Jaguars defense undergoing makeover in minicamp and other takeaways

The Jacksonville Jaguars’ pass rush will be significantly better in 2021.

The Jaguars defensive front was responsible for 12.5 of the 18 sacks they registered last year. Not having EDGE defender Josh Allen for a significant amount of time definitely hurt the group, and so did moving on from Yannick Ngakoue and Calais Campbell last offseason. Allen should be fully healthy and the team’s brass has reinforced the front seven, so Jacksonville should be able to pressure opposing quarterbacks in 2021.

As a mattter of fact, Cullen spoke to the media and sounded confident the Jaguars’ will have no trouble doubling their sack totals this upcoming season.

Jaguars linebackers coach Charlie Srong also talked to the media and confirmed the fact the defense will have some 3-4 and 4-3 looks. He described rookie Jordan Smith and sophomore K’Lavon Chaisson as tall and rangy. The coach later said they both will rush the passer and they will then drop in coverage. Strong also had some praise for Dawuane Smoot, whom Jacksonville re-signed this offseason. He’s glad the team was ablet to keep the 2017 third-round pick and mentioned that he’s come in every day with his hard hat on.

The Jaguars’ defensive line is in better shape than it was in 2020 and it will be able to withstand a few injuries, as it now has solid depth. Not having Allen for an extended period of time would affect the defense, but there are several players that could step up in case the 2019 Pro Bowl selection can’t take the field.