Aside from having great quarterback play, the key to winning in the NFL is rushing the passer. The Jacksonville Jaguars didn’t do that very well and will need to add a pass-rusher or two this offseason to help K’Lavon Chaisson and Josh Allen out.
Luckily, the draft has a decent amount of options to help them on the edge. One of the more notable prospects who could get snagged early is Texas pass rusher Joseph Ossai, who told the media that the Jags are one of the teams who’ve met with him this offseason during his pro day. Of course, this should come as no surprise as his former defensive coordinator, Chris Ash, is on the Jags staff as their secondary and safeties coach.
Texas outside linebacker Joseph Ossai said he has talked with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Praising Jaguars assistant and former Texas assistant Chris Ash
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) March 11, 2021
Ossai turned heads Thursday at his pro day after showing great burst by registering a 10-foot, 11-inch broad jump and a 41.5-inch vertical jump. In terms of his measurables, Ossai’s official height was 6-foot-3, while his weight was 256 pounds.
#Texas EDGE Joseph Ossai:
• HT: 6036
• WT: 256
• Arm: 33 7/8”
• 40: 4.63
• Broad: 10’11”
• Vertical: 41.5”
• Bench: 19 reps— Jordan Reid (@Jordan_Reid) March 11, 2021
Ossai obviously has the explosion a team would want on the edge and also is effective with his hands. He also has a knack for causing fumbles (like a certain former Jag) but is raw in the eyes of scouts and has a lot of developing to do on the edge. As most fans know, athleticism alone will only get a player so far in the NFL, but with a teacher like defensive coordinator Joe Cullen on the staff, the sky could be the limit for Ossai.
A lot of mocks have Ossai being taken late in the first round or early in the second. The Jags have picks No. 25, 33, and 45, which could provide them with several chances to snag Ossai if they wanted.