and improve his speed-to-power attack. His play is more finesse than physical and may not be ready for early downs in the NFL. He currently projects as an NFL backup but his ascending play and production could push him into a bigger role if he can get bigger and stronger.
Of course, his need to improve in terms of strength is fixable and he obviously has the work ethic to put in the time in the weight room. In the meantime, he could definitely help the team on third-downs if selected and maybe Wash and company could have him ready to start by 2021.