2023 NFL Draft: Auburn Pass-Rusher Colby Wooden To Visit With Jaguars

The Jacksonville Jaguars continue to do their homework on this year's pass-rushing group.

After hosting the likes of Georgia's Nolan Smith, Tennessee's Byron Young, and Louisville's Yaya Diaby, the Jaguars are also set to host Auburn defensive lineman Colby Wooden for a top-30 visit, per Underdog Fantasy's Josh Norris.

Auburn DL Colby Wooden is visiting the Jaguars pic.twitter.com/AmdDCDeWx4
— Josh Norris (@JoshNorris) April 6, 2023

A former four-star recruit, Wooden began his career as a starter in 2020, being named to the SEC all-freshman team after nine tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks. Wooden returned as a started in 2021, recording 8.5 tackles for loss and 4.0 sacks, along with two pass deflections and a fumble recovery.

Wooden put up his best numbers as a third-year starter in 2022, recording 11.5 tackles for loss, six sacks three pass deflections, two fumbles recovered, and three forced fumbles while earning team defensive lineman of the year honors.

Wooden projects best as a tweener pass-rusher who can line up inside and outside, playing nearly 300 snaps inside in 2022. Considering the Jaguars utilized Dawuane Smoot in a similar manner last year, it makes sense why they would have interest in Wooden.

Jacksonville had one of the highest pressure rates of any defense in 2022 but also registered just 35 sacks, good for the 26th most in the NFL. After losing pass-rusher Arden Key in free agency, it is clear that evaluating this year's pass-rusher class is critical for the Jaguars.

“I think we’ve got to improve our pass rush. I think that’s vital, particularly on third down,” Jaguars head coach Pederson said last week at the NFL's annual owners meetings.

"I thought we were good with the run, we just gotta continue to get better with the run and shore up some things there. I think the passing game is the area we have to look at and address in the offseason, and clean that part of it up."

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