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NFL Mock Draft 2017: Defense rules early

By Brad Weiss

Dec 30, 2016; El Paso, TX, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels quarterback Mitch Trubisky (10) throws the ball against the Stanford Cardinal defense at Sun Bowl Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ivan Pierre Aguirre-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 30, 2016; El Paso, TX, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels quarterback Mitch Trubisky (10) throws the ball against the Stanford Cardinal defense at Sun Bowl Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ivan Pierre Aguirre-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Jonathan Allen (93) in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game against the Clemson Tigers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Jonathan Allen (93) in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game against the Clemson Tigers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
4

Jonathan Allen

DL, Alabama

The Jacksonville Jaguars have gotten significantly better on paper this offseason, much like they did heading into the 2016 season. On defense, they added Calais Campbell to the defensive line, which bringing in two impact player in the secondary. Cornerback A.J. Bouye and safety Barry Church will join a defensive backfield that was toasted early and often during last season, so it is likely the team will not grab a defensive back with the fourth pick.

While many experts expect them to select a running back here, likely Leonard Fournette, we like them to add to their improved defensive line. Jonathan Allen has come under scrutiny during the draft season due to problems with his shoulders, but the tape on him does not lie. This guy can flat out play, and any team that passes up on him is certainly going to be sorry they did.

The Jaguars play in the AFC South, which means they have to go up against Marcus Mariota and Andrew Luck two times per season. They need to be able to get after the quarterback if they hope to be competitive next season, and with the uncertainty at their own quarterback position, they will have to win games with their defense. Forget about Allen’s shoulders, because he is the kind of player who can really lead a defense, as he showed during his time on campus at Alabama.

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