The pick is in: Jaguars select Texas Tech DE Myles Cole at 236th overall

The Jaguars’ ninth and final pick of the 2024 NFL Draft is defensive end Myles Cole. Here’s everything you need to know.

With the 236th pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, the Jacksonville Jaguars select Myles Cole, defensive end, Texas Tech.

Process

There’s that EDGE player I was looking for.

The Jaguars did a nice job of closing its draft class with a pass rusher who can rotate behind Josh Allen and Travon Walker. Cole, Jordan Jefferson and Maason Smith all seem to have a bit of untapped potential, but Cole was easily the best value and offers much-needed depth on the edge.

From my perspective, Jacksonville had three unnecessary reaches in its draft class between Jefferson, Keirlan Robinson and Cam Little. While I’m inclined to believe all three are good players, I feel the need to point out that it doesn’t automatically qualify them as good picks. Even if it’s a “weak” draft class, The Analytics would tell us it’s better to target those positions as priority UDFAs rather than mid-round selections.

All in all, Jacksonville’s draft was fairly well-rounded and mostly well-executed. Even if they spent a little more capital than I would’ve liked to fill out some non-premium positions, the Jaguars found a high-ceiling, low-cost playmaker for Trevor Lawrence; added multiple picks in next year’s draft; took an understandable swing on a prospect with Chris Jones comps; bought insurance for Cam Robinson and Walker Little; and added a few coverage corners who fit the new defensive coordinator’s scheme.

If my biggest complaint is just nit-picking over value charts, that’s not a bad weekend at the office for Jacksonville.

Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images

Background

• Name: Myles Cole
• Consensus ranking: 212th (EDGE23)
• Year: Sixth-year senior
• Age: Turns 24 on April 29th
• Hometown: Shreveport, La.
• High school: Evangel Christian
• Recruiting: 2 stars
• Instagram: @_mc.5_
• Twitter: @mdoc55
• Accolades: n/a

Consensus rankings via NFL Mock Draft Database; recruiting info via 247 Sports

Stats

Measurables

Analysis

Scouting report from Matt Holder of Bleacher Report:

Overall, Cole is a developmental project despite being an older prospect, which is a bad combination. Questions will arise as to why he still has technical flaws despite spending six years in college. However, he only received two years of Power Five coaching, and teams could be enamored with his potential, elevating his draft stock.

Player summary from Dane Brugler of The Athletic:

Overall, Cole is a persistent power rusher with leg drive and elite length, although his immature instincts (rushing the passer and setting the edge) will make him a project in the NFL. His tools are more interesting than his playmaking talent, but he still has room to develop and can give a defense quality snaps as a three-technique or on the edge.

Last word from Jonah Alicea and Chris Congemo of Sports Info Solutions:

Myles Cole projects best as a backup 4-3 DE who can stand up with the size and potential to eventually be a 5-tech in an odd-front. Cole has excellent size and length for the position, but he needs to get stronger in his lower half to set the edge more consistently. He has solid hands with a hot motor to make plays in the run game, but his ability to shed leaves something to be desired, especially for someone with his length. Against the pass, he doesn’t have many tools in his bag and lacks a plan of attack. He also has a rigid frame, making it tough for him to bend. Most of his success will come from his motor and length. On 3rd downs, he has the ability to reduce down and rush over interior blockers. He has sufficient special teams ability with his size and athleticism.

Prospect overview from Lance Zierlein of NFL.com:

Despite six seasons in college, Cole might still be moldable with untapped production lingering. He’s tall with exceptionally long arms that allow him to disengage from blocks or eventually work around pass protection. He’s not overly instinctive or skilled as a pass rusher, and he had trouble minding the gap against the run when squaring off against bullies on his schedule. With more mass and play strength, Cole might be targeted to rotate as an odd-front end with the athleticism and traits to become a more consistent pass rusher.

Bottom line from Trevor Sikkema of PFF:

It’s often futile to say a six-year player with low production still has potential, but Cole breaks the mold. His length and athleticism give him front versatility, and if he can gain some extra power and hone in on pass-rush moves in the NFL, he can be a contributing player in some way.

Quotes

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Jaguars fans, let us know your initial thoughts in the comments below!