Decisions. Decisions. What to do with the 20th pick in this year’s NFL Draft? Courtesy of the cornerback Jalen Ramsey trade with the Los Angeles Rams in 2019, the Jacksonville Jaguars have two picks in the first round. But who will be called to jump on a boat once his name is called in Las Vegas with the 20th selection?
Many projections show either interior defensive lineman Derrick Brown or linebacker/safety Isaiah Simmons as options for the ninth overall selection. The Jaguars’ need for a solid cornerback will become glaring, as the probable release of cornerback A.J. Bouye is inevitable. There are two cornerbacks from power schools in the South Eastern Conference (SEC) that are sure to be targeted.
SEC Cornerback Options for the Jacksonville Jaguars
Trevon Diggs, Alabama (6’ 2”, 207 lbs.)
Diggs came to Alabama as a wide receiver, like his NFL cousin Stefon Diggs of the Minnesota Vikings. He switched full time to defense in 2017 for the Crimson Tide. Additionally, he saw his fair share of kick returns for special teams.
Despite his inexperience at the position, he plays physical and confident. He excels in press coverage and uses his size to jam at the line of scrimmage. At Alabama, he responded to a multitude of coverage packages. However, he executed best while roaming in zone coverage. His ability to understand spacing of the zone defense stood out compared to his man cover skills. He also possesses leadership qualities and communicates what he recognizes prior to the snap.
The biggest red-flag on Diggs is his inconsistency with tackling. After last season, this is a huge concern for the Jaguars’ fan base. However, with proper development from a coaching staff, Diggs can mature in this aspect of the game. He would be most comfortable in a Cover 3/press man role at the next level.
Kristian Fulton, LSU (6’ 0”, 200lbs.)
Perhaps the most polished of the cornerbacks entering the draft is Kristian Fulton. He was a model of consistency during LSU’s title run this past season. Fulton possesses the agility and body control to excel at the next level. During his final two seasons with the Tigers, he excelled at playing primarily man and bump technique.
His biggest strength is his mirroring ability, allowing a receiver very little separation. Real estate for a receiver is a premium when Fulton is lined across from them. Fulton is less dynamic in zone coverage but is more than serviceable. He’s not as intense as Diggs is at the line of scrimmage, but his footwork at the line of scrimmage separates him from Diggs.
Like Diggs, Fulton will need to improve his tackling at the next level. Fulton will also need to answer questions from NFL front offices about his 2017 suspension stemming from drug tampering. However, his refined skills and technique make him an elite first-round prospect.
Last Word on Diggs and Fulton
With the 2020 NFL Draft still a couple of months away, time is closing in on the front office for the Jaguars. One of these two cornerbacks could be the Jaguars selection in Las Vegas in late April.
Perhaps the cornerback position will be addressed in free agency, however, the Jaguars’ financial handcuff suggests otherwise. Either way, the position is filled by training camp, it is one of many glaring holes the Jaguars must address this off-season.
Main photo:
Embed from Getty Images
