Jacksonville Jaguars select Dante Fowler No. 3 in the 2015 NFL draft

The Jacksonville Jaguars selected Florida outside linebacker Dante Fowler, Jr. with the third pick of the 2015 NFL draft. Defensive tackle Sen'Derrick Marks led the Jags with 8.5 sacks in 2014, and there was a clear need for head coach Gus Bradley to get his hands on a legitimate edge rusher.

Fowler certainly qualifies—at 6'3" and 261 pounds, Fowler has surprising speed off the edge and the additional ability to get pressure from just about every gap. He played everywhere from outside linebacker to end to nose tackle for the Gators, and he's very tough to block from just about everywhere. Bradley loves to move his pass rushers around, and Fowler, who amassed 8.5 sacks and 60 tackles last season, will be a real force in a defense that has been quietly improving over the past two seasons.

• 2015 NFL draft tracker: Pick-by-pick grades and scouting reports

Strengths: Played all over Florida's front seven, most often at the "buck" linebacker position. Athleticism would make him an asset for any defensive scheme, but he also has the size—and has been successful enough against the run—to have a chance as a 4–3 edge-setter, if the opportunity arises. Ideal fit probably would be as a 3–4 OLB, where his quickness would play best. Even moved inside at times for Florida, pass-rushing from a DT alignment. Has rushed out of both two- and three-point stances. Able to make life difficult for taller OTs because he plays low to the ground, ducking his shoulder to charge the backfield. Hands stay engaged in front of him. Wears down opponents by never letting his foot off the gas. Likeable guy who should transition well into an NFL locker room. —CB

Weaknesses:Relies on his speed and motor to an extreme extent right now, so will need to continue developing a counter-move arsenal. First step is good, not always great. While his size frequently works to his benefit, can be swarmed by physical blockers, especially in the run game. Effort to get around blocks can be borderline frantic—slowing down at times might work to his benefit. That's particularly true on misdirections, as Fowler will overpursue. Tough to project him as a full-time 4–3 guy because of the size limitations. Only decent in coverage, although he was asked to take on those responsibilities within Florida's scheme. —CB

Player Comparison: Justin Houston

Grade: A

GALLERY: SCENES FROM THE NFL DRAFT

2015 NFL Draft in Pictures

The stage prior to the start of the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University in Chicago.

Jameis Winston takes the call from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who made him the first pick.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers fans react after their team drafted former Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston with the first overall pick during the NFL draft party in Tampa, Fla.

Jameis Winston posed for SI in his new team's jersey after he was taken No. 1.

Marcus Mariota at his draft party in Honolulu.

Washington defensive lineman Danny Shelton picks up NFL commissioner Roger Goodell as he celebrates after being selected by the Cleveland Browns as the 12th pick.

Fans cheer after Kevin White of the West Virginia Mountaineers was picked seventh by the Chicago Bears.

Bears fans cheer Chicago's selection of Kevin White of West Virginia Mountaineers.

Dante Fowler with commissioner Roger Goodell after being drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Stanford offensive lineman Andrus Peat, right, talks to Deion Sanders after being selected by the New Orleans Saints as the 13th pick in the first round.

Green Bay Packers fans cheer during the first round of the draft.

A look at some of the NFL team representatives at the draft.

Kentucky linebacker Bud Dupree celebrates after being selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers as the 22nd pick in the first round.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers fans Keith Kunzig and David Miller are excited to have traveled from Florida to be at the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft.

Shane Ray checks out his threads.

Leonard Williams is interviewed outside the draft venue before being taken by the New York Jets.

Jameis Winston waiting for the call.

The scene inside the Jameis Winston draft gathering.

Marcus Mariotta in Hawaii before the first round began.

Two Patriots fans in Chicago.

Buffalo Bills Hall of Fame quarterback Jim Kelly arriving at the NFL Draft.

Chicago mounted police before the first round commenced.

Dante Fowler's shoes on draft night.

Chicago welcomed the NFL Draft with open arms.

The view from outside Roosevelt University Auditorium Theatre.

NFL prospect Trae Waynes of Michigan State talks to pediatric patient Alec Cabacungan while doing a mock interview during the NFL PLAY 60 activities at Shriners Hospital for Children on Thursday, April 30 in Chicago.