Jacksonville Jaguars middle linebacker Paul Posluszny (51) Mandatory Credit: Fernando Medina-US PRESSWIRE

Many teams have experimented or have switched to a base 3-4 defense; including the Jaguars in the Gregg Williams days of 2008. While switching, player personnel must be heavily considered due to the different type of talent needed to fulfill the scheme. Experimentation, and a terrible draft that no longer exists, led to failure, and the Jaguars have stuck with what they know under current defensive coordinator Mel Tucker.

For the past eight years, Daryl Smith has anchored the defense with consistent play. Playing both outside and inside in his career, Smith is one of the lesser known versatile players that has made plays for the Jaguars year after year. As stated in an article by Football Outsiders.com, Smith was the best in “Defeats” in 2010, topping play makers like DeMarcus Ware and Ray Lewis. Smith is both underrated and unknown because he plays for a small market team and lacks the chances to rack up sacks like his 3-4 counterparts. He needs to step up and account for more defeats this season by recording more turnovers. With his supporting cast now a year together, their play will allow him to reach a higher level.

Posluszny or “Poz”, had Jaguars fans rejoicing when he joined the team this past season. Being miscast in the Buffalo Bills 3-4 defense, Poz wanted to pursue a team in a 4-3 to play at his highest level. The Jaguars came knocking aggressively as they desperately needed a new Mike, which would allow Smith to play to his strengths on the outside. Poz lead the team in tackles, but struggled at times in pass protection, his only knock when signing as a Jag. In the modern day NFL, linebackers are being asked to be more athletic to keep up with faster Tight Ends and play solid zone coverage. Poz is a classic MLB who would thrive in years past when the passing game was still developing. Being a three down player, Poz will need to improve his coverage for the upcoming season.

Another piece added with Poz was Clint Session off of the Colts. Session was excited to play for a team with more beef on the front lines, referring to Defensive Tackles Terrance Knighton and Tyson Alualu. Session hasn’t played a complete season since 2008, which was his biggest concern for him during free agency. He played nine games this past season, being marred by concussions, with his second ending his season. Session was a bit of a gamble of a free agent, and may prove useful if healthy, but newly extended Russell Allen may end up replacing the injury plagued Session.

Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Russell Allen (50) Mandatory Credit: Matt Stamey-US PRESSWIRE

Russell Allen has been a career backup with a promising future as a Jaguar. He recently resigned for recording three turnovers, (1 interception and 2 forced fumbles), as well as half a sack replacing the injured Session. If Session or one the other LB’s cannot stay healthy, Allen will be a great plug in.

The final player to round out this list is “The Real” Brandon Marshall. Marshall will most likely play a special teams role unless lightning strikes twice and the Jaguars have more players on injured reserve than the active roster.

If the Jaguars are to enter top 5 contention and elite status, all players must work on their own issues, weather it be recording more turnovers, playing tighter coverage or staying healthy. However, each player must actually perform all three tasks in order for the defense to become elite.

- Antonio Furgiuele

Maurice Jones-Drew was this year’s rushing champion, accumulating 1606 rushing yards under stacking boxes. Despite the Jaguars passing woes, he was still able to cash in on 11 total touchdowns. He was also literally carrying the offense on his back, which has earned him the number 12 spot on the countdown.

My first thoughts of seeing MJD at the number 12 spot made me happy to see he is getting more positive recognition despite media outlets talking about his current “holdout” and skipping camp, something he does every year. My second thought however got me thinking to who were the top 10 players the NFL.com has rated.

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Mandatory Credit: Matt Stamey-US PRESSWIRE

While Daryl Smith is in the last year of his 5 year deal, I can confidently say that he will re-sign and maintain his level of performance and success for the Jags. Smith is one of the most underrated linebackers in the game, something all Jaguars fans should be aware of. Smith isn’t known as well around the league because he is not only quiet, but because he doesn’t have the sack totals like many well known outside linebackers such as Terrell Suggs, Clay Matthews, or DeMarcus Ware. All of which play in a 3-4 system. However, Smith has been consistently reliable through his eight year career, with his last three years being the best of his eight year career.

Having Paul Posluszny and Clint Session beside him last season has made the Jaguars front 7 a more fearsome front , allowing him to rack up 107 tackles, 3.5 sacks, 2 fumbles as well as an interception. Daryl is in the final year of his 5 year contract and seems to be having the best statistical seasons of his eight year career.

Another important note to add is that the Jaguars defense finished sixth in overall defense this past season, despite the fact that the Jaguars offense finished dead last. Thus meaning the Jaguars defense was required to take the field more than most, yet still managed to finish sixth. If the Jags revamped passing attack can make the necessary improvements, the team will finish with a much better record, assuming the defense has a repeat in production.

Smith is now entering his 9th NFL season and while writing this article I couldn’t help think of London Fletcher. Both are team captains, lead their teams in tackles, are consistent performers, and maintain good health. I would love nothing more for Smith to continue his career as Fletcher has, and receiving a ProBowl honor wouldn’t hurt either.
Smith should receive an extension this coming season and I believe he is an important cog to the team’s future success.

- Antonio Furgiuele