2023 NFL Draft: Jaguars Send DL, DB Coaches to South Carolina Pro Day

With the 2023 NFL Draft rapidly approaching, the Jacksonville Jaguars have expressed interest in a multitude of prospects, with defensive tackle Zacch Pickens and cornerbacks Cam Smith and Darius Rush being the latest addition to the list.

The Jaguars were among five teams in attendance for South Carolina’s pr -day, with the New York Giants, Jets, Cincinnati Bengals, and New England Patriots each sending defensive back coaches to Columbia according to Billy Marshall. The Jaguars also sent defensive line coach Brentson Buckner, according to Cody Carpenter.

. #Jaguars Defensive Line Coach and Hard Knocks Legend, Brentson Buckner in Columbia to put Zacch Pickens through a workout!#2023NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/yOONKrpcYo
— ᴄᴏᴅʏ ᴄᴀʀᴘᴇɴᴛɪᴇʀ (@CodyCarpentier) March 13, 2023

DB coaches in Columbia for South Carolina pro day: Jerome Henderson NYG, Deshea Townsend JAX, Charles Burks CIN, Tony Oden NYJ, and Mike Pellegrino NE
— Billy M (@BillyM_91) March 13, 2023

In four seasons with the South Carolina Gamecocks, the 23-year-old Pickens appeared in 47 contests, recording 131 total tackles (11.5 for loss), 7.5 sacks and four pass breakups.

The combine was where Pickens turned heads, recording the highest broad jump among defensive linemen(9’8”). He also finished in the top ten in vertical jump (30.5”) and a 1.74 second 10-yard split along with a time of 4.89 seconds on the 40-yard dash.

At 6’3 and 291 pounds, Pickens possesses average size for the position, but makes up for it with his freakish athleticism and physical tools.

NFL.com analyst Lance Zierlein offered insight into the type of player Pickens is in his draft analysis.

“Athletic interior defender with experience and length as a gap-control tackle but the quickness and play traits that might be better suited to attacking upfield,” Zierlein wrote. “Pickens has a disruptive first step that creates advantages for him as both a run defender and pass rusher. He plays with harmonious hands and feet to elude blockers or play off them, but he’s likely to get moved around by NFL drive blockers. Pickens has the ability to play both tackle spots in a one-gapping front and has rotational value with the potential to see starter’s reps.

Pickens is currently projected to be a fourth-round selection in the 2023 NFL Draft, with NFL Draft Buzz ranking him as the 131st overall prospect and #28 at his position.

As for Smith, the productive cornerback has a chance to be a top-40 pick after a strong career at South Carolina and an impressive showing at the combine, which saw him run a 4.45 40-yard dash.