Christian Barmore makes a case to be on the Jags’ radar in the first round

The Jags are in need of a defensive tackle this offseason and Alabama’s Christian Barmore could be the answer they need.

Just as they did last April, the Jacksonville Jaguars have two first rounds selections in this year’s draft, thanks to the Los Angeles Rams. Of course, their first overall selection will be a no-brainer, but they can go in many directions when it comes to their second first-round pick.

At this moment, the Jags have needs all over the place and could use additions at left tackle, tight end, receiver, safety, and cornerback. None of those needs may be as big as their need at defensive tackle, though, as former first-round pick Taven Bryan hasn’t panned out.

The Jags’ need in the defensive trenches has been reflected in the mock drafts floating around the web, and as a result, Alabama’s Christian Barmore has been a popular choice for them late in Day 1. Luckily, fans who were looking to get familiar with him yesterday didn’t have to look far as he dominated in the trenches and was the defensive MVP.

In a game where they needed a strong day from him with Justin Fields and Trey Sermon (who left the game early) lining up on the other side of him, Barmore dominated from the first to last quarter. He ultimately finished the game with five total tackles, two tackles for loss, and a sack. Barmore also had multiple pressures, which helped propel him to the highest pass-rush grade of any player in Monday’s game, per Pro Football Focus.

For those who missed it, watch the young defensive lineman work below.

With Barmore and company having a huge day in the trenches, Fields finished the night 17-of-33 (51.5%), good for his second-lowest percentage of the season. Sure, the standout signal-caller wasn’t 100% healthy either, but it was clear that Barmore and company won the battle in the trenches against Ohio State.

When looking at the Jags’ defensive lineman, Barmore, who is quite versatile, would be the perfect addition to the Jags’ front as DaVon Hamilton showed promise at nose tackle and K’Lavon Chaisson did the same on the edge. Unfortunately, he may have upped his stock to be a top-20 prospect after Monday’s game, but even if that proves to be the case, the Jags have more than enough picks to consider trading up for him if needed.