Finally Gene Smith selects someone that Jacksonvile fans could kind of anticipate coming. Shortly after selecting small school DE Larry Hart of Central Arkansas, the Jaguars selected fellow small school DE Austen Lane of Murray State. The similarities end there as they are entirely different players. At 6'4, 246, Hart is extremely small for a DE and will likely have to become a linebacker at the next level. At 6'6, 276, Lane is without a doubt a DE and easily has the frame to potentially become an every-downs DE.
Austen Lane's measurables are off the charts and that is clearly why the Jaguars were willing to take a shot at him. His frame is similar to that of 15th overall selection, Jason Pierre-Paul and he has speed to boot. Lane ran a 4.84 40 time at the combine which is definitely speedy for someone of such a size.
Lane was clearly productive at the collegiate level recording 29 sacks in his 4 years at Murray State. Another aspect in which Lane used his height to his advantage was on special teams where he was very successful blocking kicks. Although we may not expect Lane to work his way onto the field much as a DE in his rookie season, perhaps we will see Lane make an impact on special teams. By the way, he was a team captain.
And as I mentioned with Larry Hart, Austen Lane was another player that documented his entire draft process on JB Scouting Inc.. I seriously suggest you go digging through the site and read the journals, truly fascinating insight on the draft process.
Video Killed the Scouting Report:
Austen Lane: By The Numbers
| Austen Lane | |||||
|
Position 1: Defensive End |
Height: 6'6 | ||||
|
Position 2: N/A |
Weight: 276 | ||||
| Class: Senior | Age: 22 | ||||
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Projected Round: - |
40time: 4.84 |
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2009 1st Team AP FCS All-American
2008 2nd Team AP FCS All-American
Stats Overview
Tackles
Misc
Interceptions
YEAR
TOT
SOLO
AST
SACK
STF
STFY
FF
BK
INT
YDS
AVG
LNG
TD
PD
2006
34
11
23
2.5
0
0
0
0
0
0
0.0
0
0
0
2007
48
28
20
3.5
0
0
0
0
0
0
0.0
0
0
0
2008
63
31
32
12
0
0
3
0
0
0
0.0
0
0
0
2009
64
32
32
11
0
0
1
0
1
0
0.0
0
0
0
According to the Experts
Gil Brandt
"Certain players just have a build that has yet to mature. A guy who has yet to reach his physical peak can be enticing, because it means he has room to develop more body mass and strength. Murray State DL Austen Lane is one such player. At the Racers' pro day, he was 6-foot-6 1/8, 274 pounds, but his frame indicates he could very easily go up to 295 pounds and remain effective. He ran the 40-yard dash in 4.89 and 4.98 seconds, had a 4.44-second short shuttle and did 20 bench-press repetitions at 225 pounds."
CBS Sports <---- Follow the link for the whole reports
...A unique athlete that is expected to work out well. Reportedly has been timed at a 4.58 in the 40-yard dash and has a 35-inch vertical jump at nearly 270 pounds … Easy-going personality and is well-liked by his teammates and coaches...