National Football League

Brian Billick's thoughts for March 24

Published Mar. 24, 2011 1:00 a.m. ET

foxsports

Billick examines the Jacksonville Jaguars' draft needs and cornerback prospect Aaron Williams.

Jaguars need to look at defense

Last season, Jacksonville made a run at the division only to drop its last three games, two to division foes Indianapolis and Houston.

Even though the Jaguars ranked third in the league in rushing offense, their late season swoon underlined their deficiencies and needs.

Some people thought the Jags really gambled in last years draft taking Cal defensive lineman Tyson Alualu with the 10th overall pick. They also got Aaron Kampman from the Packers in hopes of getting an infusion of new pass rush talent for a unit that was last in the league in 2009.

Because the pass rush never materialized, the Jags might look to the deep list of defensive lineman in this year’s draft.

Picking at 16 it is unlikely that one of the top corners would drop to them and it is too early to take someone from what is considered a weak safety pool.

Clearly, defense is where the Jags need to go. Not only do they have to face Peyton Manning and Matt Schaub twice each year, but this year the Jags will also face Drew Brees, Matt Ryan, Josh Freeman, Ben Roethlisberger, Joe Flacco and Philip Rivers.

Finally, picking at 16 might also present the Jaguars with an intriguing dilemma should one of the top quarterbacks fall to them, which would testing their faith in current starter David Garrard.

Williams could be cornerback or safety

Aaron Williams is best defined as a defensive back rather than as a safety or corner. Right now, he is a tweener prospect who may add value by being just that; a versatile player that can contribute at both positions.

At the NFL Scouting Combine, Williams measured in at 5-foot-11 7/8 and 204 pounds. He jumped a 37.5-inch vertical and ran a 4.46 40-yard dash.

As a player, he draws comparisons to Cedric Griffin and Aaron Ross. He has a good short area burst but isn't overly physical. He is better in off-coverage than in press, and plays well in space. When in man coverage, he has shown that he is susceptible to the double move and can be a step late in his break.

Because of that ability in space and his slow backpedal to break transition, many teams like him better as a safety. But even playing there, the defensive coordinator would have the flexibility to walk him down and man up the slot receiver.

Williams reads run quickly and attacks the line of scrimmage aggressively. He keeps outside contain and forces runners back inside to the rest of the defense. He sometimes leaves his feet when making tackles which leads to a drop in consistently bringing down the ball carrier.