The Jags have had a heavy presence at the East-West Shrine Bowl and here are six players they could be interested in on the West team.
Earlier we took a look at some players on the East team for Jacksonville Jaguars fans to watch in Saturday’s Shrine Bowl and now it’s time to look at the West team. Here are six standouts from the game’s practice sessions that could fill some holes on the Jags’ roster:
Kelly Bryant, QB, Missouri
Like receiver, quarterback isn’t a pressing need for the Jags but it’s a position worth looking at for them. Even if they name Gardner Minshew II the starter, it isn’t as if his play was perfect in 2019. Sure, he flashed a great deal of ability but when he was forced to play within the confines of the pocket, it wasn’t pretty.
All of that said, I forgot to mention a quarterback in the East breakdown so I’ll do so here by listing Kelly Bryant. Again, the Jags love Southeastern Conference players and Bryant is someone who has played against elite defenses (see Alabama). At 6-foot-3, 225 pounds, Bryant has good size and a live arm. He progressed well throughout the three practice sessions this week and especially impressed in team drills. Needless to say, that means all eyes will be on him during the game as he could be a late-round option at quarterback for the Jags to develop over time.
Calvin Thockmorton, OL, Oregon
According to Tony Pauline of Pro Football Network, Calvin Thockmorton stood out in Day’s 1-2. He looked his best at guard and center as opposed to tackle, so Jags fans who tune in to the Shrine Game should watch his work there as opposed to the interior because that’s where the team needs help at the most. Nonetheless, versatility is always a plus and the fact that he played every position but left guard while at Oregon is pretty impressive.
Nick Westbrook, WR, Indiana
Many praised the speed of Nick Westbrook this week as it seems he may have been the best deep threat in St. Petersburg. He also showcased a great deal of athleticism while making highlight grabs.
At 6-foot-2, 215 pounds, he’s exactly the type of receiver the Jags like, which is tall fast and flashy. With a high probability that they will part ways with Marqise Lee this offseason, Westbrook could be an option for the Jags during Day 3 of the draft.
Bravvion Roy, DL, Baylor
Bravvion Roy was arguably the most mentioned player of the three practices in St. Petersburg and he’s clearly made himself some money when it comes to April’s draft.
According to Pauline, Roy collapsed the pocket and could not be stopped all week for the most part. At 6-foot-1, 333 pounds, Roy could be a candidate to play nose tackle with the Jags, who may be parting ways with Marcell Dareus who would free up over $20 million if released.
Khalil Davis, DL, Nebraska
Like Roy, Khalil Davis was a name mentioned all week. He doesn’t quite have the size that Roy has at 6-foot-0, 300 pounds, but he’s quick at the snap. He also showed the ability to bend this week.
As mentioned in the article about the players to watch on the East team, the Jags need more of a space-eater and run-stuffer in the interior, but if Davis is still available outside of the top-100 selections, he’s certainly worth a look. With the front office understanding that a team can never have enough pass-rushers, they likely will keep a close eye on Davis during the game.
Mykal Walker, LB, Fresno State
Mykal Walker is a player that has played as a 3-4 outside linebacker and a 4-3 inside linebacker while at Fresno State. Of course, with the Jags they may look at him at MIKE linebacker or maybe weak-side linebacker as it appears Todd Wash will remain the team’s defensive coordinator.
At 6-foot-3, 230 pounds, Pauline praised Walker’s instincts and ability to play in space. He also said Walker could be underdrafted, which may present the Jags with a chance to land a late-round gem if they like him.
