Jaguars’ 4 easiest roster decisions for the defense this offseason

No. 2 roster decision the Jaguars must make – Bolster the pass rush.

Allen should be more consistent next season but he shouldn’t be the Jaguars’ only source of pressure up front. Dawuane Smoot logged 6.0 sacks in 2021 and should have similar production in 2021. However, the Jags need to add another pass rusher this offseason.

As recently as 2019, Allen, Yannick Ngakoue, and Calais Campbell combined for 25 sacks and if you go back to 2017, Campbell, Ngakoue, Dante Fowler, and Malik Jacksonville registered 44.5 sacks as a group. Simply, the Jaguars need another edge rusher besides Smoot and Allen if they want to pressure opposing quarterbacks more often in 2022. Fortunately, they will have options this offseason.

The Jags’ front office could take either Michigan’s Aidan Hutchinson or Oregon’s Kayvon Thibodeaux with the first overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. Another option is to trade down a few spots to nab Purdue defensive end George Karlaftis and acquire a few extra selections in the process. But if the Jags want to take someone like Evan Neal or Charlie Cross to fortify their offensive line, Jacksonville can then look for a pass rusher in free agency.

The top pass rushers in free agency will most likely be Chandler Jones of the Arizona Cardinals or Harold Landry of the Tennesee Titans — unless they re-sign with their respective teams. The Jaguars could ink either one and land an edge rusher who can line up opposite Allen. Of course, they would then have to invest a good chunk of the $60 million in cap space they will have this offseason and use their draft picks to address other roster needs.

Regardless of the route, the Jags must bolster their pass rush.