Jacksonville Jaguars mock draft: TJ Hockenson leads balanced class
Round 4 Pick 109: Gerald Willis, DT, Miami
The Jaguars decided to part ways with former pro-bowler Malik Jackson, leaving a big hole on their defensive front going into the 2019 NFL draft.
Jackson was used as the teams upfield tackle at 3-technique, so it’s important for the Jags to remedy this with someone that has a similar penchant for creating pressure.
While there may be options available that have a better overall resume, Miami’s Gerald Willis has the potential and skillset that make him exactly the type of player that Jacksonville needs on their line.
Willis had an excellent 2018 season as he tallied 59 tackles, 4 sacks and had 18 tackles for a loss (2nd in the ACC), which just happens to be the most by a Hurricane since current Jaguar, Calais Campbell in 2006 (20.5).
He proved to be one of the better gap penetrators in this interior defensive line class, and even when he wasn’t getting after the quarterback he was stuffing the run
Pro Football Focus gave him an 88.3 run defense grade in 2018, which was good for the 12th highest score in the 2019 NFL draft class.
Willis does come with his share of concerns, however.
After starting his career at Florida, he transferred to Miami after his freshman year, had several off-field issues that led to suspensions at both schools, and he sat out the entire 2017 season after citing family and personal issues.
While these red flags are impossible to ignore, all signs point to that year off being a turning point for the 2018 AP 2nd Team All-American and if he is available at 109, the value can’t be passed up.