JACKSONVILLE – The Jaguars got the news they didn't want Friday.
Dante Fowler Jr., the No. 3 overall selection by the Jaguars in the 2015 NFL Draft, sustained a torn anterior cruciate ligament in the team's first rookie minicamp practice Friday, the team confirmed. He is expected to miss the 2015 season.
Fowler, who played collegiately at the University of Florida, went down holding his left knee during a team drill midway through the practice at the Florida Blue Health and Wellness Practice Fields. He was rushing the passer in a team drill, and though he was being blocked by tryout right tackle Watts Dantzler, there didn't appear to be significant contact between the players.
Fowler, who had been working early in practice at the team's Leo pass rusher positon – the position the team expects him to play in Bradley's defense – left the field with the help of trainers. He did not appear to be putting significant weight on the leg.
Trainers attended to Fowler before he was taken inside EverBank Field – which is adjacent to the team's practice fields – on a cart.
Fowler played collegiately at the University of Florida. He was widely considered one of the three best prospects in the draft along with defensive end/tackle Leonard Williams of Southern California (New York Jets) and wide receiver Amari Cooper of Alabama (Oakland Raiders).
Images from the first day of the Jaguars rookie minicamp.
