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Jared Odrick must step up for Jaguars early

By Luke Sims

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Jared Odrick is one of the key offseason additions for the Jacksonville Jaguars and he will have to prove his worth early for the team in 2015. With defensive tackle Sen’Derrick Marks not a guarantee for the start of the season and fellow defensive tackle Roy Miller still rehabbing as well, a lot of pressure will fall on Odrick to step up his game at the center of the defensive line.

Miller and Marks are the two foundations for a defensive line that has become one of the best in football. Odrick is a strong addition to that tandem and offers versatility along the entire line as well. He can block of gaps and he can get after the passer from multiple different positions on the defensive line. He’s among the best at doing what he’s asked to do, ranking close to or in the top ten over the last couple years.

It will be curious to see how does stepping up for Marks and Miller. Marks is the dominant defensive lineman for the Jags and if he isn’t ready for the start of the season, then the Jaguars are set up to struggle. Fortunately, Odrick will be there to step in. His addition helps alleviate some of the potential pain from the two injured DTs that the Jags are missing.

What I would like to see from Odrick (assuming he only has to play the primary defensive tackle role for a couple weeks) is a powerful force on the defensive line, inspiring better play around him and creating opportunities while still creating plays himself. He is one of the few veteran leaders on this team. So far he has been quiet through the offseason, but he needs to prove his leadership in those first few weeks of the 2015 season. I expect he’ll do that with his play on the field.

Next: Will Sen'Derrick Marks Be Ready for Week 1?

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