Still only 23 years old, Jacksonville Jaguars defensive end Yannick Ngakoue has already made a name for himself as an elite pass rusher. He recorded 12 sacks as a sophomore last season and entered the 2018 campaign having put up 20 sacks in two years.
With this level of success comes an ego the size of Jacksonville. In speaking with Bleacher Report recently, the former third-round pick from Maryland called himself the best pass rusher in the NFL.
“Not enough people know that No. 91 for the Jaguars is the top edge-rusher in this league,” Ngakoue said. “I am the best. I am the best pass-rusher in this league. I’m No. 1 at what I do. Definitely.”
That’s quite the statement right there given the presence of Von Miller and Khalil Mack in the NFL. Though, numbers do back up Ngakoue’s claim. Miller has put up 23.5 sacks over the past two seasons while the new Bears pass rusher has 21.5 during that span. The numbers are very similar in that regard.
Whether it’s playing in a small market or on a defense with bigger names, Ngakoue doesn’t necessarily get the star treatment of others.
That doesn’t seem to phase the young defensive end.
“I’m No. 1. I don’t care about any other guy. That’s how I feel. I know what I can do,” he continued. “I feel like I’ve shown that these past two seasons. And this third one is going to be crazy.”
Fresh off an AFC Championship Game appearance, the young Jaguars are considered top-end Super Bowl contenders. Should they continue on this upward trajectory, Ngakoue will soon be a household name. That’s for sure.