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NFL Draft 2015 grades: Dante Fowler Jr. to Jacksonville Jaguars

By Matt Verderame

Nov 30, 2013; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators defensive end Dante Fowler Jr. (6) during a game against the Florida State Seminoles at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Florida State won 37-7. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 30, 2013; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators defensive end Dante Fowler Jr. (6) during a game against the Florida State Seminoles at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Florida State won 37-7. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /
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With the third-overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft, the Jacksonville Jaguars selected Florida Gators outside linebacker Dante Fowler Jr. Jacksonville is hoping to get a premiere pass-rusher in Fowler, who was a terror off the edge in the SEC throughout his career. Last year, Fowler recorded 8.5 sacks, including three in the Birmingham Bowl against East Carolina.

Grade: A

Fowler is a terrific piece to add for Jacksonville, which is beginning to put together a stout front seven. Fowler will play the 4-3 defensive end position for Gus Bradley, putting his hand in the ground across from Jared Odrick. Fowler is currently 6’2 and 261 pounds, an ideal size for an explosive pass-rusher at that spot.

Last season, the Jaguars were able to get to the quarterback with regularity, tied with the New York Jets for sixth-best in the NFL with 45 sacks. Bradley still needs to address multiple spots on both offense and defense, but the picture is beginning to come together for Jacksonville. The offensive line is a major problem, allowing a league-worst 71 sacks. The Washington Redskins were next-worst at 58 permitted.

After going a combined 7-25 in his first two campaigns at head coach, Bradley is on the hot seat. The Jaguars desperately need to improve in quarterback Blake Bortles’ second season, or Bradley could be on the next train out of town. If Fowler can storm onto the scene and create some long distances and turnovers, it will go a long way toward helping an offense that ranked 31st of 32 teams.

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