Football fans around the world finally got to see some defensive players take the field for the 2020 NFL Combine as the linebackers and defensive lineman did their performance drills. It also marked a key day for Jacksonville Jaguars fans to tune in as their team could use some help at both positions.
With the results being made official by the data recorders in Indianapolis, here are x standouts from Day 3 the Jags should consider drafting:
Isaiah Simmons, LB, Clemson
Isaiah Simmons had the biggest highlight of the entire Combine after running a 4.39 in the 40-yard dash, however, his eventful day didn’t stop there. He was a top performer in the vert jump, recording a 39-inch jump (good for third amongst linebackers) and an 11-foot broad jump (second).
Simmons was arguably the most mocked player to Jacksonville with them needing help at linebacker. He probably won’t be available for them now with the No. 9 overall pick, but if he is, or they decide to trade up for him, he’s pretty much checked off all the boxes.
DaVon Hamilton, DT, Ohio State
DaVon Hamilton quietly helped himself Saturday, turning in a 5.14 in the 40-yard dash, putting up 33 reps on the bench press, and registering a 29.5-inch vertical jump at 6-foot-4, 320 pounds.
That’s quite impressive for a man of his size.
The Jags recently released Marcell Dareus this week to free up some cap space. While he could return, the Jags need a successor who can eat double teams and be a force against the run. Per Pro Football Focus, he’s been one of the highest-graded defenders against the run over the last two years and scouts believe he has decent pass rush ability.
Due to not being a starter for Ohio State, the Jags may have a shot to get him in the fourth round as he’s projected to go anywhere from the third to fifth rounds.
Khalil Davis, DL, Nebraska
Khalil Davis has been raising his stock dating back to January when he was a standout for the East-West Shrine game practices. He further helped himself at the Combine, displaying his athleticism by running a 4.76 at 308 pounds.
The Jags need more of a run-stuffing space-eater, however, Davis is someone who could provide a pass rush in the interior if they don’t like where Taven Bryan’s development is. Unfortunately, Davis may have put himself in consideration to be a third-round pick, but if he somehow slides past that point, adding him to the Jags’ defensive line may not be a bad idea because you can never have too many pass rushers.
Malik Harrison, LB, Ohio State
The Jaguars need to find a way to get Myles Jack away from the MIKE linebacker spot, and though the best way to do that would be in free agency with a veteran, the draft would give the Jags a cheaper option there. That said, fans can’t help but wonder if Malik Harrison caught their eyes Saturday after a solid performance.
At, 247 pounds, he was able to register a 4.66 in the 40-yard dash, a 36-inch vertical, 10-2 broad jump, and 6.83 in the three-cone drill, which was the best of any linebacker Sunday. That proved that his movement skills were fluid as was his performance in the drop back and other change of direction drills.
Right now, most scouts view him as a second-round pick. That’s where Jack was taken so the Jags would be smart to consider Harrison at arguably their weakest positional unit.
Kenneth Murray, LB, Oklahoma
He’s been a player to watch for the Jags for a while and his performance Saturday showed why despite suffering a hamstring injury. He was just outside being a top-5 performer in several categories like the 40-yard dash (registered a 4.52) and the vertical jump (38-inches). He did crack the top-5 with his 129-inch broad jump, however, which was good for third at the linebacker position.
All of those numbers point to great downhill speed and explosion, both of which are traits that show up on his film. After his performance Saturday, it feels like he’d be perfect for the Jags’ No. 20 overall pick.
.jpg?w=600)
