Three Jaguars defenders who have something to prove in 2019

The Jaguars defense should be better in 2019 if these three players show improvement over last season.

It’s the defense’s turn. After what looked to be a solid season by the Jacksonville Jaguars defense last season based on numbers, there must still be more consistency and a return to the style of play this team showed in their run toward the AFC Championship Game in 2017.
That might be difficult as the roster looks different, veterans who contributed to that magical season are gone and players who were supposed to be part of the next step in progression won’t play this season.

Can this defense get better? Will it ascend to the top of the NFL like Abry Jones predicted prior to the start of the 2018 season? Time will tell, but if you are looking for a reason the Jaguars will rise from having the fifth-best defense in the NFL last season, these three players might be why.

Taven Bryan – After watching Lamar Jackson help lead the Baltimore Ravens to the playoffs and Will Hernandez have a solid season for the New York Giants, it just strengthens the question as to why the Jaguars selected Taven Bryan with the 29th pick in the first round last season.

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Bryan played out of position for the first half of 2018 and then settled into his natural position as a defensive tackle toward the end of the season. The former Florida standout did show promise, which is something to build on for this coming season.

Defensive coordinator, Todd Wash needs to see more out of Bryan, especially since the team did not bring back Malik Jackson. Fans hope he can be one of those under the radar type players that surprises everyone.

Jack Ryan – I say this because Jake Ryan was signed in free agency while he was still healing from an ACL injury he suffered in training camp last season with the Green Bay Packers. The middle linebacker said his connection to Dom Capers was one of the reasons he chose Jacksonville.

Now that Telvin Smith is not part of the team’s plan for 2019, Ryan’s role increases. And how does his play in training camp affect Myles Jack, who has proclaimed himself to be Jacksonville’s middle linebacker this season? If he is completely healthy from his knee injury, he could be one of the better free agency signings this offseason.

I have stated that I thought the wide receiver position would be the biggest battle in training camp. Seeing how the linebacker room comes together is a close second.

Ronnie Harrison – I bet you thought I was going to write Jarrod Wilson’s name in this spot. But it is Ronnie Harrison who is in line to be the Jaguars next great defensive back. The Jaguars defensive backfield has undergone a major change from this time last season.

After watching Harrison outperform Barry Church in the second half of the season, it became evident the rookie could be one of the better young safeties in the NFL. The problem with the position is a lack of experience and a lack of depth. There are some of us here at Black and Teal who believe the front office will still seek a veteran in free agency to provide leadership and depth.

Harrison showed enough last season to make himself a starter this year. If he can give the team a little more on the backline, the secondary should benefit. If Wilson, – see I did mention him – can prove he is the right fit replacing Tashaun Gipson, then the Jaguars have nothing to worry about.