Category: 2020 NFL Combine

WATCH: Jags rookie Laviska Shenault Jr. snags one-hander during workout

Laviska Shenault Jr. looks ready for training camp and is working hard in Jacksonville during his downtime.

COVID-19 has prevented NFL teams from practicing in a normal capacity. Some teams have had to resort to using more unconventional methods like park workouts, however, that hasn’t stopped some players from getting in some preparation for the 2020 NFL season.

Jacksonville Jaguars rookie wide receiver Laviska Shenault Jr. has seemingly taken the extra downtime to work on his catching:

 

As you can see in the video, Shenault runs a smooth post route to the endzone and makes a highly difficult one-handed catch on his outside shoulder.

Shenault was regarded as one of the most athletic prospects in the 2020 NFL Draft. He was able to do some of the drills at the combine, but a core muscle injury that he sustained before the offseason limited him from certain drills. Shenault underwent surgery after the combine as a result. His overall combine numbers were still impressive as he would run a 4.58 second 40-yard dash to go along with 17 bench press reps of 225 pounds.

The video here is an encouraging sign of things to come as having a healthy, elite offensive weapon like Shenault could mean big things to come for the Jaguars’ offense.

Jags select St. Johns OT Ben Bartch with pick No. 116

The Jags finally got some offensive line help with their first selection Day 3 by taking St. John’s Ben Bartch.

Many fans had been hoping the Jacksonville Jaguars would address their offensive line and they did just that to start Day 3. With the No. 116 overall pick, the team took St. Johns offensive tackle Ben Bartch.

Bartch, 6-foot-6, 309-pounds, was a player who really made a name for himself at the Senior Bowl despite his small school label. In fact, Lance Zierlein of NFL.com had him down as a third round pick in his breakdown of Bartch.

Here is what he had to say about Bartch in his overview:

Converted tight end who has added 75 pounds of good weight since stepping on campus but retained his plus movement. Despite a lack of experience and small-school background, his traits and rapid growth in body and play caught the eye of Senior Bowl evaluators. From a skill standpoint, he’s still an undergrad, but on pace for his degree in tackle studies. He’s an enticing left tackle prospect who continues to evolve, but a step up in competition and a need for continued physical development will require patience and could determine whether his final calling is swing tackle or starter.

On film, Bartch plays with a nasty demeanor and finishes well. Obviously, with a little bit of a tight end background, he’s a solid athlete, too. As a former offensive lineman, that’s clearly something Doug Marrone was impressed by as the Jags need depth in the trenches.

Heading into the draft process the Jags’ front office seemed as though they wanted to give the starting offensive line from 2019 another shot as they felt the group was capable of better. However, taking Bartch should prove to be a smart move as Cam Robinson has dealt with injuries and is on the last year on his contract.

2020 NFL Draft: Top-100 big board

With the 2020 NFL Draft on Thursday night, here is a list of the top-100 players per JaguarsWire contributor William Frost.

With the 2020 NFL Draft now only three days away, team personnel and media alike are finalizing their big boards ahead of this week’s proceedings. The Jacksonville Jaguars are in a unique position this year, as they own two first-round picks for the first time since the 1995 expansion draft.

The Jaguars’ abundance of picks doesn’t end on Night 1, with the team currently in possession of 12 picks throughout the weekend. As always around this time of the year, social media is ablaze with fan theories and mock simulators as fans desperately try and fix their team with their favorite college players.

Given that the team owns seven of the first 140 picks of this year’s draft, Jacksonville fans can be forgiven for diving a little deeper into this crop of prospects. Whilst most fans are aware of the top stars, things begin to get a little murky when the Jaguars come back on the clock at 49 and beyond.

To make things easier, we have stockpiled a list of the top-100 players of this year’s draft:

Top-15

1. Chase Young, EDGE, Ohio State

Ohio State pass-rusher Chase Young tallied 16.5 sacks this year whilst also forcing six fumbles. His display of play-making ability sets him in a class of his own as the premier edge defender of this year’s group of prospects.

2. Jeff Okudah, CB, Ohio State

As the second Ohio State prospect at the top of our big board, Jeff Okudah has the ideal size, length and speed to excel as a shutdown corner at the next level. The Buckeyes have had a string of first-round defensive backs in recent years, however, Okudah surpasses them. In fact, he’s arguably the best cornerback prospect of the draft process since former Jaguar Jalen Ramsey.

3. Isaiah Simmons, LB, Clemson

During his time at Clemson, Isaiah Simmons lined up at middle and off-ball linebacker, safety, nickel corner and blitzed off the edge on multiple occasions. There’s only two issues you have with Simmons’ tape: Figuring out where to put him and trying to find a comparison. The term ‘unicorn’ has become known in the NBA for a big man who can do a little bit of everything. At 6-foot-4, 238-pounds, and blazing speed (ran a 4.39 40-yard dash) Simmons might be the NFL’s first.

4. Joe Burrow, QB, Louisiana State

Joe Burrow is the first quarterback on this list and one of only two in the top-25 for good reason. His 2019 season will go down as one of the best in college football history. Over 5,600 passing yards, 60 touchdowns and only six interceptions is impressive enough, but Burrow is also leaving LSU as a Heisman winner and national champion. As far as quarterback credentials go, they don’t get much better than that.

5. Jedrick Wills, OT, Alabama

Many will be expecting Alabama’s quarterback to be the first Crimson Tide player on a big board, given the consistent hype surrounding Tua Tagovailoa. However, Jedrick Wills is the No. 1 ranked player out of Tuscaloosa. The only knock on Wills is that he spent his college career at right tackle. However, despite his limited experience on the left side, he still enters the draft as the most pro-ready offensive lineman.

6. Derrick Brown, DL, Auburn

Derrick Brown would be a top five player in 90% of draft classes, and could potentially be a Top-5 pick come Thursday night. The former Auburn Tiger has ideal size at 6-foot-5, 326-pounds, ridiculous strength, and the ability to provide some interior pass-rush.

7. Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Alabama

Unfortunately, throughout his college career Tagovailoa has had no less than four serious injuries, a knee sprain, a substantial injury to both ankles and of course the fractured hip. Without these injury concerns he could make a legitimate case for being the top quarterback in this class. His accuracy, timing, and arm talent are all elite traits. All concerns are health-based, of which there are plenty.

8.  Jerry Jeudy, WR, Alabama

Whereas some players can skyrocket into first-round and top-10 status for having a good pre-draft process, Jerry Jeudy has somewhat become a victim of being over-scouted. Due to being on the NFL’s radar for so long, he’s been picked apart by some until he’s no longer the consensus WR1. Even with Henry Ruggs’ elite speed, the polish on Jeudy’s route tree coupled with his ability to get open off the line and extent plays after the catch makes him the best receiver of this class.

9. Tristan Wirfs, OT, Iowa

Tristan Wirfs has proven to be the most dynamic offensive lineman in the 2020 NFL Draft class and he lit up the combine with an incredible display of athleticism. Not only does Wirfs possess great speed for his size, but he jumped better than Jerry Jeudy (35-inches) at the combine registering a 36.5-inch vertical. I promise I’m not making that up.

It’s been reported that some teams view the Iowa product as a guard, but given his experience at either tackle spot, he can provide help on the interior or as a bookend on the outside.

10. Javon Kinlaw, DL, South Carolina

Javon Kinlaw’s draft stock began to rise after he dominated all week at the Senior Bowl. Whilst Brown is the more proficient run defender, Kinlaw’s ability to generate pressure up the middle will entice teams early in this year’s draft. It might be difficult to find a place for him in the top-10 on Thursday night. That being said, whoever does take him will be getting a bonafide star on the defensive line.

11. CeeDee Lamb, WR, Oklahoma

The second receiver on the board and one of three top-15 locks. Despite not being the fastest receiver (ran a 4.5 flat in Indianapolis), Lamb has shown that he has good game speed and the capability to cause problems after the catch. With 800+ yards as a freshman, the former Sooner has put up excellent levels of production during all three seasons in college, leaving for the NFL with 33 touchdowns in three seasons. He can come in and provide a legitimate WR1 option for multiple teams.

12. K’Lavon Chaisson, EDGE, Louisiana State

Predominately a traits-based prospect, K’Lavon Chaisson benefits from a lack of elite edge talent in this year’s draft class. He hasn’t lit up the stat sheet during his time at LSU with only 9.5 sacks during his college career. Still, he has a variety of raw but impressive pass-rush tools with the most notable being his spin move. Chaisson’s play has been as streaky as the stats suggest but that doesn’t mean he hasn’t found success. In this year’s game against Alabama, he gave Alex Leatherwood such a hard time that elected not to enter the draft.

13. Henry Ruggs III, WR, Alabama

Even with a ridiculous 4.27 combine time, Henry Ruggs is much more than just a gadget speedster. Yes, he’s a threat to take the ball to the house every time he touches it, but his route tree goes beyond streaks and screens. Not only will Ruggs get guaranteed touches, but the fact he will constantly require safety help will allow fellow receivers to find mismatches and get open.

14. C.J Henderson, CB, Florida

Long, sticky, and extremely fast, C.J Henderson is everything you want in an outside corner. Whilst he isn’t as polished as Okudah, the Florida Gator has risen up draft boards throughout this process to the point where he is now being viewed as a potential top-10 pick. Henderson spent a lot of his time at Florida trying to test the boundaries of his own game, often times trying to bait quarterbacks into throwing his way so he could test his elite closing speed. He’s a legitimate outside corner who can shutdown one side of the field, or a team’s primary target.

15. DeAndre Swift, RB, Georgia

Don’t expect a running back to go this early on Thursday night, but DeAndre Swift is a top-15 player in this class. He has the tools to be a true three-down back in the NFL and has elite field-vision and patience for developing blocks. Whilst consistent home-run speed is lacking, the former Bulldog has great burst which can buy him yards in tight situations. Teams will be able to depend on Swift early and often and he could legitimately change the dynamic of an NFL offense.

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Podcast: Discussions on A.J. Bouye trade, NFL Draft with Jordan Reid of Draft Network

Phil and James discussed the Jags’ decision to trade A.J. Bouye to the Broncos. They also discussed the 2020 NFL draft with Jordan Reid.

With the Jacksonville Jaguars deciding to trade cornerback A.J. Bouye last week, Jags Wire contributor Phil Smith and I went in-depth on the topic in episode six of “Bleav in the Jags.”

Afterward, we sat down with Jordan Reid of the Draft Network to discuss the  hottest draft related topics surrounding the Jags from their needs, who could be available for their first pick, to some options at the receiver and linebackers position, plus more.

Feel free to listen to the archived episodes of Bleav in Jags, too, and subscribe via Apple podcasts, Google Play, or Spotify.

Ep. 6

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Revisiting Jags’ top-7 positional needs heading into 2020 free-agency period

After the regular season, we evaluated the Jacksonville Jaguars’ top needs and it’s now time to re-evaluate them with free-agency coming up. Some important things have changed since then as A.J. Bouye was traded and Yannick Ngakoue told the team …

After the regular season, we evaluated the Jacksonville Jaguars’ top needs and it’s now time to re-evaluate them with free-agency coming up. Some important things have changed since then as A.J. Bouye was traded and Yannick Ngakoue told the team that he doesn’t want a deal from them.

With these key events taking place in the Jags’ timeline, here are the Jags’ needs as free-agency closes in:

Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

7. Wide receiver

Receiver initially looked like a strength for the Jags after free-agency last season, but after the season unfolded, it became clear they needed help there alongside Pro Bowler D.J. Chark. The second-year receiver from Louisiana State led the team in receiving yards registering just over 1,000 with eight touchdowns and the next receiver behind him was Chris Conley, who registered 775 yards.

The biggest issue with Conley and those behind Chark like Westbrook and Cole has been drops and consistency over the last few years. That said, they need to head into this offseason looking for a bonafide No. 2 receiver, especially when considering the team will be likely releasing veteran Marqise Lee as a cap casualty.

The draft may be the best route to address this as the Jags could have a shot at Jerry Jeudy, CeeDee Lamb, or Henry Ruggs early in the first-round and a shot at others like Justin Jefferson, Laviska Shenault Jr., and Denzel Mims late in the first or early in the second. There are other options later in the draft like Antonio Gandy-Golden, K.J. Hill, and Van Jefferson.

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NFL GM has Giants taking Andrew Thomas in 2020 NFL Draft

An NFL GM has the New York Giants passing over other offensive tackles and Isaiah Simmons to take Andrew Thomas at No. 4 in the NFL Draft.

If you asked 10 experts their opinion of who the New York Giants will select with the No. 4 overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft, you might get 10 different answers.

Mike Sando of The Athletic recently sat down with an NFL GM, who provided his take on the first 10 picks in the draft. The Cincinnati Bengals will take LSU quarterback Joe Burrow first overall.

“You love his mind and the short accuracy, but he is not a big man, he has small hands, does not have a big arm and he has done it for only one season,” this GM said. “So, there are concerns. I would not take him but I think the Bengals will.”

An unnamed “offensive coordinator said the Bengals should “cancel their football team” if they do not take Burrow first overall. This coordinator called Burrow a once-in-a-decade prospect who is ahead of where Andrew Luck was coming out of Stanford based on the offensive style LSU played. The GM thought Alex Smith and Andy Dalton were better comps for Burrow from a physical standpoint while allowing that Burrow possessed more in terms of makeup and moxie.”

The mock has Ohio State edge rusher going to Washington at No. 2 (“Ron Rivera will be running to turn in the card for Chase Young,” a personnel director said. “He is sprinting and doing cartwheels.”) and the Detroit Lions trading back from No. 3 to team that will select Alabama QB Tua Tagovailoa (“I think Detroit is going to trade the pick,” the GM said. “Put Tua in there, but they will trade the pick. Someone else will take Tua.”)

At No. 4, the Giants are going to go hog mollie.

4. New York Giants

GM’s projections: Andrew Thomas, OT, Georgia

“The Giants will take an offensive lineman and I’ll go with the Georgia tackle or maybe (Mekhi) Becton,” the GM said. “Thomas would be a damn good pick for them.”

No Isaiah Simmons? Hmmm. Have to question this GM’s credibility here. He has Simmons dropping out of the top 10 entirely. I’m not sure he lasts past the Giants. In fact, many believe Detroit could take him third.

It’s hard to fathom how players fall in the draft, but Simmons is a riser if anything. He’s top-five pick. The furthest he’ll fall is sixth or seventh.

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2020 NFL Combine: Potential Giants target Isaiah Simmons puts on a show

Potential New York Giants draft target, Isaiah Simmons, put on a show for the ages at the 2020 NFL Combine in Indianapolis on Saturday.

Clemson linebacker Isaiah Simmons made an impression during media interviews at the 2020 NFL Combine in Indianapolis earlier this week, confidently telling reporters that he’s capable of changing the game regardless of what position he plays defensively.

“I know years ago it wasn’t good to be a positionless guy. But now it’s become a benefit for me just because of all the versatility I’ll be able to do, play linebacker, play safety, whatever it is, I feel like it just helps me out,” Simmons told reporters. “I like an interception just as much as I like getting a sack. I don’t really think I have a favorite.”

The fact that Simmons doesn’t have a defined role entering the NFL has given some pause, especially when it comes to the New York Giants, who are in clear need of a game-changing linebacker as opposed to a linebacker/safety tweener.

But the game is evolving and the Giants are weak at both the linebacker and safety positions. Moreover, unlike their system under James Bettcher, Patrick Graham has already promised that his scheme will be more “multiple.” Essentially, you’ll see New York line up in the 3-4, 4-3, 2-4, 3-3-5 and any other formation you can think of.

That makes Simmons and his versatility a potentially interesting fit. And if there were any lingering doubts about what the “tweener” could bring to the table, he squashed them on Saturday in Indianapolis.

Simmons checked in just over 6-foot-3 and 238 pounds before proceeding to run a 4.39 40-yard dash. And while that’s the number so many key in on, his impressive performance extended well beyond his blazing speed.

Simmons is taller than wide receiver D.K. Metcalf, heavier than linebacker Roquon Smith, faster than legendary return man Devin Hester, has a better vertical than wide receiver Julio Jones and more explosiveness than running back Alvin Kamara.

That is unparalleled athleticism and nothing could be more “multiple” than that. It’s also why Simmons, assuming he falls to No. 4 overall, has planted himself firmly on the Giants’ radar and why he should absolutely be their pick if the opportunity presents itself.

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Watch: Isaiah Simmons runs a jaw-dropping 4.39 40-yard dash at NFL Combine

Isaiah Simmons stunned the nation with his 40-yard dash Saturday.

Heading into the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine we all knew Clemson’s Isaiah Simmons was an elite athlete, but he still managed to find a way to make the jaws of the world drop Saturday. At 6-foot-3, 238 pounds, the young defender was able to clock in an official 4.39 in his first 40-yard dash attempt.

Simmons may be the player who has been mocked to the Jags the most over the last few months, but it appears he’s making a strong case to be off the board when the Jags make the No. 9 selection. If he’s still available, however, it’s hard to see them passing on the opportunity to bring him in.

We deemed linebacker as the Jags’ biggest weakness this offseason and a player like Simmons would be just what the doctor ordered for them. Last year, weak-side linebacker Telvin Smith retired and his spot seems to be ideal for Simmons although he’s played at outside linebacker, inside linebacker, safety, and in the slot as a defender.

In 2019, Simmons racked up 67 total tackles and three picks. He also helped rush the passer, garnering seven sacks on the season.

Watch: 364-pound OT Mekhi Becton clocks in a 5.11 40-yard dash time

The Jacksonville Jaguars need some help on the offensive line and have a good chance to come from the 2020 NFL Draft with at least one prospect on the unit. If so, it’s hard to imagine Louisville’s Mekhi Becton not being under consideration in the …

The Jacksonville Jaguars need some help on the offensive line and have a good chance to come from the 2020 NFL Draft with at least one prospect on the unit. If so, it’s hard to imagine Louisville’s Mekhi Becton not being under consideration in the first round.

With his athleticism well documented, Becton gave those in attendance at the 2020 NFL Combine the confirmation they needed, clocking in a 5.11 in the 40-yard dash at 6-foot-7, 364 pounds.

Talk about a big man that can move!

Jags general manager Dave Caldwell told the media he was fine with the current offensive line earlier this week at the Combine. However, the fact of the matter is the unit could use some upgrades.

Cam Robinson hasn’t been the answer at left tackle so far but the Jags may want to give him another crack at starting in 2020 because he was returning from a 2018 ACL tear. Then again, maybe the Jags could view Becton (or another tackle) as an option to kick Robinson in to guard.

Unfortunately, Becton didn’t finish the full on-field workout part of Friday’s session due to hamstring tightness. That likely won’t prove to be an issue, though, as he’ll get plenty of team workouts and has his pro day coming up down the road.

2020 NFL Combine: Highlights of QB, WR, TE on-field workouts

Thursday afternoon and evening, the first set of on-field workouts for the 2020 NFL Combine were underway with the tight ends, quarterbacks, and receivers taking the field. The tight ends started things off with the 40-yard dash drill and Missouri’s …

Thursday afternoon and evening, the first set of on-field workouts for the 2020 NFL Combine were underway with the tight ends, quarterbacks, and receivers taking the field.

The tight ends started things off with the 40-yard dash drill and Missouri’s Albert Okwuegbunam stole the show by running the fastest time (a 4.49), which tied the fourth-fastest time at the position since 2003. Brycen Hopkins (4.66) of Purdue, Stephen Sullivan (4.66) of Louisiana State, and Notre Dame’s Cole Kmet (4.70) were the players behind him in terms of times.

Kmet and Sullivan also backed up their 40 times with solid vertical jumps, acquiring the top measurements of 37 and 36.5, respectively.

The receivers put on a display, too. Alabama’s Henry Ruggs didn’t get the Combine record in terms of his 40 time, but he did clock in a (4.27), which was still impressive. That was the best time of the day and behind him was Quez Watkins (4.35) of Southern Miss, Denzel Mims (4.38) of Baylor, and Darnell Mooney (4.38) of Tulane.

CeeDee Lamb and Jerry Juedy also had highlight moments in the end zone fade drills as both showed their abilities to adjust in the air.

Michigan’s Donovan Peoples-Jones blew the jumping part of the Combine out of the water, registering a broad jump of 11 feet, 7 inches and a vertical jump of 44.5 inches. Jalen Reagor of Texas Christian was a top performer in both categories, too (11 feet, 6 inches in the broad and a 42 inch vert jump), as was Ruggs (10 feet, 11 inches in the broad and a 42 inch vert jump).

The quarterback who made himself some money was Oregon’s Justin Herbert. As expected, he tested well registering a 4.69 in the 40 (good for third at the position), a 10 foot, 3 inch broad jump (tied for second), and a 35.5 inch vert jump (tied for second). He also threw the ball well, too.

Oklahoma’s Jalen Hurts had a great day as well and closely matched (or surpassed) Herbert in terms of his numbers, registering a 4.54 in the 40 (good for first), a 10 foot, 5 inch broad jump (tied for first), and a 35 inch vert jump (tied for fourth).

Listen to the latest from Jags Wire’s Jags Wire’s James Johnson and Phil Smith on their podcast, Bleav in the Jags. Subscribe on Apple podcasts, Google Play, or Spotify.

Ep. 4

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