Jags head pack in Vann draft buzz

Amid reports that a growing number of NFL teams are strongly interested in Rattler standout Leroy Vann, the Jacksonville Jaguars have now made a bold move to show they want the first dibs on an exclusive workout with him. An NFL source informed the Florida Times-Union that the Jags will hold a private session with him today in Tallahassee instead of waiting until Thursday, as originally planned.

“Originally scheduled to work out for Tampa Bay later this week (with Jacksonville set to help guide the session), Vann had also planned to perform for the Jaguars shortly after the session with the Buccaneers,” said Times-Union reporter Michael C. Wright. “But the plans quickly changed thanks, in part, to a buzz beginning to build concerning Vann, who holds the NCAA record for career returns for touchdowns (eight punts – including five last season – and three kickoffs for TDs).”

Wright added that Vann, a kick return specialist, would make a logical addition to the Jags’ roster.

“For a value-conscious squad such as Jacksonville, Vann might make sense in the later rounds, or possibly as an undrafted free agent because the Jaguars weren’t particularly elusive last season in the return game,” Wright said. “Using mostly a combination of Mike Thomas and Brian Witherspoon on punts and kickoffs, the Jags put up mediocre numbers, averaging 8.6 yards on punts and 22.7 on kicks. Vann averaged 20.5 yards on kickoff returns last season and 19.6 on punts.”