With the No. 3 overall pick of the 2015 NFL Draft, the Jacksonville Jaguars have selected defensive end/linebacker Dante Fowler from Florida.
2015 NFL Draft: Dante Fowler taken by Jaguars
The Jaguars landed pass-rusher Dante Fowler with the No. 3 overall pick.
Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
After earning first-team All-SEC honors in 2014, the versatile pass rusher could be an everyman for his new squad with the ability to play several different positions. He lined up all over the field at Florida, leading the Gators with 15 tackles for loss.
If there’s a glaring weakness here, it’s that his ability to dominate against the run is in question. He also tends to be slow in recovery when beat off the ball. However, he projects to be a standout NFL player because he should now be able to focus on one position and play at a more consistent weight.
Jacksonville’s biggest need coming into this offseason was edge rusher, and Fowler fills that role. The top edge rushers on the roster currently are Chris Clemons, Andre Branch and Chris Smith -- not an inspiring group of players. Fowler should be able to come in and start right away, and give the Jaguars some much-needed ferocity up front.
Fowler stands at 6’3 and weights in at 261 pounds. He has a hand length of 9.5 inches and possesses exceptional arm length (33.75 inches), which will aid his ability to swat down passes. He was voted the team and defensive MVP at talent-laden Florida for a reason. He’ll be a player who can make an impact immediately.
If his first full season as a starter in 2013 is any indication, Fowler should be able to adjust well to better competition. He doesn’t possess dominating strength, but showed that he has the ability to play up to competition. He earned SEC Defensive Player of the Week honors against a stout Tennessee offensive line that was tabbed as one of the best in the country.
Another aspect of his versatility is the ability to rush effectively from either a two-point or three-point stance. That’s something that will make it easier for him to adjust to whatever position he’s asked to play across several schemes. In addition to the physical tools, Fowler has strong character and should be a positive presence in the locker room early on.
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