The Jacksonville Jaguars are coaching the South team in the 2016 Reese's Senior Bowl, again. (It's okay to laugh uncontrollably. I am.) But when you accept the fact that they really are coaching the Senior Bowl, you can look at the players on the South roster who might intrigue the coaching staff.
The Jaguars didn't make additions from the Senior Bowl last year, but they took advantage in 2014 by taking cornerstone players in Telvin Smith and Brandon Linder. They also added Aaron Colvin and Chris Smith, so regardless if the pick works out, they have shown some penchant for bringing in players from the event.
Who could this year Telvin Smith or Brandon Linder be? There are a number of different directions they could realistically go in with this year's crop.
Deion Jones, LB, LSU: Extremely athletic and active linebacker. Has a productive pedigree from a big time program, and the Jaguars will be in the market to add to their talent in their linebacking corps. Jones has versatility to play either weakside or middle linebacker spot.
Kentrell Brothers, LB, Missouri: His senior season was the best of his college career, and he fits the body type that the Jaguars seem to prefer in their inside linebackers.
Jeremy Cash, SS, Duke: Excels as a box safety, but might be too similar to Cyprien in the fact that he has a lot of questions that need to be answered in coverage.
Reggie Ragland, LB, Alabama: Might be the best linebacker in the draft. Will be playing both inside and outside linebacker throughout the week. Staff should fall in love with him, though he is an unappealing draft option. (Another post for another day.)
Jalen Mills, DB, LSU: A lot of questions on what is his best role in a defense, but he fits the height/weight/speed mantra they preach. He's a bit of a project but it is not unreasonable to think they might fall in love with him.
Jonathan Williams, RB, Arkansas: Best running back at the Senior Bowl for my money, despite not playing in 2015. His power and ability to make plays in space make him a sensational fit for the Jaguars. Them coaching him is a very, very good thing.
Antonio Morrison, LB, Florida: Up and down college career, but he is active and instinctive. Fits their "style" of defender with his emotional play style.
Jordan Jenkins, LB, Georgia: He isn't a defensive end, let's get that understood now. He might be a good fit at OTTO with his blitzing ability and athleticism. Personally don't love him as a player, but he is one of the clearer "fits".
Vadal Alexander, OT/OG, LSU: The team is foolish if they don't invest in their offensive line depth this offseason. Alexander is a powerful, grinding type of blocker who could bring an attitude to the offensive line as a backup.
Charles Tapper, DL, Oklahoma: Oklahoma's use of him was strange, but his stock will soar after this week. Strong, fast, active defensive line. Would slide into a depth role in Jacksonville, but he seems like a Todd Wash type of lineman.
Noah Spence, EDGE, Eastern Kentucky: Hands down the best player at the Senior Bowl. It isn't very close, either. I'd personally be on board with him being the pick at No. 5, but he has a lot of questions to answer off the field. On the field though, he is an elite pass rushing talent. He will legitimately be the most gifted defensive end Bradley has ever coached, even if it is just for a few days.
Sheldon Rankins, Lousiville: One of the best 3-technique defensive tackles in the draft. Great athlete, great motor, and makes a ton of plays. He makes a lot of sense as a future replacement for Marks.
Now that we have a list of players who should interest the Jaguars this week, who are some players on the South squad the Jaguars should shy away from?
Any Wide Receiver: Adding a single receiver would be incredibly head scratching.
Shawn Oakman, DL, Baylor: Even if you are an Oakman fan, it should be obvious he is not likely to produce in Year 1. The Jaguars can not invest in any of these kind of players.
Eric Striker, DL/LB/DB, Oklahoma: Striker was a fun college player, but it kind of ends there. He is too small and weak to play either edge rusher or linebacker, and too slow to play defensive back.