The Jaguars' draft took a turn toward need on the second day, with the selection of Temple defensive tackle Terrance Knighton with the first of what would be consecutive picks in the third round.
Knighton addresses a significant need for a big guy on the defensive line and General Manager Gene Smith said Knighton was probably the last defensive tackle available who offers the potential to become a starter.
"Terrance is a guy we felt very strongly about. We felt we might lose him late last night," Smith said, referring to the bottom of the second round.
Four defensive linemen were selected in the final nine picks of the second round, and five were selected in the first eight picks of the third round on Sunday. A run on defensive linemen was clearly underway and the Jaguars felt they had to jump in and get one or suffer the consequences.
"We knew he would go late two, early three at the latest," Smith said of Knighton, considered by the Jaguars to be a top athlete in a big body that offers the potential to add strength.
Knighton played tight end and wide receiver in high school and ran a sub-5.0 40 for the Jaguars. He is thought to be a player with a big upside.
"We feel like we got value and a good, young player up front," Smith said.
"I've always been an under-the-radar guy. I was just hoping a team would give me a chance to show what I can do," Knighton said of his selection.
