NFL scouts will tour Florida's top football programs this week.
The bulk of the Sunshine State's pro days take place from Tuesday, March 28 (Florida/Florida State) until Thursday, March 30 (FAU). Five Florida programs will have their NFL draft prospects tested during those three days and the Jacksonville Jaguars will be keeping a close eye on the in-state talent.
Since general manager Dave Caldwell was hired in 2013, the Jaguars have drafted at least one prospect from an in-state school annually. The team has also signed in-state prospects as undrafted free agents multiple times over the last four years.
The Jaguars clearly like drafting locally. That's why this week should be eventful for fans looking to gain some insight on the team's potential selections for next month's NFL Draft.
Below are 12 in-state prospects that make sense for the Jaguars' draft strategy:
Dalvin Cook
Position: Running Back
School: Florida State
Height/Weight: 5'10", 210 lbs.
Analysis: Coming off a mediocre NFL Combine performance, Cook will look to impress scouts at his pro day on March 28. Cook's physical skills and college production have led to talk about him being selected in the Top 5 in April's draft. However, a history of off-the-field concerns has clouded his status moving forward.
Cook produced 4,464 rushing yards and 46 touchdowns at Florida State. He has been praised by his teammates for his leadership ability and he was nearly unstoppable on the field the last two seasons. He has some ball security issues, but the positive production clearly outweighs his fumbling problems.
The Jaguars could seriously use a dynamic running back to take the edge off quarterback Blake Bortles and the passing game. Cook's ability as a three-down back would benefit the Jaguars, as they have clearly lacked versatility in the backfield. T.J. Yeldon and Chris Ivory failed to find any sort of consistency last season, so the Jaguars may decide to invest in the position with a top pick.
David Njoku
Position: Tight End
School: Miami
Height/Weight: 6'4", 246 lbs.
Analysis: The Jaguars traded tight end Julius Thomas to the Miami Dolphins to begin free agency. While Thomas was a massive free agency bust, he did take up a large number of targets from Bortles. His production - or at least his playing time - will have to be replaced by someone else. Njoku is the second best tight end in the draft class and could offer a youthful upgrade to Thomas.
Njoku is likely to be selected in the bottom third of the first round. The Jaguars would have to trade down from No. 4 or trade back into the opening round to select the Miami tight end. Njoku caught 43 receptions for 698 yards and eight touchdowns last season.
Njoku will showcase his talent in front of scouts at his pro day on Wednesday, March 29.
DOWNLOAD THE FIRST COAST FOOTBALL APP FOR MORE JAGUARS AND DRAFT COVERAGE
DeMarcus Walker
Position: Defensive End
School: Florida State
Height/Weight: 6'4", 280 lbs.
Analysis: The Jacksonville native has a great frame for an NFL strong side defensive end. He has proven to be strong against the run and pass, which will help teams on all three downs. Walker had a monster senior season, producing 16 sacks and 21.5 tackles for loss.
Walker is a bit of a tweener. He could play inside as a three-technique or be used on the outside. The Jaguars like players that can play multiple positions, especially on the defensive and offensive lines. Walker fits that bill and could likely be had on Day 2 of the draft. He can improve his stock with an impress pro day this week.
Bryan Cox
Position: Defensive End
School: Florida
Height/Weight: 6'3", 260 lbs.
Analysis: The Jaguars have added some pieces to the defensive line this offseason, but they still have some work to do. With versatile lineman Tyson Alualu signing with the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Jaguars could fill his role in the draft. Cox is probably more of a Day 3 guy. After injuries somewhat derailed his senior year, Cox played well at the East-West Shrine Game. He is likely hoping to pair that performance with a solid pro day on Tuesday.
Cox is more of a run stopper than a pass rusher, but produced 10 sacks during his four years at Florida. He is the son of former All-Pro pass rusher Bryan Cox Sr.
Jonnu Smith
Position: Tight End
School: FIU
Height/Weight: 6'2", 248 lbs.
Analysis: Smith made headlines last season when his girlfriend threw boiling hot water at him during an argument. His injuries caused him to miss part of his senior season. Smith had been producing impressive numbers (42 catches for 506 yards and four touchdowns) prior to the incident.
If the Jaguars are looking to wait until the later rounds to make up for loss of Thomas, Smith makes a lot of sense. Smith is the type of move tight end the Jaguars want on offense. He is a willing and able blocker, who can run solid routes and get open. He is a clear mismatch for linebackers, especially in short yardage situations.
Trey Hendrickson
Position: Defensive End/Linebacker
School: FAU
Height/Weight: 6'4", 266 lbs.
Analysis: The multi-purpose pass rusher from FAU was a sensation at the East-West Shrine Game in January. Hendrickson can rush from anywhere and can also cover tight ends when asked. The Jaguars would seemingly use him at OTTO (or SAM) linebacker in base situations and then move him to the line on third downs. Hendrickson's motor is relentless and offensive linemen struggle with his combination of speed and strength.
He should be available in the middle rounds of the draft, unless he absolutely blows up his pro day on Thursday.
Marlon Mack
Position: Running Back
School: USF
Height/Weight: 5'11", 213 lbs.
Analysis: While the Jaguars haven't drafted a USF player during the Caldwell era, Mack may be worth a look in April. If the team passes on a running back in the first round, Mack could be among the best players at the position on Day 2.
This past season, Mack compiled 1,187 rushing yards and 15 rushing touchdowns. He has already completed his pro day and he posted respectable numbers at the NFL Combine. Mack has untapped potential as a three-down back, which should appeal to the Jaguars.
David Sharpe
Position: Offensive Tackle/Guard
School: Florida
Height/Weight: 6'6", 343 lbs.
Analysis: The Gators' starting left tackle for the last two seasons is also a Jacksonville native. While he played tackle in college, he seems like a guard candidate for his early NFL years. A massive body, Sharpe is a very good pass blocker and could likely fill the void for the Jaguars at left guard.
Sharpe will likely be selected on Day 3 of the draft. He would then have to compete with the likes of Chris Reed, Patrick Omameh and Larry Watford for one of the guard spots.
Brad Kaaya
Position: Quarterback
School: Miami
Height/Weight: 6'4", 210 lbs.
Analysis: The Jaguars could use some competition at quarterback behind Bortles. Whether that competition eventually makes its way onto the field is another story.
Kaaya is an interesting developmental prospect who likely left college a year too soon to take advantage of this underwhelming draft class. Kaaya threw for 9,968 passing yards, 69 touchdowns and 24 interceptions at Miami. He has solid experience and has shown flashes of brilliance, but his accuracy is wildly inconsistent. Sitting behind Bortles would make a lot of sense for him and the franchise moving forward.
Kaaya had an impressive NFL Combine performance and is likely to follow that up with a well-choreographed pro day.
Jarrad Davis
Position: Linebacker
School: Florida
Height/Weight: 6'1", 238 lbs.
Analysis: While the Jaguars linebacker group doesn't seem to need much of a boost, Davis is a special player who can play all three positions. If the Jaguars are looking to get faster at OTTO/SAM linebacker, Davis makes plenty of sense to pair with Myles Jack and Telvin Smith.
Davis is the third Jacksonville native on this list and he is likely to be the first of the three to be selected in this year's draft. In his final season at Florida, Davis produced 98 tackles (11 for loss) 3.5 sacks and four pass breakups. He is the type of player who can change a defense because of his ability to lineup anywhere.
Danny Isidora
Position: Offensive Guard
School: Miami
Height/Weight: 6'3", 306 lbs.
Analysis: The Jaguars' guard situation is still up in the air. While the team added Watford in free agency, it doesn't appear that he will be given a starting job. A competition is likely to take place for at least one guard spot and Isidora would probably be a favorite if selected by the Jaguars.
Isidora is expected to be selected on Day 2 and would fit into the Jaguars' infatuation with the Miami Hurricanes. Center Brandon Linder, defensive end Calais Campbell and wide receiver Allen Hurns would likely welcome him with open arms. Isidora was a three-year starter at right guard for Miami and could help the team's struggling running attack. He can play either guard position, but since A.J. Cann struggled last year on the right side, maybe it makes sense to move him to the left side and let Isidora take over.
Roderick Johnson
Position: Offensive Tackle
School: Florida State
Height/Weight: 6'7", 298 lbs.
Analysis: Branden Albert will serve as the starting left tackle for the next few seasons, but that doesn't mean the Jaguars won't plan ahead. Finding a "left tackle of the future" and putting him at another position for the time being would be a smart move.
Johnson is a stellar tackle prospect with a body that would fit in well on the inside. He could also play at right tackle when the team decides to move on from Jermey Parnell. A two-year starter at left tackle for one of the best college programs in the country, Johnson has a strong pedigree and is no stranger to the spotlight.
He will likely be selected in the early second round, which is a good spot for the Jaguars. The team could address a major issue in the first round and then grab Johnson on Day 2.
Follow Mike Kaye on Twitter at @Mike_E_Kaye.