National Football League

Jaguars continue revamping defense with Day in 4th round

Published Apr. 30, 2016 3:13 p.m. ET

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JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) The Jacksonville Jaguars have treated the NFL draft much like they did free agency - with defense being the priority.

The Jaguars spent their first four picks on that side of the ball, following the selections of Jalen Ramsey (first round), Myles Jack (second) and Yannick Ngakoue (third) by choosing Notre Dame defensive tackle Sheldon Day in the fourth round Saturday.

General manager Dave Caldwell took Day with the 103rd overall pick, continuing to bolster a unit that gave up the second-most points in franchise history last season and ranked last in the league in getting off the field on third down.

''Definitely shows that we're going to try to get after it and change everything about this organization and try to make us continue to propel forward,'' Day said.

It was the fourth time in franchise history - first since 2010 - that Jacksonville used its first four draft picks on defensive players. The previous three didn't work out so well, but the Jaguars believe these four can be significant contributors.

Especially Ramsey and Jack, two of the most talented college players in the country in recent years.

''They're premier, bordering on rare athletic ability,'' said Andy Dengler, Jacksonville's assistant director of player personnel. ''To have both of them in the fold here, it's exciting. I think it's really exciting for our roster and our team.''

The Jaguars felt fortunate to get Ramsey with the fifth overall pick and were even more surprised to see Jack on the board in the second round. They traded up two spots to No. 36 to grab Jack, who is recovering from a torn meniscus in his right knee.

Jacksonville evaluated Jack's knee three times and believe he will make a full recovery. If so, he could be the steal of the draft.

Jack had 178 tackles and four interceptions in 29 games at UCLA. He injured his knee last September and left school a few weeks later to rehab in Phoenix. He raised eyebrows earlier this week by saying he might need micro-fracture surgery down the road. Jack said Saturday he was misquoted.

''I was asked a question and I detailed it and told everything and then I got asked the back end of a question and said that, so I got quoted saying that,'' Jack said. ''So at the end of the day, if it got me to end up here, where I wanted to go, then I'm cool with that. ... It's a great fit man, so I'm cool with everything.''

Because of NFL graduation rules, Jack won't be able to attend the team's conditioning program or organized team activities. The other three defensive draftees will be there.

Ngakoue gives the Jags a pass-rushing end to play behind last year's first-round pick, Dante Fowler Jr. Fowler missed his entire rookie season after tearing a knee ligament during rookie camp. Ngakoue had 13 1/2 sacks last season, ranking second in the nation.

Day, meanwhile, had 33 tackles, including 15 1/2 for loss, and four sacks as a senior. Jacksonville believes Day can be a disruptive 3-technique, meaning he will play behind Malik Jackson and Sen'Derrick Marks.

Ramsey, Jack, Ngakoue and Day are the latest in the team's defensive rebuilding project. Jacksonville ranked 31st in points and 24th in yards allowed in 2015.

Coach Gus Bradley responded by firing defensive coordinator Bob Babich after the season, promoting D-line coach Todd Wash and hiring veteran Monte Kiffin to help get the unit turned around.

Jacksonville then signed defensive tackle Malik Jackson (five years, $85.5 million), free safety Tashaun Gipson (five years, $36 million) and cornerback Prince Amukamara (one year, $5.5 million) in free agency.

So the Jaguars should have at least five new starters on defense.

''It's a heavy emphasis on defense,'' Dengler said. ''We're looking to have those upgrades, so I think it's significant.''

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AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org and www.twitter.com/AP-NFL

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