The Jacksonville Jaguars selected Louisville linebacker Yasir Abdullah at the top of the fifth round of the 2023 NFL draft with the No. 136 overall pick.
Abdullah is the second linebacker drafted by the Jaguars on Saturday after they picked Florida’s Ventrell Miller in the fourth round. However, they’re likely to play in different spots in the Jacksonville defense.
While some think of Abdullah as an off-the-ball linebacker, it seems likelier that the Louisville alum will be an edge rusher in the Jaguars’ 3-4 system. Either way, his versatility in both roles probably made him more valuable in the eyes of Jacksonville general manager Trent Baalke.
At 6’1, 237 pounds, Abdullah is a lighter linebacker, but he makes up for it with 4.47 speed and explosiveness with a 36.5-inch vertical jump.
In his last two seasons at Louisville, Abdullah twice earned All-ACC honors and racked up 19.5 sacks, 32 tackles for a loss, and two interceptions.
While the Jaguars have a pair of starters at outside linebacker with Travon Walker and Josh Allen, there’s little depth behind that duo and Abdullah could earn plenty of playing time as a rotational rusher during his rookie season.
