Jack Crawford drawing interest from Jaguars?

With Jason Pierre-Paul and Melvin Ingram both receiving the franchise tag, it seemed like the Jaguars would have to rely solely on the draft to add any defensive ends this offseason. However, a report from Jason Cole of Bleacher Report has the Jaguars eyeing a veteran defensive end, even if he isn't a household name.

When I first heard Jack Crawford, my first thought was ‘who?’, and my second thought was the guy from Silence of the Lambs. The actual Jack Crawford is a defensive end for the Dallas Cowboys. Crawford was originally drafted out of Penn State by the Oakland Raiders in the fifth round of the 2012 NFL Draft. He has 9.5 career sacks, with 72 tackles, and one forced fumble. Crawford played in all 16 games for the Cowboys last year, starting in 11 of them, and notching 3.5 sacks. Pro Football Focus ranked him 106th out of 109 qualifying EDGE defenders.

Looking at all of the stats, it’s hard to see this as being anything more than just a depth/competition signing. That’s fine, because while the Jaguars do need starting level talent, they also need to fill out their depth, especially at pass rusher. I imagine that Crawford would be a guy that the Jags would prioritize behind the top level talent in free agency, like the top guards and corners.

Interesting note, Crawford was born and partially raised in London, so of course the Jags would want to sign him. Kidding aside, Crawford actually played against the Jags in London in 2014. He notched two tackles, a sack, and a forced fumble in that game.