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2017 NFL Mock Draft: Jets go quarterback

By Brad Weiss

Sep 24, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Texas A&M Aggies defensive lineman Myles Garrett (15) in game action against the Arkansas Razorbacks at AT&T Stadium. Texas A&M won 45-24. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 24, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Texas A&M Aggies defensive lineman Myles Garrett (15) in game action against the Arkansas Razorbacks at AT&T Stadium. Texas A&M won 45-24. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports /
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December 31, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes safety Malik Hooker (24) celebrates after intercepting a pass against the Clemson Tigers during the first half of the the 2016 CFP semifinal at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
December 31, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes safety Malik Hooker (24) celebrates after intercepting a pass against the Clemson Tigers during the first half of the the 2016 CFP semifinal at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
4

Malik Hooker

S, Ohio State

The Jacksonville Jaguars made a ton of moves prior to the 2016 season, as many experts believed it would be the year they made it to the top of the AFC South. Quarterback Blake Bortles was coming off a season where he threw for a bunch of yards, and the combination of Allen Robinson and Allen Hurns on the outside was one of the best in the AFC. However, the Jags and Bortles took a major step back this past season, and many are questioning whether or not he is still the long-term answer at quarterback.

While the offense appeared set for a run, the Jags defense did not, and the team went out of their way to bring in some veteran talent to that side of the ball. While most of their players did not pan out, it brought to light the fact that this team needs help, especially in the secondary. They will likely address that need next April, and Malik Hooker of the Ohio State Buckeyes could be the top safety in this draft.

Hooker has proven during his time with the Buckeyes that he is a leader, and the Jaguars need players that are going to come right in and make a difference. Jacksonville plays in a very winnable division, so just a handful of players could bring them to the top of the AFC South in 2017. If Bortles can play up to his potential, they will be fine, but no defense in the world is going to help them if he takes another step back next season.

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