The Jaguars have had a handful of very talented individuals play defense since their inaugural season in 1995. Consequently, this team is comprised of players from many different years. I also threw in the special teamers at the end.

Defensive End – Tony Brackens

Easily the best defensive end in Jaguars history, Tony Brackens was a strong, athletic, pass rushing fiend on the edge of line. Brackens holds the franchise record for sacks (55) and he really is the only intimidating pass rusher the Jaguars have had in their history. While the team has had several solid defensive ends that could hold their own against the run and occasionally create some pressure, Brackens was the only player who the Jaguars could count on to consistently fluster the quarterback.

Defensive Tackle – John Henderson

John Henderson teamed up with the next guy on our list to create one of the best interior defensive lines in the NFL. John Henderson provided a massive presence (6’7”, 328 lbs) on the defense and he managed to provide a consistent pass rush while stuffing the run. As the last first round pick of the Tom Coughlin era, Henderson made two pro bowls and provided a strong foundation for Jack Del Rio’s defense. He was also a total badass.

Henderson is also on the All Time "Please Don't Hurt Me" Team. Fernando Medina-US PRESSWIRE

Henderson is also on the All Time “Please Don’t Hurt Me” Team.

Defensive Tackle – Marcus Stroud

While not quite as imposing a presence as Henderson, Stroud was a wide load who made it very difficult for opposing teams to run the football. He made three consecutive pro bowls and played outstanding football for the Jaguars until he was suspended for using steroids in 2007.

Defensive End – Paul Spicer

This is one of the positions where no player really stood out behind Tony Brackens. This was a tossup between a couple of players who put together nice 2 to 3 year stretches, so I went with Paul Spicer. Spicer was a journeyman who spent 9 seasons with the Jaguars and didn’t really make an impact until his 6^th season when he broke out with 7.5 sacks. He went on to have 4 solid seasons with the team before retiring.

Linebacker – Daryl Smith

A current Jaguar finally makes an appearance on the defense! Underappreciated for several years, Smith has finally begun to reap the praise he’s deserved. Smith has been nothing short of solid since being drafted in 2004 and he has emerged as a defensive leader and one of the best 4-3 linebackers in the NFL. If he played on a higher profile team, Smith likely would have a few pro bowl appearances on his ledger.

Linebacker – Mike Peterson

Signed as a free agent in 2003, Mike Peterson was the quarterback of the defense for 5 very solid statistical seasons. Peterson was the prototypical tackling machine teams wanted as their 4-3 middle linebacker.

Linebacker – Kevin Hardy

As the 2^nd overall pick of the 1996 draft, Hardy never quite lived up to his promise, but he still managed to carve out a nice career with the Jaguars. Hardy had one particularly strong year in 1999 when he made the pro bowl – he managed double-digit sacks along with his solid tackle numbers.

Cornerback – Rashean Mathis

The Jaguars’ all-time leader in interceptions is a safe bet to be on this list for many years to come. In his peak seasons, Mathis had all the attributes you wanted in a cornerback – ball hawking, man-to-man skills, baiting the quarterback, press coverage, tackling. He’s not the same player at this point in his career, but he has developed several savvy moves characteristic of a wily veteran.

Man-to-man skills, press coverage skills, and some sweet dreads. Tony Kurdzuk/The Star-Ledger via US PRESSWIRE

Man-to-man skills, press coverage skills, and some sweet dreads.

Cornerback – Aaron Beasley

Like defensive end, there is a substantial gap between one and two at cornerback on this list. Beasley was a solid defensive back from 1996-2001 for the Jags, but he wasn’t the shutdown type of corner Mathis has been over his career. He had one standout season in 1999 when he racked up 6 interceptions, 2 of which he returned for touchdowns.

Safety – Donovan Darius

Donovan Darius was an intimidator in the Jaguars backend known for his big hits. He led the Jaguars secondary in tackles for 7 straight seasons and made receivers think twice before going over the middle, just ask Robert Ferguson.

Safety – Deon Grant

Another tough spot to pin down, I went with Deon Grant. Only with the team for three seasons, Grant was part of a nice pairing in the defensive backfield with Darius. While unspectacular, he was rarely seen giving up big plays and he was a good enough tackler to provide a solid last line of defense.

Kicker – Josh Scobee

This was probably the toughest spot to make a decision on. While Mike Hollis is the franchise leader in field goals made (175) and field goal percentage (80.6%), Scobee is likely to overtake him in field goals made this season (167) and he has made more field goals from 40+ yards (62 to 53). Also, while Hollis has a few clutch field goals to his credit (particularly in 1996), Scobee has made numerous long-distance kicks to win games or put the team ahead. Scobee also has the edge in kickoffs.

59 yards. 'Nuff said. Kim Klement-US PRESSWIRE

59 yards. ‘Nuff said.

Punter – Bryan Barker

You can’t really go wrong with Chris Hanson or Bryan Barker here, so I went with the punter who was on my favorite Jaguars team (1996). Barker is the franchise leader in punt yards and yards per punt.

Kick Returner – Reggie Barlow

Reggie Barlow served primarily as a punt/kick returner during his five years in Jacksonville. His 3 overall return touchdowns still stand as a franchise record.

All-Time Defense/Special Teams

There you have it! The entire First Team All Jaguars roster is set. It’s pretty clear that several positions are up for grabs over the next several years so it should be exciting to see who can cement their place in Jaguars lore.

-Daniel Lago

Yes, it’s hard to believe that the Jaguars are approaching their 17^th season in the NFL. The team has had plenty of highs and lows (especially recently), during all of which certain players stood out and entrenched themselves as franchise favorites. With that in mind, I’ve decided to unveil my all-time Jaguars first team offense and defense/special teams.

For this week, I’m just going reveal the offense with a full disclaimer – this is completely my opinion. I’ve been fortunate to have been a fan of the Jaguars since their inception and as such I remember watching all the Jaguar greats. Hopefully this piece will rekindle some great memories and spark a debate. So without further ado…

Quarterback – Mark Brunell

Let’s go ahead and get the easy choices out of the way. Mark Brunell was integral to the Jaguars’ initial success from 1996-2000. He holds all the Jaguars passing records and is responsible for some of the more memorable moments in Jaguars history. Hopefully Blaine Gabbert makes some huge strides, but for now, Brunell’s spot on this list is in good shape.

Running back – Fred Taylor

Maurice Jones-Drew is doing a damn good job of trying to turn this into a debate, but for the time being Fred Taylor is still the best RB in franchise history. When healthy, Taylor was arguably the most gifted running back in the league capable of runs like this.

Fred put da team on his back! Matthew Emmons-US PRESSWIRE

Fred put da team on his back! 

Full back – Greg Jones

I decided to go with a full back instead of a 3^rd WR or 2^nd TE because Greg Jones has been outstanding as a full back since moving to that position. He has performed at a pro bowl level for most of his career as the lead blocker for two of the most productive running backs (Taylor and Mojo) over the last 4 seasons.

I don't want to invoke Greg Jones' wrath if I keep him off this list. Charles LeClaire-USPRESSWIRE

I don’t want to invoke Greg Jones’ wrath if I keep him off this list.

Wide Receiver – Jimmy Smith

Of all the Jaguar players with phenomenal career statistics, Smith and Taylor have the best case for the hall of fame. Jimmy Smith went to 5 pro bowls and is the franchise leader in receptions, career receiving yards and touchdowns, and single season receptions and yards. He was a key player during Jacksonville’s magical run in 1996. You can also make the case that Smith was the best player over the longest period of time (1995-2005) that the Jaguars have had.

Wide Receiver – Keenan McCardell

Keenan made up the “Thunder” side of the Jaguars’ potent “Thunder and Lightning” duo at receiver from 1996 to 2001. While not as much of a playmaker as Smith, McCardell was a notoriously effective route runner and student of the game. He was an unfortunate cap casualty after the 2001 season, but that doesn’t keep him from being the 2^nd best receiver in Jaguars history.

Tight End – Kyle Brady

This was probably the toughest call of all the positions along the offense. While Marcedes Lewis has had one outstanding, pro bowl season, he hasn’t been a consistent part of the offense since he entered the league. Kyle Brady was unspectacular but consistent as both a blocker and a pass catcher. At times, I remember yelling at the television because I felt he was underutilized in the offense. I fully expect Marcedes to take over this spot in a few years, but he has to earn it.

Offensive Tackle – Tony Boselli

The biggest no-brainer on this entire list is at left tackle. Despite his career being shortened by injuries, you could easily make the argument that Boselli is the best player to ever put on a Jaguar uniform. In the golden era for left tackles in the NFL, Boselli was conceivably the most effective. He was named to the All-Pro first-team three years and he went to 5 pro bowls. If he played 12 seasons instead of 7, Boselli would have been the first Jaguar in the hall of fame.

Offensive Tackle – Leon Searcy

The Jaguars boasted one of the best tackle tandems in the NFL when Leon Searcy held up the right side of the line in the late 90s. He only played 5 seasons with the team but he was a star on the offensive line for all of the Jaguars’ playoff runs and he managed to make the pro bowl in 1999.

Offensive Guard – Vince Manuwai

Before getting injured, Manuwai was one of the best run-blocking guards in the NFL. He was a mauler and led the way for great seasons by both Fred Taylor and Maurice Jones-Drew.

Offensive Guard – Chris Naeole

From 2002 to 2007, Naeole was a steady force on the offensive line and essentially made guard a position the team didn’t have to worry about. Along with Manuwai, Naeole played a big part in the Jaguars’ success rushing the ball.

Center – Brad Meester

Entering his 13^th season with the team, Meester has solidified himself on this list of all-time Jaguars. He started out as guard, but since moving to center in 2003 his starting spot has never been in question. Meester’s career is likely coming to a close, but his steady presence on the offensive line won’t be forgotten for a long time.

All-Time Offense

Next week I’ll reveal the first team defense, but until then feel free discuss and question who I have on the offense!

-Daniel Lago