The Jacksonville Jaguars were considered one of the teams that “won the draft” by most after the 2016 NFL Draft concluded. With the fifth overall selection, Jalen Ramsey miraculously fell right into their laps. Most had Jalen Ramsey as the number one prospect in the draft. Then, in the second round, they ran up to the podium to select Myles Jack out of UCLA. He was under consideration for their selection in the first round but once Ramsey fell to them, it was an easy decision.
It’s Time to Deploy Myles Jack
Now, fast forward five months, and Jalen Ramsey is having great success and giving their defense a large boost. He’s helping to create an identity that they’ve lacked for years. Unfortunately, Jack hasn’t been a prominent part of things thus far. Throughout the preseason he got a lot of playing time and excelled. He was showing the explosiveness and speed that everyone saw in college. The Jaguars continue to say that they just don’t have a spot for him on the defense right now and that he is still learning how to run the defense, which is a tall order for any rookie. In the grand scheme of things though, the Jaguars are 0-3. They are showing promise on defense, their offense has taken a step back this year compared to last year, and they need to get things moving if Gus Bradley and company want to keep their jobs.
Telvin Smith has been the best overall player on this defense followed closely by Ramsey, the other highly regarded rookie. Paul Posluszny is still a heck of a run stopper at the middle linebacker position. At the OTTO linebacker spot though, they are deploying Dan Skuta. He has very much under performed since he got to Jacksonville last year. Unfortunately, Gus Bradley wants to run a very strict defense that includes the OTTO position, a spot in which Myles Jack isn’t a great fit at. At this point in Gus Bradley’s career, it’s time to stop trying to pigeon hole guys into positions and get your very best talents out on the field. Play to your personnel’s strengths.
Regardless of my feelings on Bradley and this coaching staff as a whole, it’s time, Gus. The future is looking bleaker by the week. It’s time to sacrifice some pride and do what needs to be done. Continuing to bash Jack and say he’s not ready mentally for the scheme is getting old. Skuta has been getting put in there week after week and making very few impact plays. Ultimately he has been one of the biggest liabilities on the defense. There are no more excuses.
