Jacksonville Jaguars 2016 Draft: Defensive end should be priority

The Jacksonville Jaguars draft needs have shifted a fair bit since the beginning of free agency, with the need for a pass rusher becoming paramount.

Daniel Lago made a case for selecting secondary renaissance man Jalen Ramsey earlier in the week and there’s no doubt that Ramsey would still be an impact player for a Jacksonville Jaguars secondary that has been abysmal in recent years.

Yet there is a bigger need than adding another secondary piece to what has become a much-improved defensive backfield with the additions of cornerback Prince Amukamara and free safety Tashaun Gipson.

That need is at pass rusher.

All due respect to Dante Fowler Jr. but the Jaguars simply don’t know what they have in the young player they drafted third overall in the 2015 NFL Draft. Fowler wasn’t able to perform for the Jags due to injury and how he has rehabbed after his ACL tear is still up in the air. There’s no doubt Fowler is the future, but the Jags need someone who can perform immediately and if Fowler can’t deliver consistent pressure (keep your fingers crossed, Jags fans) then the Jags could be in trouble on defense.

The defense under Gus Bradley relies on the front four defensive linemen generating pressure. It especially relies on the “leo” pass rushing defensive end – Fowler’s role – to generate consistent pressure each and every down. Chris Clemons and Andre Branch filled that role last year with the team and neither of them will be back for 2016.

The Jaguars still haven’t signed anybody else to fill that spot and support Fowler.

With the other major deficiencies on defense being addressed in free agency, the focus on Fowler and the leo role becomes even more intense.

While there are tempting options everywhere, especially in the secondary with Ramsey and at linebacker with UCLA’s Myles Jack, the need for a pass rusher becomes paramount. ESPN’s Michael DiRocco recently wrote that the Jaguars finally have flexibility with the 2016 NFL Draft and that’s partly true. There are less needs to focus on and there are a multitude of players that would make both the Jags front office and fan base happy in the early rounds.

Yet the possible deficiency and lack of depth in the critical leo role lingers. It hasn’t been addressed and it makes people nervous. The Jags should make that need the top priority in the 2016 NFL Draft. No position could be more critical at this point.

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If Jacksonville Jaguars general manager Dave Caldwell had managed to address the position in free agency, then the Jags would have true flexibility, but because he didn’t the Jags may be forced to draft for need at defensive end at the top of the draft. There are other positions worthy of consideration as well, but defensive end may force the Jags’ hand.