4 positions where Jacksonville Jaguars could have depth concerns in 2023

No. 2 position where the Jaguars could have depth concerns: Outside linebacker

Linebacker is one of the Jaguars' biggest strengths ahead of the 2023 season. Besides having veteran Foyesade Oluokun, who's led the league in tackles in back-to-back seasons, they have a couple of promising sophomores in Chad Muma and Devin Lloyd.

And because the team's brass thinks you can't ever have too many linebackers, they drafted Ventrell Miller. Also, Shaquille Quarterman can come off the bench if called upon. If only they had that much depth at outside linebacker.

If the Jaguars ran a 4-3 defense, depth might not be an issue but in their 2-4 system, Travon Walker and Josh Allen might be their only realistic options at outside linebacker and they both need to play much better in 2023. Even if both of them do make a leap, their pass rush rotation is a work in progress following the departure of defensive end Arden Key in free agency.

With De'Shaan Dixon moving to the inside defensive line, the Jags will need rookie Yasir Abdullah, third-year edge rusher Jordan Smith and/or former first-round pick linebacker K'Lavon Chaisson to come through.

The issue is that Abdullah might not be ready yet and Smith is coming off a season-ending injury. Similarly, Chaisson hasn't done enough over the last three seasons to make you think he's close to putting it all together.

In the worst-case scenario, the Jags might need to look for outside help to bolster their pass rush. Dawuane Smoot remains a free agent and is recovering from an Achilles tear he sustained toward the end of the 2022 season. A potential reunion would make sense or signing a veteran pass rusher such as Yannick Ngakoue could be an alternative if he's willing to take on a rotational role and if they can work out his financial compensation.