JACKSONVILLE – K'Lavon Chaisson left no doubt about a few things.
He's confident.
He's versatile.
And he's happy with his NFL destination.
"I'm excited to be a Jaguar, and thankful for the opportunity," Chaisson said late Thursday.
Chaisson, a defensive end/linebacker from Louisiana State University, on Thursday night became the Jaguars' second Round 1 selection of the '20 draft. The Jaguars selected him with the No. 20 overall selection after selecting Florida cornerback C.J. Henderson No. 9 overall earlier.
"I feel like they made a great decision when it came to choosing me," he said. "I'm excited. I'm ready to get going."
Chaisson (6-feet-3, 254 pounds) was one of the '20 draft's most versatile players, telling reporters during the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine it was better to hire someone who could speak three languages as opposed to one. When he joined Jacksonville media on a Thursday conference call, he was asked if the statement spoke to his versatility.
"That's directly where it speaks," he said. "Obviously, I feel like my best spot right now is rushing the quarterback. Without a doubt, let me put my ears back and get to the quarterback. But I feel my versatility is so critical.
"I'm not going to say I'm like [Kansas City Chiefs safety] Tyrann Mathieu, but I play like him. I can play different positions. Players like that are critical in today's game, but wherever the Jaguars want me to play I'm willing to do without hesitation."
Chaisson was asked if he could make an impact playing outside linebacker.
"One hundred percent," he said. "I feel like I could make an impact if you put me at guard. Put me at center. That's just who I am. I feel like I'm the best player when it comes to physical characteristics – mentally, football IQ, just all around."
Chaisson, who missed all but the first game of the 2018 season with a torn anterior cruciate ligament, played in 26 games with 17 starts in college. He totaled 92 tackles, including 19.0 tackles for loss and 9.5 sacks.
Chaisson said he has a close relationship with Jaguars wide receiver DJ Chark Jr., with whom he played one season at LSU in 2017.
"That's my guy," Chaisson said. "We speak a lot. He's somebody who I trust – high character."
Chassion, who forewent his senior year to enter the draft, served as team captain in 2019 and earned All-Southeastern Conference first-team honors. He was a three-time member of the SEC Academic Honor Roll.
"I don't really care about the praise or recognition from others," he said. "My job is to do my job – set the edge and get to the quarterback. Whatever it takes for the team to win. It's never really been about personal accolades. I kind of had a thing about being a better teammate more than being a better player. I figure that would take me a long way in today's game.
"My main goal is to be the best teammate I can be as soon as possible."
