Jaguars sign seventh-round selection KR/CB Chris Claybrooks

The Jacksonville Jaguars announced today that they have signed seventh-round return man/cornerback Chris Claybrooks.

Claybrooks, 5-foot-9, 170 pounds, was drafted in the seventh round out of Memphis primarily to provide the team productive as a return specialist, excelling in that role as a Tiger over the past two seasons.

Entering his final season at Memphis, Claybrooks suffered an injury to his foot which would cause him to miss the first five games of his redshirt senior season — another hurdle to get over.

After consulting with his son — along with others in his circle —, he opted not to play on the foot injury, deciding on surgery. “He was telling me, ‘It’s going to be OK daddy, just take the surgery and come back 100 percent’,” Claybrooks said following the draft.

Using his track-like speed, Claybrooks should pair well with the Jaguars’ return unit as he looks to make the team, officially reporting for training camp in less than a week.

Jaguars general manager spoke highly of Claybrooks following his selection this April. When asked whether or not Claybrooks has potential in the return game, he simply stated, “I hope so because that’s why we drafted him.”

“That’s his number one job is to come in here and be our kick returner first and foremost, hopefully earn a spot as a corner, then work on some of the punt returns skills,” Caldwell continued. “That’s his forte. Field position is a thing we thought about a lot in the offseason, Coach Marrone a big advocate of special teams and gaining field position and having a guy back there. He has the skills to do it and we feel really good about it.”

Editors note: The Jaguars have since signed all remaining draft selections, which is reflected in the changes made to this post.