Jaguars depth chart: Josiah Scott an intriguing nickel option
Rookie Josiah Scott could win the top nickel spot on the Jaguars depth chart.
The Jacksonville Jaguars had one of the best 2020 NFL Draft classes in the entire NFL, and certainly, a class that will impact this roster substantially if everyone can stay healthy.
Although this year’s rookie class is really strong at the wide receiver position, one of the most underrated position groups in my estimation was the cornerback position.
Though there wasn’t as much star power at cornerback, the Jaguars came away with one of the best man-cover corners I evaluated in the first round with Florida’s CJ Henderson. They didn’t stop there, however.
The Jaguars doubled-down on cornerback in the fourth round of the 2020 NFL Draft by taking Michigan State’s Josiah Scott.
How does Scott affect the Jaguars depth chart in 2020?
Jaguars projected cornerback depth chart
- CB1: CJ Henderson
- CB2: Tre Herndon
- CB3: DJ Hayden
- CB4: Rashaan Melvin
Physically, Scott is not much to look at.
He graded in the 19th percentile or worse in height, weight, arm length, and hand size.
That didn’t prevent him from making a ton of plays in his three seasons at Michigan State. He racked up 95 tackles, six interceptions, and 22 pass breakups while he was a member of the Spartans’ defense.
What Scott lacks in size, he more than makes up for with speed, fluid hips, an aggressive mentality at the position, and ball skills.
He’s got the ability to play outside corner or inside as a nickel, but I think he projects best to the NFL level inside as a nickel where he can match speed, quickness, and physicality.
He has experience working in both zone and man coverage, and does a good job of breaking on the ball and attacking once the ball is in the air.
A torn meniscus prevented Scott from playing in all but five games of his sophomore season, but he showed his toughness that year by finishing out the season rather than taking a redshirt.
Another attribute that will get him early playing time? He’s physical against the run.
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Scott may have a tough time factoring into the Jaguars’ depth chart early on with veteran players ahead of him, but he should not be written off or discounted as a legitimate top nickel at the NFL level.