More than half way through the season, the Jaguars are the second lowest scoring team in the NFL at 15.9 points a game. A large reason Jacksonville struggles to score revolves around the team's inability to convert on third downs. The Jaguars are last in the league converting third downs at 31.7 percent ten games into the season. Taking Neal could possibly provide power and balance for short yardage conversions, while fortifying Jacksonville's pocket protection during obvious passing situations.
The Jags rank near the bottom of the NFL in sacks, and this guy will help with that from Day 1. Michigan OC Josh Gattis last week called Hutchinson "the absolute best player in college football." He's not that far off.
Over the past couple of years, the Jacksonville Jaguars have invested draft assets into offensive skill positions with picks such as D.J. Chark, Laviska Shenault, and Travis Etienne. But if they want Trevor Lawrence to truly take the next step in his development they have to get him some protection. With this pick, they draft Evan Neal to help protect their generational talent at quarterback.
Hamilton stands at 6-foot-4, 221 pounds, and he is one of the most explosive safeties in the game, which his 42-inch vertical backs up. Hamilton pairs his physical skill set with great eyes in coverage, making him a certified playmaker. The Notre Dame safety has totaled 22 combined pass breakups and interceptions in his three-year career. For reference, only five Power Five safeties have recorded more than 15 over that span. Hamilton should be in the cards for every team that has a top-five selection in the 2022 NFL Draft, whether they need a safety or not.
The offensive line could turn into a weakness for the Jags in a hurry, with left tackle Cam Robinson playing on the franchise tag this season and three more starters entering contract years in 2022. At 6-foot-7 and 350 pounds, Neal could step in at multiple spots, as he already has experience at both guard and tackle. He has starred at left tackle for the Crimson Tide this season.
