clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

2013 NFL Mock Draft: Jaguars projected to bolster defensive line

The Jaguars select Utah defensive tackle Star Lotulelei in the latest SB Nation mock draft.

Russ Isabella-US PRESSWIRE

The Jaguars have struggled to find consistent contributors along the defensive line for the better part of a decade, including several big draft misses. While the most notable draft whiffs came in the team's pursuit of a pass rush with players like Derrick Harvey and Quentin Groves, the team hasn't been particularly good at finding a defensive tackle either.

For more on the draft and other Jaguars news, check out Big Cat Country.

In the latest joint mock draft from SB Nation's Dan Kadar and Matthew Fairburn, the Jaguars correct that problem by selecting the first defensive lineman off the board with the second overall selection: Utah defensive tackle Star Lotulelei.

This is a pick that's been gone over myriad times. By now you know the words like it's "Call Me Maybe," or whatever Florida kids sing. Terrance Knighton is an impending free agent, Tyson Alualu has been a disappointment and C.J. Mosley is better as a backup. Lotulelei is among the best players in this draft, despite pedestrian stats during his career. His power at the line of scrimmage will make him an immediate starter wherever he goes.

Just one year after finishing the 2011 season with the NFL's No. 6 defense, the Jaguars regressed significantly and finished No. 30. While they finished with the fewest sacks in the league at 20, the Jaguars were also bad against the run, allowing the third most rushing yardage in the NFL.

In his senior season, Lotulelei racked up 10 tackles for loss and five sacks for the Utes defense.

Photographs by cstreet.us, thelastminute, turtlemom nancy , fesek, kthypryn, justinwright, sue_elias, pointnshoot, and scrapstothefuture used in background montage under Creative Commons. Thank you.