3 Jaguars rookies not named Anton Harrison who can have a huge impact in 2023
No. 2 rookie who could make a huge impact for the Jaguars: Yasir Abdullah, OLB
The Jaguars' pass rush is currently in a state of influx. While outside linebacker Josh Allen recognizes that he wasn't good enough last year and needs to be better, the team's brass most likely wants better production from edge rusher Travon Walker, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2022 draft, next season. Also, Jacksonville will need their younger players to step up to soften the impact of defensive end Arden Key's departure in the offseason.
Defensive line coach Brentson Bucker is high on fourth-year outside linebacker K'Lavon Chaisson but the player known as Swiper hasn't done enough over the last three seasons to make you think he could put it all together in 2023.
Jaguars defensive line coach Brentson Buckner said that he thinks K'lavon Chaisson is ready to have a big year for the Jaguars.
— Jamal St. Cyr (@JStCyrTV) June 7, 2023
"you put a bag of popcorn in the microwave it don't pop all at once right... Some kernels pop a little bit different than the others." pic.twitter.com/2tKqu9s3vH
Outside linebacker De'Shaan Dixon will also compete for playing time but it could be rookie Yasir Abdullah the one that becomes an important cog on the pass-rush rotation.
Despite the fact that upgrading the pass rush was at the top of the Jags' priority list in the draft, they waited until Round 5 to take Abdullah. Then again, that could turn out to be a great decision, as his selection has gotten positive reviews.
At 6'1" and 237 pounds, the former Louisville Cardinal consistently showcased the athleticism and lateral agility to get after the quarterback at the college level. However, he'll need to bulk up and widen his repertoire of pass-rush moves to make the transition to the pros.
If Abdullah can improve in those two areas in training camp, he should then be able to crack the Jags' pass rush rotation at some point in the regular season.