Can these young Jacksonville Jaguars defensive linemen find success?
The Jacksonville Jaguars have a deep defensive line. Can these young lineman find their way to success?
It is easy to get distracted by the big names along the Jacksonville Jaguars defensive line. With Calais Campbell, Yannick Ngakoue, and Malik Jackson headlining the group, the rotation guys tend to get overlooked. Here we give them more attention and wonder what may stop them from finding success or what might put them over the top.
Dawuane Smoot
First, the rookie third round pick from Illinois will have a chance to make an impact. A looming 6’4″ man weighing 264lbs playing at the defensive end position, Smoot has all the physical tools needed to make an impact. Smoot also competed at the hurdles for the Junior Olympics in 2010 and finished 30th in the 400m hurdles. His athleticism will help him adjust to the NFL.
Smoot will be in the rotation at the defensive end position where improving play will give him more opportunities. Keep an eye for the development of Smoot the season and see if he takes advantage of his opportunities.
Michael Bennett
Next is Michael Bennett. Another young defensive lineman who has an opportunity to find success. Bennett missed the entire season last year with a calf injury.
Drafted in 2015, Bennett will be entering his third season with the team. Acquiring playing time will be a big opportunity to see Bennett at full strength. In rotation behind starters like Malik Jackson and Calais Campbell could bury Bennett’s time on the field, but he should be able to slip in a few snaps. Making the most of these will be critical for Bennett. Success for Bennett could be defined by staying healthy at this point, though it would be nice to see him be productive in game situations as well. After building on an offseason of recovery, Bennett will be able to showcase his talent in an effort to solidify his place on the team.
Sheldon Day
Last on this list is Sheldon day. With an offseason that saw plenty of players leaving the Jags, the play and development of Day could be a reason for the departure of veteran Tyson Alualu.
Day is a second-year defensive tackle from Notre Dame who will have chances to find success this year. While he finished 2016 with only one sack he should find more opportunity this season as he pushes those above him on the depth chart for more playing time. Coming out of college, Day was an exciting steal in the fourth round. Day also has a chance to learn from veteran Calais Campbell.
This season will be a test for Day as he enters his second year. Last season helped Day adjust and now growth is expected from the young defensive lineman.
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Overall each of these players mentioned above can find success this season. Smoot, Bennett, and Day will have their chances playing on a talented Jaguars defense. Their growth should be watched as the season gets underway. Development of these players will only help the Jags sustain talent on the defensive line as rotation of players will keep legs fresh and enable the team to keep the pressure on.