4 players Jaguars can’t afford to lose to injuries in 2021

Myles Jack is the leader of the Jacksonville Jaguars defense.

The Jaguars drafted Myles Jack in the second round of 2016’s draft. Since then, the UCLA product has become a fixture of their defense despite the highs and lows. Although he’s never made the Pro Bowl, the former Bruin is one of the best linebackers in the NFL. You could even call him underrated, as he’s often underlooked in most top lists.

Last season, Jack was one of Jacksonville’s few bright spots on defense, logging 118 total tackles, six tackles for a loss, one forced fumble, five passes defensed, and one interception. He should be even better in 2021, and Urban Meyer’s arrival will be a big reason why. Instead of treating the linebacker like a superstar, the head coach has talked to him about things he needed to work on, including losing a little weight.

Meyer said Jack was great in 2020 but there are some things where he could improve. If the Arizona native reaches his potential, this could be the year he earns a Pro Bowl nod or even an All-Pro designation (First or Second-Team). By the same token, the Jaguars need the heart and soul of their defense to stay healthy for all 17 games in 2021. Leon Jacobs, Shaquille Quarterman, or even rookie Dylan Moses could take his place, but the drop in performance would be steep.

Jack was drafted by the old regime but it looks like he’s part of the Jaguars’ long-term rebuild. They will certainly need him if they want to start winning soon.