SAN JOSE, CALIF. | A player drafted by former geneal manager Gene Smith will play a pivotal role in Sunday’s Super Bowl.
That’s not a misprint.
Linebacker Brandon Marshall was selected by Smith in the fifth round of his last draft with the Jaguars.
Cut by new GM Dave Caldwell and coach Gus Bradley after the 2013 preseason, Marshall passed on a chance to sign with the Jaguars’ practice squad, hoping a change of organizations would kick-start his career.
Marshall figured right. He’ll start at inside linebacker for Denver against Carolina.
Not good enough for the talent-starved Jaguars, Marshall is now a key cog on pro football’s best defense.