The stock of one second-year Jacksonville Jaguars defender appears to be on the rise heading into training camp.
John Shipley of Jaguars on SI put together his list of players who will enter training camp on a high note following their performance during offseason programs. Among those listed was linebacker Jalen McLeod.
The Jaguars selected McLeod in the sixth round of last year’s draft. Unfortunately, he did not play a snap as a rookie due to an injury, although McLeod was able to return to practice late in the year.
But according to Shipley, McLeod has taken advantage of his opportunities this spring, particularly as a pass rusher.
“McLeod, though, was a real riser over the course of the offseason thanks to the traits he showed as a pass-rusher, with McLeod displaying the burst and bend that not many other players on the depth chart have,” Shipley wrote. “If McLeod can prove himself when pads come on, he could earn a real spot in the pass-rush rotation.”
McLeod brings a similar skill set to the Jaguars’ defense as Dennis Gardeck, able to line up at linebacker or at defensive end and rush the quarterback.
However, with the Jaguars having a crowded linebacker room, McLeod’s best opportunity to make the roster and earn playing time may come at defensive end. Behind Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker, rotational snaps are up for grabs.
This article originally appeared on Jaguars Wire: Jaguars’ Year 2 defender a ‘real riser’ during offseason programs
Reporting by Paul Bretl, Jaguars Wire / Jaguars Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Paul Bretl, Jaguars Wire | USA TODAY Network
