Jaguars Depth Chart Analysis | Defense
Will we see a shift in philosophy for the Jaguars defense, and what might that mean for the potential starters across the unit?
Nose Tackle
The addition of Malcom Brown allows the Jaguars to be multi-dimensional up front in 2020. Brown can line up and play the nose tackle position or fit into a defensive tackle role in a 4-3 front. The Jaguars gave up a seventh-round pick for a player who has played around 40 percent of the snaps for the New Orleans Saints in the past two years.
Fourth-round draft pick Jay Tufele could be in contention as a player to challenge Brown for snaps. It will be interesting to see how the Jaguars utilize some of their talent along the defensive line during training camp and the preseason.
Defensive Line
The Jaguars kicked off free agency by adding former Chicago Bear Roy Robertson-Harris to help retool their depth chart. Robertson-Harris agreed to a three-year deal worth up to a max value of $26.4 million with $14 million in guarantees. He started six games for the Bears in 2020, appearing in eight total before undergoing season-ending shoulder surgery in November. He had 10 total tackles, 5 QB hits, and 1 tackle for loss. For his career, Robertson-Harris has 7.5 sacks and 30 QB hits in 52 games.
After taking a home run cut on DT Taven Bryan with the No. 29 overall selection in the 2018 NFL Draft, the Jaguars are back in the dugout after striking out. Appearing in 48 games (17 starts), Bryan has 3.5 career sacks and 24 pressures.
Behind those two, there is not a lot in terms of sure-fire options. Adam Gotsis started 14 games last year and played 579 snaps. However, he had just 3 QB hits, 4 tackles for loss, and 0 sacks. Jihad Ward has not started a game since 2017 but did play nearly 650 snaps on defense in total the past two years. He impressed with 8 QB hits and 3 sacks in Baltimore last season.
Outside Linebacker
A rookie in 2019, Josh Allen set a franchise sack record (10.5) on his way to the Pro Bowl. Unfortunately, injuries formed part of a letdown season in 2020. In eight games, Allen had 2.5 sacks, 13 tackles (two for a loss), and 11 QB hits. Allen ended the season on the IR due to a knee injury but avoided any severe ligament damage.
If the team does move to a 3-4 base, both Allen and K’Lavon Chaisson will play a more natural standup LB role rather than defensive end, but only time will tell. Chaisson, the 20th overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, registered a sack and 3 tackles for loss in 16 games as a rookie. He could very well be one of the most talented players on the Jaguars’ depth chart by season’s end.
The addition of Jordan Smith provides an intriguing third option, and Jihad Ward also spent more time in an outside linebacker role over previous seasons. The Jaguars could decide that is the better role for him to continue in this season.
Inside Linebacker
If they do move to a 3-4, Joe Schobert will likely remain in the middle. Schobert led the Jaguars in 2020 with 141 tackles (81 solo) and registered 2.5 sacks, 3 interceptions, 6 tackles for loss, 6 quarterback hits, 2 forced fumbles, and 4 passes defensed.
Since his selection out of UCLA, where he played both RB and LB, Myles Jack has lined up all over the linebacker depth chart. He was highly productive in 2020, recording 118 tackles (72 solo) along with a sack, 6 tackles for loss, 2 quarterback hits, an interception, 5 passes defensed, a forced fumble, and 2 fumble recoveries.
Quincy Williams appeared in seven games in 2020 after spending time on the IR. He totaled 11 tackles, a forced fumble, 1 pass defensed, and a tackle for a loss. The addition of Damien Wilson gives the Jaguars more depth and the potential to play in 4-3 defense with three inside linebackers. UDFA signing Dylan Moses also has the potential to develop into a starter if he can get back to the way he played early in his college career.
Cornerback
The No. 9 overall pick in last year’s draft, C.J. Henderson has the skill set to become one of the NFL’s premier cornerbacks. Henderson finished tied for fourth in pass breakups (6) among all rookie cornerbacks in only eight games. Playing on just 42% of the team’s defensive snaps, Henderson totaled 36 tackles (27 solo), forced 1 fumble, and had 1 interception. He was placed on IR in Week 10 following a groin injury.
Signed to a three-year, $44.5 million deal with $29 million guaranteed, the Jaguars added former Seahawks CB Shaquill Griffin to their depth chart in free agency. Since entering the league in 2017, Griffin has been a productive corner. Making 57 appearances with 53 starts, Griffin has totaled 249 tackles (203 solo) with 48 passes defensed and 6 interceptions. Given the CB market, Griffin was the top name available and is a massive boost to the rebuilding Jaguars.
The Jaguars also re-signed one of their own in Tre Herndon. In three years with the team, Herndon has appeared in 43 games and made 26 starts. A UDFA in 2018, he started all 16 games in 2019 and 2020. Over the last two seasons, he has 130 tackles, 3 interceptions, and 18 passes defensed.
Sidney Jones also re-signed with Jacksonville. He recorded 25 tackles in 2020 and set a career-high with 9 passes defensed, 2 interceptions, and a forced fumble. In the second round, the Jaguars added Tyson Campbell, who could push Griffin and Henderson for a starting role. He is more likely to start as a depth option and provide insurance for any injuries.
Safety
As the Jaguars continue to bolster the secondary, Rayshawn Jenkins was added to the depth chart in free agency. Signed to a four-year, $35 million ($16 million guaranteed) contract, Jenkins has accumulated 174 tackles (115 solo), 7 tackles for loss, 9 passes defensed, and 5 interceptions. In 2020, Jenkins finished the year with 84 tackles, 2 interceptions, 4 passes defensed, and a sack.
A starting safety last season, Jarrod Wilson may be competing for the third spot in the group this season. Still, Wilson has held his own in coverage and downhill. Making 28 starts over the last two seasons, Wilson has 148 tackles (102 solo), 3 interceptions, 7 passes defensed, and 8 tackles for a loss.
Another name to watch in camp this year is third-round pick Andre Cisco. A talented player, Cisco could certainly push for time as a starter later in the year. He should at least open the season as one of the main players for providing depth.
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