Jacksonville Jaguars 2021 mock draft: 2nd round (2nd pick)
The Jaguars used a first-round pick a few years back on Florida defensive lineman Taven Bryan, and it hasn’t quite worked out the way they had hoped.
In three seasons, Bryan has 3.5 sacks. The Jaguars’ interior defensive line rotation as a whole has struggled to apply pressure and there is no doubt that they need an influx of talent up front.
Daviyon Nixon had a solid 2019 campaign at Iowa but he blossomed into an All-American, All-Conference performer in 2020.
A stout 300-plus pound interior lineman, Nixon’s productivity increased as his role in the defense increased, which involved moving around the defensive front and playing a variety of techniques.
In today’s NFL, versatility is one trait scouts and coaches are almost making a requirement. Nixon has the body type to be an ideal three-technique at the NFL level, but he can really make plays from anywhere along the defensive front.
He’s got tremendous quickness and strength, and it’s unfortunate there is no Scouting Combine in 2021. Nixon would undoubtedly light it up. He showed off his athleticism on a 71-yard pick-six in the 2020 season.
With these two selections in round two, the Jaguars fortify their defensive front with some more foundational pieces to go along with Josh Allen.