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The Jaguars just locked in their big, powerful run-stuffing rookie defensive tackle, DaVon Hamilton, to a four-year rookie contract, the fourth Jaguars rookie to put pen to paper.
#Jaguars have officially signed third-round pick, defensive tackle DaVon Hamilton to a four-year contract. From the team: pic.twitter.com/HtkML7Ebcj
— Demetrius Harvey (@Demetrius82) June 29, 2020
Drafted in round three of the 2020 NFL Draft, Hamilton is slated to play a major role on the Jaguars’ defense this upcoming season; providing the Jaguars will vital run-stopping ability the team sorely missed in 2019.
At 6-foot-4, 320 pounds, Hamilton was a menace at Ohio State University, earning the full-time starting nod during his redshirt senior season and accounting for 28 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, six sacks and one forced fumble in 2019. Hamilton played in 54 total games for the Buckeyes.
“His production per snap was really good. Like Coach Marrone said, since we lost Marcell [Dareus] with his injury, we have been missing a big body. That is why we got Al Woods. Now we have a young version of Al – 6’4, 320,” Jaguars general manager Dave Caldwell said shortly after drafting Hamilton. “He is a guy that can hold the point [of attack]. We will have a nice rotation with those guys. DeVon, Abry [Jones], Taven [Bryan]. We wanted to get bigger up front and protect our linebackers and Joe [Schobert] and Myles [Jack].
The Jaguars desperately needed help in the middle of their defense following the departure of veteran defensive tackle Marcel Dareus. To replace him, the team signed 11-year veteran Al Woods, and subsequently drafted a younger version of the nose tackle in Hamilton just months later.
Last season, the Jaguars gave up the 5th most rushing yards per game at 139.3 YPG allowed (raked 28th in the league in rushing yards allowed per game), forcing the team to play catch up throughout the majority of the season. Now, they’ll look to be greatly improved due to the key offseason moves they’ve made as we inch ever closer to the 2020 regular season.
The Jaguars have now signed four out of their 12 total draft picks, including Hamilton, wide receiver Collin Johnson, tight end Tyler Davis and linebacker Shaquille Quarterman.