JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Jacksonville Jaguars have claimed first-year CB Taurean Nixon off waivers from Denver, the club announced today. To make room on the roster, the Jaguars released rookie CB Jeremy Cutrer.
Nixon, 5-10, 187, was originally a seventh-round selection (251st overall) by Denver in the 2015 NFL Draft. After being waived during final cuts, Nixon spent the 2015 season on the team's practice squad and was promoted to the 53-man roster on Jan. 19, 2016, but was inactive for the AFC Championship and Super Bowl 50 victories. In 2016, Nixon spent time on the team's practice squad and active roster, appearing in two regular season games. Nixon stood out on special teams for the Broncos under the direction of current Jaguars Special Teams Coordinator Joe DeCamillis.
Nixon started 21 of 28 games at Tulane University and the University of Memphis, totaling 92 tackles (71 solo), two INTs, nine passes defensed, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery. As a senior at Tulane, Nixon started 8 of 10 games and registered 31 tackles (22 solo), one INT and five passes defensed.
Nixon attended Southern Lab High School in Baton Rouge, La., and led the school to three state playoffs appearances en route to first-team all-state, all-metro and all-district honors. Nixon also starred for the school's track team, claiming the state titles in the 4x100 and 4x200 relays and the 100-meter dash in addition to second place in the 200-meter dash as a senior. Nixon, whose father, Tedrick, played collegiate football at Southern University, majored in digital design. Nixon's first name is pronounced "Torian."
