Drafted in the third round (69th overall) out of Maryland in 2016, Yannick Ngakoue required zero adjustment period to impact the NFL passing game. Possessing a lightning-quick launch off the line of scrimmage and a masterclass dip-and-bend edge move, the rookie immediately locked down a starting role, racking up eight sacks and four forced fumbles to secure PFWA All-Rookie team honors.

Ngakoue elevated his game during his second professional campaign, serving as a primary pass-rush engine for Jacksonville’s AFC Championship run in 2017. Alongside Calais Campbell, one of the league's premier edge tandems, Ngakoue dropped opposing passers 12 times and led the NFL with six forced fumbles. His instincts for targeting the football yielded game-changing turnover plays, including a 67-yard strip-sack return touchdown against Tennessee that paved the way to his lone Pro Bowl honor.

Consistency remained his trademark throughout his initial four-year contract. Ngakoue compiled at least eight sacks in every single campaign with the franchise, blending raw speed around the corner with an uncanny knack for punching the ball free at the moment of contact.

Despite his high-caliber production, contract negotiations between Ngakoue and the front office became contentious before the 2020 season. Franchise-tagged without a long-term agreement, the pass rusher made his intentions clear on social media, publicly requesting a trade to continue his career elsewhere. The standoff resolved in August 2020 via a trade to Minnesota, initiating a multi-stop journey across several organizations as a specialized pass-rush weapon.

As a Jaguar, Ngakoue accumulated 37.5 sacks, 122 total tackles, 14 forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, and two interceptions.