AFC South 2016 NFL Draft Analysis: Rounds 2 & 3 – Part 2

By Joanne Kong

Twitter: @kongfu4u 

Jacksonville Jaguars

Jacksonville Jaguars

  • ROUND 2, PICK 5 (36 Overall) – Myles Jack – OLB

The Jaguars traded up two spots, switching second round picks and giving the Baltimore Ravens their 2016 fifth round pick, and selected outside linebacker, Myles Jack.

Myles Jack was thought to be a top ten draft pick in the draft, but clubhouses might have been overly concerned with Jack’s knee injury.

But one team’s loss is another team’s benefit.  And drafting Myles Jack with the 36th pick is certainly a great bargain and addition to the Jaguars.  At 6’1” height and 245 pound of muscle, Jack has an athletic build to play the position.  Thought of as one of the most versatile players in college, Jack has good instincts and is able to react off the snap and has good speed as a former running back.  Possessing agility with quick feet and the ability to move the opposition off balance, Myles Jacks will be a welcomed addition to the Jaguars defensive line, who finished 26th overall and 31st against defending the short pass (15 or less yards).

  • ROUND 3, PICK 6 (69 Overall) – Yannick Ngakoue – DE

The Jaguars understand their greatest weakness is their defense, and has done a great job so far in addressing it by selecting corner back Jalen Ramsey (and not just because his name rolls off your tongue) and linebacker Myles Jack.

With the addition of Ngakoue, the Jaguars addressed their need for an edge-rusher.  With the Jaguars unable to acquire Oliver Vernon during free agency and problems with current pass rushers, like Ryan Davis, who is used mainly for 3rd downs and only totaled 11 sacks in four seasons, Chris Smith, who’s had 3.5 sacks in two seasons and Dante Fowler Jr who sat out last season with a torn ACL, at 6’2” and 252 lbs, Ngakoue should easily fit into the Jaguars scheme, although may need some improvement against the run.

Indianapolis Colts

Indianapolis Colts

  • ROUND 2, PICK 26 (57 Overall) – T.J. Green – CB

At 6’2” height, 209 lbs, 32” arm length and 9 and 5/8 hand size, Green was a good size for the safety position.  Switching from wide receiver to safety in 2014, Green has only one season of experience in the position, but that didn’t seem to matter much for the Colts.  Green has good speed, one of the fastest 40-yard dashes in the Combine, and a good broad jump, both which should help defend against the pass.  Unfortunately, some of Green’s weaknesses include poor instincts, giving up play making opportunities and giving up valuable yardage.  Green has shown some issues wrapping up open field tackles, but that may be due to his developing technical skills from only one season of playing time in the position.

Green is a risky selection that the Colts are hoping to see some upside down the road with some coaching and experience.

  • ROUND 3, PICK 6 (69 Overall) – Le’Raven Clark – OT

The biggest focus for the Colts was protecting quarterback Andrew Luck.  With the center position addressed with first round draft pick, Ryan Kelly, the Colts continue to build that wall of protection with Clark.  With current offensive lineman Anthony Castonzo and Jack Mewhort, Clark probably won’t see much playing time in his rookie year.  But, at 6’5” height and 316 lbs and 51 starts in his college career, Clark’s athleticism, length, footwork, and his ability to maintain the gap and disrupt game play will surely give him ample opportunity to prove himself as starter material.

Houston Texans

Houston Texans

  • ROUND 2, PICK 19 (50 Overall) – Nick Martin – C

I’ve said it before, but the team to watch in the 2017 season is the Houston Texans, whether you’re a fan or not.  I’m not just saying that because the Texans drafted two Notre Dame player back-to-back.

Martin is the younger brother of Dallas Cowboys all-pro guard, and Notre Dame alum, Zack Martin.  So, athleticism obviously runs in the family.  At 6’4” height and 299 lbs, Martin is solidly built, absorbs contact and holds his ground.  He is an effective combo blocker by peeling off defenders and picking up rushers.  Martin has good awareness, good lower body flexibility and was a two-year captain with mature leadership traits and high football IQ.

With a minimal wing span, Martin’s physical features might limit his versatility.  And, although Martin is seen as a reliable square blocker, he’s weak against the edge and has a habit of late recovery when put off-balance.  Martin will also need work on technique to eliminate unnecessary penalties.

Regardless, Martin is an explosive athlete and known leader.  With former Norte Dame teammate, Will Fuller, joining him at spring training, he should feel right at home.

  • ROUND 3, PICK 22 (85 Overall) – Braxton Miller – WR

With a hole at the tight end position, it’s no surprise that the Texans would grab a third wide receiving option in Braxton Miller since a good move tight end wasn’t available.  The addition of Miller will give quarterback Brock Osweiler another option downfield.  Quarterback turned wide receiver after a shoulder injury in 2014, Miller meets the requirements for height (6’1”), weight (201 lbs) and speed and has shown athleticism in the position with 24 catches, 329 yards and 3 touchdowns last year.  Miller will need work in ball security and route work, but luckily for the Texans, it’s only technical skills that need improving.

For a team that has been known for a solid run game, the Texans have transformed themselves by building a better rounded team for Osweiler to succeed.  The Texans have had a very exciting 2016 draft thus far and fans should be very happy with how the team is rounding out for the upcoming season.

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