Jacksonville Jaguars: The team needs dependable defensive tackles

Can the Jacksonville Jaguars depend on the defensive tackles the team has on the roster to stop the run in 2020?

The Jacksonville Jaguars were literally destroyed last season by opposing teams being able to run the ball up the middle at will. The team desperately needs a run-blocking defensive tackle.

Many Jaguars games last year were frustrating for a variety of reasons but to me, not being able to stop the run was the most annoying. Our best run blocker was not resigned and our remaining defensive tackles are mostly question marks.

Since my dream job is general manager of the Jacksonville Jaguars, I decided that before I look at who I should draft as a defensive tackle, I must look at my current players and see exactly what I have. The team has seven defensive tackles on the roster. I must admit I don’t know much about them.

I guess it’s time to learn.

Taven Bryan was the franchise’s first-round draft choice in 2018. He played for Florida during his college years and was chosen second-team All-SEC in 2017. He was not well known as a Gator but impressed everyone at the Combine with his size and athletic ability. He is 6’5” and 291 pounds. His combine grade was a very impressive 6.80 which predicts a first-year NFL starter. His best year was 2019 with 33 tackles, 9 QB hits, 2 sacks, and 5 tackles for a loss.

The knock against him has been his instincts and feel for the game are lacking and he tries to get by on his athletic ability alone. This is his third season on the team and must show improvement in both trying to stop the run and applying pressure up the middle.

Rodney Gunter was signed by the Jacksonville Jaguars as a free agent for the 2020 season. He is Florida native who played college football at Delaware St. His size is a very impressive 6’ 5” and 305 pounds.  He was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in the fourth round of the 2015 draft.  He played for five years in a Cardinals uniform.

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His best season was 2018 with 44 tackles and 4.5 sacks. His 2019 season was shortened by injury. He had good numbers in the past and could be a starter or excellent back-up.

Abry Jones was signed by the Jaguars as a free agent in 2013. He has been a solid back-up for seven seasons. He played his college ball at Georgia. He is 6’ 4” and 318 pounds. During his seven seasons, he has 188 tackles and 9.5 sacks. Honestly, I like the fact he is a solid player who steps up when needed and I hope he remains on the roster.

Dontavius Russell was chosen by the Jaguars in last year’s draft in the seventh round. He played his college football at Auburn. He is 6’ 3” and weighs 319 pounds. His draft grade was 5.5 which means he had a chance to make a roster and he did.  Russell is a two-down defensive tackle and a good run stuffer. He is not known for his pass-rushing abilities. The Jaguars should use him more on obvious running downs in 2020.

Brian Price played college ball at Texas-San Antonio. This is his fifth stop in the NFL, having played in Green Bay, Oakland, Dallas, and Cleveland. He played in 12 games for the Browns in 2018. At 6’3″ and 322 pounds, he could give the Jaguars a bit of a push in the run defense and plug the middle of the line.

Al Woods was signed to a one year contract by the Jaguars for the 2020 season.  He is 6’ 4” and weighs 330 pounds.  He was drafted in 2010 in the 4th round by the Saints after playing college ball at LSU.  He is a journeyman who has played on 5 NFL teams and played 14 games in 2019.

Carl Davis was re-signed recently by the Jaguars.  He is 6’5” and weighs 320 pounds. He played college football at Iowa and was selected to the second-team All-Big Ten for two years. He has played in the NFL for 5 years for the Jaguars, Ravens, and Browns.  He has 32 career tackles.

After looking at the Jaguars players at defensive tackle, I like the potential.  I believe we must address the position early in the NFL Draft. I hope Gunter returns to his 2018 form, Jones continues to be a solid back-up, and Russell is used and is successful in running downs.

To summarize Bryan needs to prove his worth as a first-round choice, Gunter could become a starter, Jones needs to continue to be a solid back-up,  Russell could become our best run stopper, and Price, Woods, and Davis are experienced NFL players who can come into the game at any time and help our young players adapt to the NFL culture.