Jaguars discuss crucial traits they look for in pass rushers ahead of NFL Draft

The Jacksonville Jaguars addressed several needs in free agency but didn't make a single addition to the defensive line. This was by design, though. General manager James Gladstone previously told the press corps that the team plans to bolster the front four in the draft. More recently, head coach Liam talked about the kind attributes the Jags look for in defensive players.

Coen, along with Gladstone, had a media availability session ahead of the draft and discussed the traits the Jags look for in edge rushers, pointing out that versatility

"Yeah, first of all, mentally, physically, and mentally tough comes to mind. And gotta set an edge in the run game. Play long, but that doesn't mean they have to be 6'4" 260," Coen responded when asked what kind of traits they want in defensive linemen. "But can they set an edge and play long and stout in the run game while also maybe giving you a different version of a rush plan, right?"

Coen continued, "A little bit of a different wave of rusher that can maybe come in and do some different things in third downs, get back on track situations that can potentially burn an edge and be able to get off the edge and go a little bit for us. So definitely something that we're looking for."

The Jaguars have a pair of talented pass rushers in Travon Walker and Josh Hines-Allen. The duo combined for 18 sacks last season and should be even better under defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile. That said, Jacksonville needs to round out its rotation. Since Arden Key left in 2023, the team's brass hasn't been able to find a suitable replacement. They signed Dawuane Smoot that year, but he wasn't 100 percent after suffering an Achilles tear one season prior.

Then last offseason, the Jags turned heads when they gave Arik Armstead a three-year contract worth $43.5 million to play on the edge despite the fact that he's at his best when he lines up inside. To nobody's surprise, the experiment failed, and the former Oregon Duck will switch back to defensive tackle in 2025. That leaves Jacksonville back at square one.

Below is Coen's full exchange with the local media. His remarks about the things they look for in defenders start at the 16:10 mark.

Jalon Walker should be a fit for the Jaguars, based on James Gladstone's remarks

Basically, the Jaguars want edge rushers that aren't one-dimensional. All things considered, that's easier said than done. Heck, even those who showed aptitude to both get after the quarterback and stymie the run may struggle to make the transition to the pros. Having said that, there are a handful of players who fit the team's archetype. Jalon Walker is probably the one that makes the most sense.

Walker is arguably the second-best pass rush prospect in this year's draft. Abdul Carter is the best, and he'll tentatively go to either the Cleveland Browns at No. 2 or the New York Giants one pick later. That leaves the Jaguars as a potential destination for Walker with the fifth overall pick.

Even though the former Georgia Bulldog was a part-time player and didn't have a clear position early in his collegiate career, he routinely showed the ability to wreak havoc at the line of scrimmage, whether it was against the run or passing situations. His lack of playing time might be a potential turn-off, but he could give the Jags a dynamic pass rusher who could also line up at off-linebacker.

That said, pass rusher isn't the Jaguars' most pressing need ahead of the draft, so nobody would bat an eye if they opt to address another position at No. 5. Either way, they know what type of pass rusher they're looking for and should be able to find one that meets the criteria they're looking for in later rounds.

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