Scouting the AFC West: 3 Raiders FAs Jacksonville Jaguars should target
Defensive tackle. Las Vegas Raiders. Johnathan Hankins. 3. player. 28.
The Jacksonville Jaguars need to generate pressure upfront.
Most Jaguars’ position groups on defense are in need of an upgrade and their defensive line is no different. Although the defensive end position may require the most attention, the team can’t neglect their defensive tackle group.
Taven Bryan, whom the ‘Jags’ drafted in the first round of 2018’s draft, may not be part of the team’s long-term plans. On the other hand, the team found a pair of studs in rookies DaVon Hamilton and Doug Costin, who became the starting defensive tackles last season.
Hamilton and Costin displayed flashes of talent last season and should be even better in 2021. Nevertheless, Jacksonville still needs to bring in another defensive tackle in the offseason, and signing Johnathan Hankins in free agency would achieve that goal.
Keep in mind Haskins isn’t a premier defensive tackle, but he excels at stopping the run, something the ‘Jags’ struggled to do last year. You won’t get many sacks from the defensive tackle and his stat line won’t vow anybody, but his presence could help turn the Jaguars’ front four into a stout unit.
In 2020, Hankins amassed 27 solo tackles, one sack, and one tackle for a loss but his value goes beyond the stat sheet, as he engulfs double teams and sheds blocks, which in turn helps the rest of his teammates make plays.