Even though the Jacksonville Jaguars just traded for Ruke Orhorhoro, they aren't done bolstering the front four. They may still add a defensive tackle in the draft but could also round out the pass-rush rotation behind Travon Walker and Josh Hines Allen.
Sure, B.J. Green II and Danny Striggow are in the mix. Both of them showed promise after going undrafted and making the team last year. However, general manager James Gladstone probably isn't content with Jacksonville's current group of pass rushers. And based on a recent meeting, he could try to raise its floor.
The Jaguars had a pred-draft meeting with Tennessee standout Tyre West
Justin Melo of Sports Illustrated reported that Tyre West had a virtual meeting with Jaguars defensive line coach Matt Edwards. He also had an exclusive sitdown, in which the former Tennessee Vol stated that some clubs see him as a big end while others project him as a defensive tackle after lining up at different spots in 2025. This kind of versatility could come in handy in Jacksonville.
Last year, Travon Walker and Dawuane Smoot mostly played end but sometimes lined up at defensive tackle. The latter left in free agency, and the Jags need a replacement. That's where West comes in.
West benefitted from his invite to the Senior Bowl, where he was able to make an impression. During his tenure with the Vols, he never locked up a starting job. That could be a reason for concern but could also mean that he's far from a finished product.
And while West did a good job of stymying the run, he needs to work on his pass-rush repertoire and refine his hand usage. Nevertheless, he would be an enticing late-round pick, as he's projected to go on Day 3.
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Why it makes sense for the Jaguars to draft Tyre West
With Danny Striggow and BJ Green getting more snaps as the year progressed, Emmanuel Ogbah and Dawuane Smoot saw their roles decrease. This is why nobody batted an eye when they walked in free agency. That said, the team's brass needs to replace them.
Jacksonville could double-dip at defensive tackle with the 52nd overall pick even after trading or Ruke Orhorhoro, but James Gladstone could also target a pass rusher. Cashius Howell or Derrick Moore may be available at that point of the draft, but he could also target West on Day 3.
The Jaguars have a pair of foundational pieces in Travon Walker and Josh Hines-Allen. They just need to bolster the rotation behind them, and their pass rush could be hard to contain. Bringing in Tyre West could most definitely help.
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