6 Hidden Gems the Jacksonville Jaguars Should Have Noticed at the Combine
The NFL combine is the proving ground for athletes and where teams like the Jacksonville Jaguars have to be at the top of their game. This is where the players who didn't get the exposure of their competition had their chance to prove that they are NFL-quality performers.
In Indianapolis, the Jaguars looked for the players who may become a part of the solution for their woes over the past couple of seasons. However, like the underdogs of the draft, the Jaguars have to make the big spots and moves earlier than anyone else.
It's rare to find the players who will make that kind of difference, but each year there are combine standouts who become crucial team players.
And, believe it or not, there were other top performers in this year's draft besides Chris Conley. Some seriously talented guys became bona fide options and put themselves on the map.
Improving a team on a budget and using your picks in the draft as efficiently as possible is how you move up in the NFL. To succeed in the NFL, it can't be about having the best players but having a top-to-bottom consistency of talent.
The "hidden gems" that the Jaguars can find in this draft can make a huge difference in the long run and even make immediate impacts at times. However, to find those players, the team needed to spot them at the combine.
So, with the motivational speech aside, let's see the six gems of the combine that the Jaguars should have noticed.
DL Zack Wagenmann, Montana
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With Montana being one of the most successful programs in the FCS, defensive end Zack Wagenmann is no stranger to success. He showed that at the combine this year with a stellar performance that put him on the map for NFL draft consideration going forward.
Wagenmann was considered a "top performer" in the following drills:
- Vertical jump: 37.5 inches
- Three-cone drill: 7.07 seconds
- 20-yard shuttle: 4.26 seconds
- 60-yard shuttle: 12.00 seconds
Wagenmann's performance at the combine probably put him in a new light for NFL scouts. He showed that he is quick with his feet and has the athletic ability to at least compete at the professional level. Hopefully, the Jaguars noticed this as well.
Realistic Expectations
Wagenmann, whose predicted draft selection is in the sixth round, according to CBSSports.com, could be a young and talented investment for a cheap price in the later rounds.
If the Jaguars select him, he would develop under veterans like Chris Clemons and Sen'Derrick Marks. That kind of help could make Wagenmann more than a backup and turn him into a pivotal role player for the Jaguars eventually.
While a package player isn't ideal for most "hidden gems," a selection like Wagenmann could turn into a useful role player, and that's a sound investment.
S Eric Rowe, Utah
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Safety Eric Rowe (6'1", 205 lbs) has had a successful college career at Utah. While his stats aren't anything flashy, he's been successful and consistent. He's played at a decently high level throughout his career.
Consistency is something all NFL scouts and teams want to see, and when he performed at the top level at the combine, I'm sure the Jaguars and the rest of the NFL took note.
Rowe attempted seven different exercises and was considered a "top performer" in all of them:
- 40-yard dash: 4.45 seconds
- Bench press: 19 reps
- Vertical jump: 39.0 inches
- Broad jump: 125.0 inches
- Three-cone drill: 6.70 seconds
- 20-yard shuttle: 3.97 seconds
- 60-yard shuttle: 11.48 seconds
Rowe performed at a high level at the combine, and his overall athletic ability may be the top in the class. If his stats are indicators of his athleticism, it's incredible how athletic he is.
Realistic Expectations
Rowe is expected to go to in the third or fourth round, according to CBSSports.com. His draft stock will certainly bump with his performance, but he'll still peak around the early third round.
The potential player that the Jags could have in Rowe is appealing. He seems versatile and ready to fit in various packages if needed. Also, his overall athleticism would allow for some margin of error.
While the Jags should also sign a veteran in free agency to bolster the roster, Rowe would be a fine pick. He has the athletic potential to be a key player given the right development.
OT Laurence Gibson, Virginia Tech
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For Laurence Gibson (6'6", 305 lbs), his strong combine showing was exactly what he needed for a team like the Jaguars to take notice. He is not the complete package athletically for a tackle; however, his performance in Indianapolis proved that he can keep up with the competition.
Gibson was a "top performer" in four categories:
- 40-yard dash: 5.04 seconds
- Vertical jump: 33.5 inches
- Broad jump: 113 inches
- 20-yard shuttle: 4.56 seconds
Gibson's overall performance showed quite the athleticism for a 305-pound man, and his time on the 40-yard dash is impressive.
However, his athletic showing doesn't necessarily make up for the lack of strength that has been pointed out by various scouts in his combine player profile.
Realistic Expectations
Even with his athletic showing at the combine, it's likely Gibson won't be selected till late on the third day. However, the Jaguars could make a solid roster move on Day 3 and maybe find a starter in Gibson.
He is athletic and hardworking and would be great competition to add for the tackle spots. And with the fact that he is still basic with his overall style of play, that may allow him to be a bit quicker to adapt to the Jaguars' blocking schemes.
Tackles Luke Joeckel, Austin Pasztor and Sam Young were either non-existent or performed at a mediocre level in 2014, and whether it would be a kick-start for those three or a chance for Gibson to play his way to the top, competition is always healthy for a starting spot.
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DL Trey Flowers, Arkansas
4 of 6For all intents and purposes, defensive end Trey Flowers is a beast. He's performed well in the SEC over the past two years, but what's even more impressive is that he followed up his play at Arkansas with an incredible combine.
Flowers (6'2", 266 lbs) excelled in three exercises at the combine:
- Vertical jump: 36.5 inches
- Broad jump: 121.0 inches
- 60-yard shuttle: 12.03 seconds
Flowers had an all-around solid performance at the combine, and his performance in the jumps separates him from the casual crop. He can use his ability to get vertical to swat balls, and he could be a versatile player when it comes to defending against the pass.
His quickness on the shuttle is also impressive, although his overall speed is nothing special.
Realistic Expectations
Flowers is expected to go somewhere in the third, and while that's not a "hidden gem" by anyone's standards, his solid performance at the combine solidifies the fact that he is talented and athletic enough to be the playmaker for someone like the Jags that he was for Arkansas.
Flowers may not fall to the Jags because they're not desperate for depth on the defensive line right now. Nonetheless, he would be a versatile option to develop and a good replacement for guys like Chris Clemons and Red Bryant in the future.
WR Mario Alford, WVU
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Wide receiver Mario Alford, as of late, has been living in the shadow of star West Virginia receiver Kevin White. While White is an incredible player, Alford's college days were impressive as well. If Alford could have done anything to separate himself, it was to have an above-average combine performance.
Which is exactly what he did.
Besides overall consistency across the board, Alford (5'8", 180 lbs) was in the upper echelon of three events:
- Three-cone drill: 6.64 seconds
- 20-yard shuttle: 4.07 seconds
- 60-yard shuttle: 11.22 seconds
Alford gets criticized by a scout in his draft profile for not having quickness in tight spaces, but I have to disagree. Alford, while not as speedy as one might hope from an undersized receiver, offers quick feet as an alternative.
At his size, the only way he can separate and get open for passes is with his quick motions and understanding of the room he has to work with. He backed this up by having impressive shuttle times, and he's a viable late option at wide receiver.
Realistic Expectations
Alford could be a depth guy for the Jags, probably something like the No. 4 receiver at best, but his work ethic and natural gift for finding space give him a potential higher ceiling than what's expected.
CBSSports.com expects him to go undrafted, and if he does, the Jaguars could find a useful and promising wide receiver as a rookie free agent.
If the Jags can strike once with Allen Hurns, maybe they can strike twice with Alford.
OLB Jordan Hicks, Texas
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We conclude the list with Texas outside linebacker Jordan Hicks. He (6'1", 236 lbs) had an excellent combine that may have solidified his position as a Day 2 selection.
Hicks was considered a "top performer" at these three spots:
- Vertical jump: 38.0 inches
- Three-cone drill: 6.78 seconds
- 60-yard shuttle: 11.34 seconds
Hicks' performance was consistent across the board, and his performance may have earned him a selection in the third round like CBSSports.com predicts.
He is quick, athletic and intelligent, and his Jaguars comparison would be Telvin Smith. However, where Smith is more instinctive, Hicks is a bit more skilled in the tactics and understanding of the game as a whole.
Hicks is an athletic beast, and he showed that with an excellent showing at the combine. He would be solid pick to match up with players like Paul Posluszny and Smith.
Realistic Expectations
It is most likely that the Jaguars won't select Hicks in the draft, especially since they have a similar player in Smith.
However, Hicks' performance at the combine shouldn't go overlooked, and if a player or two leave from the linebacker corps in free agency, Hicks would be one of the best values in the third or fourth round for the Jaguars.
For the Jaguars, finding the players in Indianapolis who will overachieve is crucial. They need guys who will provide competition for the rest of the squad in the beginning, and playing in the long run is how they will be competitive.
The Jaguars and their fans want the team to compete for four quarters in 2015, especially after games like the opening 34-17 loss against the Eagles last season.
To do this, they're going to need depth and serious competition at each spot, and the first step of doing that is to get young, athletic guys.
These second- and third-day guys are willing to work for those spots, and you won't find a sense of complacency. These hardworking players will do whatever it takes, and if other teams overlook their talent, the Jaguars could sweep in and make a sensible, practical signing.
The Jaguars need another strong draft on the second and third days, and hopefully they noticed these guys and possibly others at the combine. If they didn't, it will detract from their chances at a competitive season.
Have a player who should be on this list? Think that the Jags should focus on a position in free agency rather than the draft? Comment in the thread below and let's talk.
All stats courtesy of ESPN.com unless otherwise stated.
Evan Reier is a first-year journalism major at the University of Alabama and a member of Bleacher Report's APSM program. Follow Evan on Twitter at @evanreier.
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