Jaguars: Trevor Lawrence’s early progress and other takeaways

The Jacksonville Jaguars’ defense will look very different in 2021.

The Jaguars’ defense ranked 31st in points allowed and total yards last year. Thus, it didn’t come as a surprise to see the team’s brass reinforce the unit this offseason, signing players such as cornerback Shaquill Griffin and safety Rayshawn Jenkins. Nevertheless, the most significant change Jacksonville made will arguably be the addition of defensive coordinator Joe Cullen.

The former Baltimore Ravens defensive line coach will use a scheme with 3-4 and 4-3 elements, but regardless of the formation, he will always try to maximize his players’ strengths. Urban Meyer told the media sophomore K’Lavon Chaisson, along with Lerentee McCray, and Leon Jacobs will play SAM linebacker but he will also rush the quarterback from a 3-4 alignment.

Griffin also met with the local media after practice and said that as a corner, he will be able to move around, travel a little bit, and add some blitzes. He mentioned that the coaching staff told players that they want to find what works best for everyone and utilize that on the field, so they can all accomplish the same goal. The 2017 Pro Bowl nod pointed out it wasn’t just words though and they have held their end of the bargain.

Listening to Griffin is refreshing because coaches will often try to force players into their system. This doesn’t seem to be the case in Jacksonville. Instead, Cullen is trying to put his players in a position to succeed, which is precisely what head coach Urban Meyer has emphasized since he was hired.