With just 56 days until kickoff, let’s talk about the best No. 56 the Jacksonville Jaguars have ever known — Jeff Lageman.
“The Jets don’t understand what the NFL Draft is all about...”
56 days until kickoff!@MelKiperESPN was not a fan of the #Jets drafting future #Jaguars No. 56 Jeff Lageman. https://t.co/MbzthnSN69 pic.twitter.com/HWWqHAN6OV
— Big Cat Country (@BigCatCountry) July 13, 2017
Lageman was a highly touted defensive end who came out of Virginia in 1989. Despite Mel Kiper calling him undersized prior to the draft, the New York Jets picked him 14th overall. His NFL career got off to a slow start as he compiled just 8.5 sacks in his first two years but then broke through with 10 sacks and a Second-Team All-Pro nod in 1991.
In 1995, Lageman was signed by the Jaguars and was the defensive veteran in that locker room, contributing to the franchise’s best pass rush and helping them on their miracle run in 1996 and ascent into greatness through the late 90’s.
But it wasn’t meant to be for very long. Lageman's playing career ended on the first game of the 1998 season against the Chicago Bears when he went down with a torn muscle in his arm and never played again.
Lageman finished his NFL career with 47 sacks and 11 forced fumbles. A far cry from what he was hoped to be as a first round pick, but no slouch either.