5 Intriguing positional battles for the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2023

No. 4 Jaguars intriguing position battle: K'Lavon Chaisson vs. Yasir Abdullah

The Jaguars couldn't make a splash signing in free agency but still managed to fortify their defensive front in the offseason. While going after someone like defensive end Javon Hargrave would have been great, the team's brass opted to add depth to the front seven.

Many of the newcomers -- rookie Tyler Lacy, Henry Mondeaux and Michael Dogbe -- could be part of the defensive line rotation. Conversely, they could land on the practice squad an hone their skills. On the other hand, first-year pass rusher Yasir Abdullah could get significant playing time right off the bat.

Although Abdullah will need to bulk up and gain strength to succeed in the pros, he's got the skills to develop into an effective pass rusher in Jacksonville. But before he can be thrust into duty, he'll need to compete with former first-round pick K'Lavon Chaisson for playing time.

Sophomore De'Shaan Dixon, an undrafted free agent last year, could also be in the mix, but the spot behind Travon Walker and Josh Allen might come down to either Chaisson or Abdullah.

Chaisson was the 20th overall pick in the 2020 draft but hasn't done much to live up to expectations over the last three years. The former LSU Tiger has progressively seen his playing time decrease and might be running out of time in Jacksonville. In a not-surprising development, the Jags opted to decline the fifth-year option in his rookie year, so Chaisson is basically entering a sink-or-swim kind of situation in 2023.

So far, he's done anything to make you believe he can beat Abdullah but a potential breakout campaign should be ruled out, even if the chances of happening are slim.