The Jacksonville Jaguars needed to bolster the interior defensive line. But rather than waiting until the NFL Draft to add reinforcements, they traded for Ruko Orhorhoro one week prior. Even after acquiring Orhorhoro, though, the Jags could have double-dipped at defensive tackle with the 56th overall pick. They didn't, and instead waited until Round 3 to select Albert Regis.
This was a bit surprising because Jacksonville passed up the chance to draft a defensive tackle even though Kayden McDaniel, Lee Hunter, and Christen Miller were all available at the beginning of Round 2. Then again, this might be a sign that the team's brass is confident that Orhorhoro can turn the interior trenches into a position of strength next season.
Ruke Orhorhoro could become an impact player for the Jaguars next season
The Jaguars didn't make many upgrades to defensive tackle last year because Arik Armstead switched back inside after lining up on the edge in 2024. Similarly, Maason Smith was coming off a strong end to his rookie campaign, and the expectation was that he was going to keep making strides.
However, Armstead faded after a hot start to 2025, while Smith suffered a steep regression. This allowed opposing teams to devote extra resources to containing Travon Walker and Josh Hines-Allen outside, as Jacksonville didn't have a defensive tackle that could wreak havoc.
The Jags' dearth of pressure from the interior defensive line was one of the many reasons they lost to the Buffalo Bills in the playoffs. Free agency came and went, and general manager James Gladstone didn't do much to remedy the issue. But then, he sent Smith to Atlanta in exchange for Orhorhoro, who showed serious pass-rush potential in 2025 even though he was playing out of position.
In Jacksonville, Orhorhoro won't play nose tackle like he did with the Falcons last year and will instead be tasked with getting after the quarterback. He posted 3.5 sacks in 2025, and nobody would bat an eye if his production increases in Jacksonville.
Circling back to the draft, it made sense for the Jags to trade a player that wasn't part of their plans for Orhorhoro. And with him in the mix, they didn't have to force a pick in what was an underwhelming defensive tackle class.
Why the Jaguars are betting on Ruke Orhorhoro to make an impact
Ruke Orhorhoro should be the favorite to start at one defensive tackle next. Arik Armstead should get the other if he sticks around. If he gets his walking papers, DaVon Hamilton will probably get the nod. Albert Regis, for his part, will be part of a rotation early in his rookie season but could get more playing time if he makes strides.
Worst-case, Orhorhoro doesn't make an impact and shows that he's better suited to take on a rotational role. And if that's the case, the team's brass can address the position next year.
For the time being, it looks like the Jaguars didn't have to address the interior defensive line because they're confident Ruke Orhorhoro can be part of the solution.
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