Jaguars To Sign Jared Odrick: Grades and Analysis

Dec 21, 2014; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Teddy Bridgewater (5) is tackled by Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Jared Odrick (98) during the second half at Sun Life Stadium. The Dolphins won 37-35. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Ndamukong Suh may have been the big prize but the Jacksonville Jaguars can’t let missing on him deter them from adding key pieces to their defense in NFL free agency.  The area they could use more help is on the interior of their defensive line in hopes of drawing blockers away from their edge rushers, whom many expect the Jags to grab in the draft.  Word has since begun to spread that they (finally) have made a significant move on that front, looking to lock up former Miami Dolphins defender Jared Odrick.

The 27-year old defensive tackle is coming off a down season, posting just one sack after three-straight seasons of at least 4.5 sacks or more.  Part of the problem may have been his strained relationship with the coaching staff, particularly head coach Joe Philbin.

"Cameras caught defensive lineman Jared Odrick yelling at coach Joe Philbin on the sideline, and appeared to yell the words “every week.” David Hyde of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel writes that Odrick had another exchange with Philbin on the sideline and said “Coaches always have a way out.”"

It was reported for weeks that Philbin was in danger of losing the locker room during the end-of-season slide the Dolphins endured and Odrick was the most outspoken of the players.  It’s safe to say he’s not shedding many tears about getting out.  Nor is Miami, who is preparing to bring in Ndamukong Suh.

This is good news for the Jacksonville Jaguars.  Head coach Gus Bradley has a history of coaching up players with big personalities (Richard Sherman).  Odrick is the perfect pet project and shouldn’t cost too much, which won’t be a problem for the Teal and Black anyway.

Grade:  B

He isn’t in the same league as Suh but Jared Odrick is a good consolation prize.  He’s young and still has plenty of upside and provides precisely what the Raiders need — an interior presence who can push the pocket and force the quarterback off his spot.  Hopefully into the waiting arms of whomever they end up getting in the draft like a Dante Fowler, Randy Gregory or Vic Beasley.