With the sixteenth pick in the 2011 BGN Mock Draft, sports00fan00 selects...
Cameron Jordan - DE, California
Last draft, the Jaguars surprised everyone with their selection of DT Tyson Alualu with the 10th overall pick. However, after an impressive rookie campaign by Alualu, no one is questioning General Manager Gene Smith. In fact, since taking over in 2008, all 15 players drafted by Smith are currently still with the team. (11 on the current roster, and 4 on the IR) Most people expect the Jaguars to trade back a few spots, but there is a lot of talent still on the board, especially in the defensive end position.
The Jaguars last year ranked dead last in pass defends and forced fumbles, tied for last in sacks and defensive touchdowns, and ranked in the bottom half of every other defensive category. This year they have glaring needs at safety, defensive end, and linebacker. Since there are no highly ranked safeties in the draft, picking one this early would be foolish. For linebackers, once Von Miller is off the board, there is a decent drop off of talent until, at the earliest, late in the first round.This leaves the Jaguars looking at the defensive ends. Looking at their board they see J.J. Watt, Cameron Jordan, Aldon Smith, Adrian Clayborn, Ryan Kerrigan, and Allen Bailey. All are first round prospects, and there will be at least one available if they move back a few slots. But, like last year with Alualu, who knows what they’ll have up their sleeve.
More after the jump...
From the list of DEs above, three players stand out: J.J. Watt, Aldon Smith, and Cameron Jordan. J.J. Watt had an impressive combine performance, running a 4.76 40-yard dash and finishing in the top 5 for every d-line drill. Aldon Smith recorded 48 tackles, 10 for a loss, and 5 sacks last year, playing hurt after breaking his leg and missing the first three games of the season. Cameron Jordan posted career highs in 2010 with 62 tackles and 12.5 for loss and finishing with 5.5 sacks, earning first-team All-Pac-10 accolades. The Jaguars need someone who can come in and make an immediate impact. J.J. Watt made the transition from TE to DE three years ago and only has two years experience playing defensive end. Aldon Smith has a huge upside, but is still raw and only played two seasons in at the college level. Cameron Jordan played 4 years at Cal and played with the Jaguars 1st round selection last year, Tyson Alualu.
Aaron Kampman is coming off a torn ACL for the second year in a row and is their only proven pass rusher. The Jaguars need another explosive DE that can compliment Kampman. Cameron Jordan can fill that role. Jordan’s a talented five-technique player who stole the show at the Senior Bowl in January. The son of a former NFL All-Pro, Vikings great TE Steve Jordan, Jordan’s a hard-working, high-energy guy that will be right up Jack del Rio’s alley. Jordan has the athletic ability to play both DE positions, and also the versatility, strength, and bulk to move inside to DT. Jordan will rejoin his former Cal teammate Tyson Alualu and hope to regain the chemistry they had in 2009 when they combined for 113 tackles, 20 for a loss, and 13.5 sacks.
Fun Fact: Jaguars coach Jack Del Rio is the first coach ever to be retained for a ninth year without winning a divisional title. However, Owner Wayne Weaver stated he is frustrated and if the Jaguars miss the playoffs they will have a new coach next year.
Next on the clock will be mccloudbro with the New England Patriots.
Previous Picks: 1 - Nick Fairley 2 - Patrick Peterson 3 - Blaine Gabbert 4 - Cam Newton 5 - Von Miller 6 - Marcell Dareus 7 - Prince Amukamara 8 - A.J. Green 9 - Da'Quan Bowers 10 - Corey Liuget 11 - Robert Quinn 12 - Julio Jones 13 - Tyron Smith 14 - Jimmy Smith 15 - Mark Ingram