May 6, 2012; Jacksonville FL, USA; The Jacksonville Jaguars defensive unit works out during rookie mini camp at Florida Blue Health

Fast forward to 2011, the Jaguars made bigger moves to the back seven of the defense in Free Agency by scooping up players Paul Posluszny, Dawan Landry and Clint Session to bulk up their defense. They were also able to secure Dwight Lowery and Drew Coleman, whose contributions made the Jaguars the 6th rated defense in the league. Looking forward to the 2012-2013 season, the Jags have acquired more talent to climb the ladder into top 5 contention.

Defensive line coach, and avid screamer Joe Cullen was hired to improve the defense line, and for two seasons, he has. From 26 sacks in 2010 to 31 sacks in 2011, the arrow only points up with the talent in the Jaguars locker room. In this year’s draft, the first defensive player who will help the Jags defense reach elite status was Andre Branch with the 38th pick. With him, the Jaguars are hoping they have finally found their missing piece at defensive end. If his pass rushing talent translates well at the pro level, he will give the Jags what they’ve longed for since the line included the names Reggie Hayward and Paul Spicer. Andre will most definitely start opposite Jeremy Mincey who has been a bright spot at the position. Depth includes Austen Lane and John Chick who have proven to be capable backups, but have yet to reach their potential.

Defensive Tackle is another position that looks improved this season with plenty of competitive depth, something all teams strive for. Terrance Knighton and Tyson Alualu will most likely return as starters, unless the team believes Knighton requires more time to heal from and eye injury suffered this offseason. The depth at this position is incredible with players like C.J. Mosley, and D’Anthony Smith and newly acquired Jeris Pendleton.

July 28 2011; Jacksonville FL, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars guard Brandon Harper (64) tries to block defensive tackle D

D’Anthony Smith is heading into his third season as a rookie, never officially playing in a regular season game due to injuries suffered in the preseason. I look at Smith like a player drafted in the NHL or MLB. He was drafted, but has not yet played in the majors. The NFL does not have farm teams, but Smith has had the playbook, the weight room and access to coaches as well other assets during his recovery, which makes him a more refined player heading into his first real year.

Last but not least in Jeris Pendleton who was taken in the 7th round as an insurance policy. Pendleton is not your average rookie as he, like Brandon Weeden, is 28 years old. However, unlike Weeden, Pendleton is not being asked to start at the most difficult position on the field which may take years to develop. Pendleton with be in the rotation, and should be able to stop the run well with his size and strength. He may be years older than the average NFL rookie, but he is a grown man with strength to plug up the middle.

While the Jaguars are not ever seen as a real force to be reckoned with, they’re defensive play spoke volumes despite their massive injury reserve list. The Jaguars may have finished 6th overall in defense last season, but with new additions and a demanding coach, they will improve.

- Antonio Furgiuele

Stroud will sign a one day contract in order to retire with the Jaguars where he played from 2001 to 2007 before finishing his career with three seasons in Buffalo.  While in Jacksonville Stroud put up 22 sacks in 84 starts, clogged the middle with his 6’6″ frame, and put on a tackling clinic with 216 tackles.  His play is something the Jaguars have not regularly seen at the position and haven’t consistently seen since his departure.

He was missed when he left, but as part of the Jaguars faithful I’m happy he’s coming back to retire as a member of the Black and Teal.

- Luke N. Sims

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