Undrafted Free Agents Most Likely to Make the Team

Despite the draft being over, the Jacksonville Jaguars were able to bring in many talented young players to try out for the team. Three of those undrafted players had Pro Football Focus grades of 84 or higher. Here are the undrafted players that will make the final roster:

WR Allen Lazard, Iowa State

After Jaelen Strong was cut from the Jaguars, Lazard (6-foot-5), is one of two Jaguars standing above 6-foot-3, with second rounder D.J. Chark being the only other one. Lazard brings a tough and physical presence when he’s playing, which is a great attribute to have, especially with his size.

Lazard isn’t an explosive receiver, but he can be a reliable target due to his size and physical play. Him being a viable red-zone threat also helps our run game as he is a decent run blocker. This means he can be on the field at all times if needed.

It was quite surprising that Lazard slipped out of the draft, so the Jaguars signed him with a plan in mind.

CB Quenton Meeks, Stanford

After losing Aaron Colvin, the Jaguars signed cornerback D.J. Hayden, who serves as a decent nickel cornerback. But, they are still in need of a solid backup, and Meeks fits the roll well. His father was an NFL defensive coordinator and won a Super Bowl with the Indianapolis Colts. Therefore, Meeks as he knows his position inside and out.

In 36 games of college football, Meeks was able to produce some distinguishable stats. He recorded 115 total-tackles, seven interceptions, 17 pass deflections, two tackles-for-loss, and wasn’t penalized once in the 2017 season. This was an excellent depth pickup for the Jaguars.

LB Darius Jackson, Jacksonville State

Being the productive rusher Jackson is, his technique and hand work still needs a lot of work. This is a project player the Jaguars want to take a shot on given our linebacker situation. Jackson is the all-time school leader in career sacks(20.5) and tackles-for-loss(40). In 2016 alone, he finished with 48 tackles, 15.5 tackles-for-loss, and 10 sacks.

Jackson doesn’t bring a lot to the table as an NFL pro, but with training and some posture fixes, he may be a solid backup. It’s difficult to tell where on the field they’ll want to test him out, either playing defensive end or outside linebacker. That choice may have an effect on Jackson, and if he’ll stay on the team or not. As a serviceable backup and productive player, the Jaguars decided this was a player they wanted to go with.