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NFL mock draft: Don’t mess with Texas

By Brad Weiss

Jan 1, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) passes against the Atlanta Falcons during the first quarter at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) passes against the Atlanta Falcons during the first quarter at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 11, 2016; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Titans linebacker Brian Orakpo (98) against the Minnesota Vikings at Nissan Stadium. The Vikings won 25-16. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 11, 2016; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Titans linebacker Brian Orakpo (98) against the Minnesota Vikings at Nissan Stadium. The Vikings won 25-16. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports /
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Brian Orakpo

Outside Linebacker, Houston, Texas

The Jacksonville Jaguars were much-improved during the 2017 NFL season, as Blake Bortles did enough to keep them from picking in the top-5 picks once again. Allen Robinson and Allen Hurns had solid seasons at the wideout position, and Leonard Fournette led all rookies in rushing yards in his first season in Jacksonville. The Jaguars also got a big year out of A.J. Bouye, who led the division in interceptions.

With good, young talented players on the offensive side of the ball, the Jaguars decided to bring in another veteran presence on the defense with the No. 12 pick. Brian Orakpo, coming off another Pro Bowl season in Tennessee in 2017, will join a linebacking group headlined by Paul Posluszny on the inside. The addition of Orakpo gives Jacksonville three levels of solid defense, and could make them a favorite to win the AFC South in 2018.

For the past three seasons, Orakpo really became a leader for the Titans, who will now have to go up against him twice a season. He has not missed a game during his time in Tennessee, which was a breath of fresh air considering how much time he missed during his tenure with the Washington Redskins. He still has a ton of good football left in him, and the Jaguars need his veteran leadership on that side of the ball.

Jacksonville has struggled mightily with Blake Bortles under center, but he took a small step forward in 2017. He will remain under center for 2018, and if Fournette runs the way he did in 2017, this team could be headed for a serious playoff run.

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