Jaguars end losing streak with comeback win over Raiders: 3 takeaways

1. Dawuane Smoot was one of the Jaguars’ top defenders in Week 9

Cornerback Tyson Campbell is among the Jaguars’ best defenders but defensive end Dawuane Smoot should also make the cut. While Smoot is far from a Pro Bowl-caliber pass rusher, he’s arguably the best one on the roster right now.

Sure, outside Josh Allen leads the team in pressures but hasn’t made enough big plays while Smoot added two more sacks against the Raiders, giving him five for the year. It’s possible that Allen is in the middle of a funk and he could end up turning the switch in the second half of the season, but Smoot has become a mainstay of the Jags’ defense, which is why he may’ve gotten more playing time at outside linebacker in Week 9.

A third-round pick in the 2017 draft, Smoot hasn’t made a start this season but has been an effective piece of Jacksonville’s pass-rush rotation and one of their biggest voice in the locker room. The former Illinois Fighting Illini signed a two-year deal to remain with the Jags last offseason and is slated to become a free agent in 2023.

The team’s brass will be working with a tight budget next offseason but they should strongly consider bringing Smoot back, which might be a tough feat to pull off if he keeps playing the way he has in recent weeks, as other teams with more cap space should be in a position to give him a big contract.