The Jacksonville Jaguars have signed third-round pick CB Derek Cox and seventh-round pick WR Tiquan Underwood, the team announced Thursday. Cox was the 73rd overall pick in the third round, one of two third round selections. Underwood was the club’s final selection in the 2009 NFL Draft, the 253rd pick overall.

According to a league source, Cox signed a four-year worth roughly $2.59 million that includes a signing bonus worth around $836,000.

Cox, 6-1, 190, was a three-year starter and two-time All-Colonial Athletic Association selection at The College of William & Mary. He is the second-highest drafted player in school history behind with only current NFL safety Darren Sharper taken higher (2nd, 1997, Green Bay). Cox recorded nine career interceptions and 172 tackles while serving as team captain his final two seasons. He graduated with a degree in marketing and concentration in entrepreneurship.

Cox, who also saw action as a return specialist, had four interceptions as a senior in 2008 and scored two touchdowns as a punt returner and two as a cornerback. He had punt returns for scores of 89 and 80 yards. A native of Greenville, North Carolina, he lettered in football and baseball at J.H. Rose High School.

Because of a lack of depth at cornerback, Cox should be able to push for a role in Jacksonville's dime defense this season.


According to a league source, Underwood signed a four-year, $1.79 million deal that includes a signing bonus worth just over $37,000.

Underwood, 6-1, 178, was one of three receivers selected by the Jaguars in 2009, joining Mike Thomas (4th round) and Jarett Dillard (5th round). Underwood started 32 of 49 games at Rutgers and finished with 132 receptions for 1,931 yards and 16 touchdowns. He ranks second in school history with seven 100-yard receiving games and he also saw action as a return specialist and registered 2,887 career all-purpose yards.

In 2008, Underwood finished with 40 receptions for 494 yards and five touchdowns. He was named a member of the 2009 AFCA “Good Works” team for his outstanding work in the community. He recorded a career-high 65 receptions for 1,100 yards with seven touchdowns as a junior and teamed up with Tennessee 2009 first-round pick Kenny Britt (1,232) to become the first tandem in Big East history to post 1,000-plus receiving yards in the same season. Underwood began the season with four consecutive 100-yard receiving games and led the nation with 84.6 percent of his receptions resulting in first downs.

A native of New Brunswick, New Jersey, Underwood lettered in football, track and basketball at Notre Dame High School. His first name is pronounced tie-KWAHN.

Because Jacksonville's depth chart at receiver is made up of mostly young players, Underwood should be able to push for a roster spot in training camp, despite being a late-round selection.

For more on the Jaguars, check out Jag Nation.

To get caught up on all the latest breaking news around the NFL along with insider analysis, sign up for Adam Caplan's Twitter Updates.