The Jaguars have played a regular season game in London each of the past three seasons. For this year’s NFL Draft, Jacksonville sent defensive tackle Michael Bennett to London as part of a promotion. Unfortunately, the plan will not unfold as intended.
When the second round began Friday evening, former UCLA linebacker Myles Jack was still available due to concerns over an injured knee that could need microfracture surgery. The Jaguars jumped at the opportunity to select him, literally. They traded up to No. 36 to select him. To do so, Jacksonville had to give up picks No. 38 and No. 146. Bennett was supposed to announce the latter.
After finding out, Bennett took to his Twitter account to have a laugh about the situation.
HAHAHAHAHA jacksonville flew me to London to announce the 146 pick. They just traded it away. Thanks for the flight! Lol
— Mike Bennett (@mike96bennett) April 29, 2016
Thankfully, the trip across the pond won’t be for nothing. As the Jaguars pointed out, Bennett will also be announcing their sixth round selection.
Don't worry, Mike. You get to team with @MylesJack. Oh & you were announcing our 6th round pick too btw. #JAXDraft16 https://t.co/PQi63sq0Mm
— #JAXDraft16 (@Jaguars) April 30, 2016
The Jaguars had a potent offense in 2015 and are putting together pieces for a stout defense. Jacksonville added Jalen Ramsey in the first round to bolster the defensive backfield and Jack is a player many had as a top-10 talent if not for the questions surrounding his knee. The Jaguars will also have defensive end Dante Fowler Jr. at their disposal this season, who was the third overall pick last year but tore his ACL during mini-camp.
Don’t look now, but the Jaguars are heading in the right direction and will likely be a popular sleeper pick in 2016.
