By Dave Holcomb
SouthernPigskin.com

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With Tyson Campbell, Jacksonville acquired a versatile defensive back who can help improve the Jaguars defense in a lot of different ways.

For the second straight year, the Jacksonville Jaguars selected a cornerback as their first defensive player in the NFL draft. The Jaguars picked both of those cornerbacks within the first 33 selections in the draft.

That makes sense considering Jacksonville is still trying to replace All-Pro cornerback Jalen Ramsey, who the team traded two years ago. 2020 first-round pick C.J. Henderson is also coming off a season-ending groin injury, which created the need to address the position again early in the draft this spring.

With Georgia defensive back Tyson Campbell, who the Jaguars selected with the first pick in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft, Jacksonville acquired a versatile defensive back who can help improve the Jaguars defense in a lot of different ways.

cThe thing Tyson Campbell gives us is flexibility, something other than [cornerback],d said Jaguars first-year head coach Urban Meyer according to 247Sports. cHe was a safety in high school, and hes a very physical player, great blitzer. Those are all the qualities of a nickel [cornerback].d

At Georgia, Campbell relied upon his athleticism and will continue to do so at the next level. NFL.com draft expert Lance Zierlein identified the lack of trust he possesses in his footwork as one of his biggest weaknesses. In general, Campbell doesnt have great technique and wont enter training camp this summer as a very polished prospect.

But hes extremely athletic and has the physical traits to learn the technique necessary to become a starter quickly in the NFL.

c[Hes an] outside cornerback with undeniable physical traits and athletic tools,d wrote Zierlein. cCampbells traits outweigh the lack of polish and could lead to a solid NFL career.d

His lack of polish could even work to an advantage for him and/or Jacksonville. Since he excels athletically rather than in a particular technique, Campbell will be able to play multiple roles as a cover man, blitzer, and tackler.

Acquiring a defensive player who can help in a lot of areas was key for the Jaguars in the 2021 NFL Draft. Not only did Jacksonville lose its final 15 games to finish 1-15 last year, but the team was in the bottom six in passing yards allowed, rushing yards yielded and yards allowed per carry. Furthermore, the Jaguars were second-to-last in first downs allowed, net passing yards allowed per attempt and points allowed.

The unit — and entire team for that matter — struggled in just about every area. A versatile player such as Campbell contributing in many facets increases the chances of Meyer turning around the defense more quickly.

While starting three years at Georgia, Campbell posted 89 total tackles, including 4.0 tackles for loss and 2 quarterback hurries. He also had 10 pass defenses, an interception and three fumble recoveries, two of which he returned for touchdowns.

NFL.com gave Campbell a grade of 6.33, which places him in the draft player tier labeled, cwill be starter within the first two seasons.d If he can win the cornerback job opposite Henderson, then the Jaguars will perhaps solidify the outside of their secondary for years to come. But that doesnt have to happen for Campbell to contribute immediately.

Jacksonville still has 25-year-old Tre Herndon, who intercepted three passes and posted 13 pass defenses in 2019, to play opposite Henderson. If he can return to his form two years ago, Campbell could work out of the slot, where a lot of his skill may be a better fit, at least initially in the NFL.

With all the passing in the league today, the nickel cornerback spot is just about as important as the starting cornerback positions anyway.

So while the conversation around Jacksonville’s 2021 draft is focused on what the organization did offensively with two picks in the first round, the Jaguars also added a quality player who can help in a lot of ways on defense early on Day 2 of the draft.