The Jaguars' Secret Love at CB: Don Juan Carey III

That's right, we can't forget about Jacksonville's own Don Juan, the sixth-round pick we stole (literally) from the Browns last year when he was placed on waivers. Gene rewrote the ethical handbook with that move, and we won't see another team make the same idiotic mistake the Browns made last year ever again.

Don Carey was a four year starter at Norfolk State, playing both the Safety and CB positions during his tenure with the program. Carey turned down an opportunity to attend Yale, due to the high cost that would be involved, and instead chose Norfolk State. He's clearly got the intelligence to play the position and adapt to an NFL playbook. Let's take a look at the player the Jaguars brought in for a private interview prior to the 2009 NFL Draft.

As stated above, Don's clearly got the intangibles to play in the NFL. He's smart, hard-working, and dedicated. However, being a fantastic individual won't make you an NFL CB, so let us take a look at his measurable abilities. Don was only the third player in his school's history to be invited to the combine, but couldn't complete all of the activities due to a hamstring issue.

 

Height: 5'11"
Weight: 192 lbs
40 Yrd Dash: 4.49 - Adequate for a DB
20 Yrd Dash: 2.59 - Clearly builds speed up...
10 Yrd Dash: 1.47 - Not the greatest short burst

225 Lb. Bench Reps: 18 - Nice to see, although I guarantee after his first year with an NFL conditioning program, he's much stronger now.

It appears Don Juan Carey has all of the intangibles Gene looks for in a player, and his speed and power are more than adequate to play cover 2 as a CB. Don's presence will be welcomed at a position of need for the Jaguars. A solid number 3 DB to come in during Nickel situations would be ideal, and Carey fits this mold precisely. He had five interceptions his senior year, to go with two fumble recoveries to boot. He's also blocked a kick on special teams before, something usually only reserved for large DT's with obscenely long arms. Don't put it past Carey to make the final roster and contribute to the team this year.

He's a decently hard hitter, and a sure tackler at the position. He plays the run and at times is too aggressive, something we could use at DB. He's a cross between Sean Considine's intellect, and Scott Starks body. Like all unproven players though, Carey will have to earn his salt on special teams (barring a sensational preseason). Make sure you don't forget about Carey when thinking about this year's draft. We stole the Brown's sixth-round pick last season... Way to go Gene.

Video of Don Juan Carey highlights -

-Collin Streetman