Jacksonville Jaguars: Pressure mounts on O-Line, D-Line

As the Jacksonville Jaguars continue work on their extensive rebuild, pressure mounts on the offensive and defensive lines to deliver in 2016.

The Jacksonville Jaguars added a bunch of new pieces to the team in free agency, especially early on with deals to defensive lineman Malik Jackson, free safety Tashaun Gipson, and running back Chris Ivory. The pieces brought in will hopefully alleviate some of the problems that have cropped up under general manager Dave Caldwell in his first three seasons at the helm.

Curiously, however, the Jaguars have not addressed a number of key positions, most notably at center and the “leo” pass rushing position. Jackson is expected to be a three technique defensive tackle and should help support 2015 first round pick Dante Fowler Jr. who is being relied upon to bring pressure from the leo role.

At center, the Jags missed out on Alex Mack, a player they coveted two years ago but had their offer matched by the Cleveland Browns. While the guard position could be shifted in order to move Brandon Linder over to center, the Jags still have plenty of questions around the interior offensive line.

While the 2016 NFL Draft is yet to come and the Jags will certainly add to their talent pool, pressure is mounting. The leo position and interior line in particular can make or break the Jaguars in 2016. They are critical spots in establishing the tone on defense and setting up the running and passing game on defense.

It will be tough for the Jags to get anything done without the talent at those positions. The questions surrounding them will linger over the coming months until they are adequately addressed. With plenty of money to spend, there’s no excuse for the Jags to let the current situation fester.

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Pressure is mounting and it needs to be addressed or risk bursting. Brandon Linder and Dante Fowler (probably) are good players but they can only be relied upon to do so much.