The Jacksonville Jaguars have had trouble getting recognition at a national level. While some of that stems from their inability to consistently win games, the Jags don't get much praise even when they're among they're playing quality football. Heck, the rival Houston Texans are seemingly favored to win the AFC South next season despite the fact that they finished second in the division last year.
That disrespect Jacksonville gets is on full display in power rankings and lists of the best players. For instance, ESPN just took a look at the top 10 pass rushers in the NFL, and Josh Hines-Allen was nowhere to be seen. Granted, he did get an honorable mention, but you can make the strong case that he's one of the best defensive ends in the league. Yet, he doesn't get nearly as much love as some of his peers.
The Jaguars have a great pass rusher in Josh Hines-Allen regardless of what ESPN says
ESPN did a survey with executives, coaches, and scouts about the top pass rushers in the NFL. Myles Garrett rightly got the top spot, and Micah Parsons finished second. There's nothing questionable about that. Heck, Will Anderson deserves the third spot, while Maxx Crosby popped up at No. 4. The issue is Josh Hines-Allen deserved a spot.
Like most rankings, ESPN invited scrutiny when it chose the top 10 pass rushers in the NFL now. Most of them were deserving of their spot, but can you really say with a straight face that Nick Bosa is better than Josh Hines-Allen right now? Three or four years ago, sure. But injuries have taken a toll on Bosa, and he's no longer the dominant defender he was early in his career.
Hines-Allen could have easily taken Bosa's spot in the ranking, and nobody would have batted an eye. Sure, the seventh overall pick in 2019 hasn't been nearly as productive as other pass rushers, but as the exec ESPN quoted said about him, he's been "consistently very good."
What can Josh Hines-Allen do to become a top-10 pass rusher for the Jaguars
There's no doubt that Josh Hines-Allen has done a good job of creating pressure throughout his career. But if he wants to join the top 10 pass rushers, his sack tally must go up. Dating back to 2019, he's only crossed the 10-sack mark just twice.
Make no mistake, pressures are important, as they can lead to quarterback mistakes. However, sacks are more definite, as they end plays and can stall momentum.
But fair or not, sacks are how pass rushers are measured, so Hines-Allen needs to improve in that area. It could also help if the Jaguars keep winning. If they get widespread recognition, it will be a matter of time before their players are also showered in praise. Working in his favor is that Travon Walker is back at full strength, and the interior defensive line should be able to do a better job of bringing the heat.
Without having to face nearly as many double teams, Josh Hines-Allen should experience a surge next season. If he does, it will be hard to omit him in any top 10 rankings.
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