Jaguars 53-man roster projection following the 2024 NFL Draft

Jaguars projected defense after the 2024 NFL Draft Part I

Defensive front (6): Davon Hamilton, Roy Robertson-Harris, Arik Armstead, Jeremiah Ledbetter, Maason Smith, Jordan Jefferson

The Jaguars' biggest acquisition in free agency was, without a doubt, defensive end Armstead, but he was far from the only newcomer. The Jaguars used a pair of draft picks on Maason Smith and Jordan Jefferson. Both players will be part of the rotation early in the season but should progressively get more playing time.

With the arrival of Smith, and Jefferson, Adam Gotsis and sophomore Tyler Lacy will potentially be the odd men out.

Pass rushers (5): Travon Walker, Josh Allen, Trevis Gipson, Myles Cole, Yasir Abdullah

Josh Allen and Travon Walker combined for 27.5 sacks between the two last year but the rest of their rotation left much to be desired. K'Lavon Chaisson, the No. 3 in 2023, only logged two sacks and is now with the Carolina Panthers. Dawuane Smoot is also gone. To replace them, the Jags signed Trevis Gipson, who's coming off an unremarkable year but has previously displayed the ability to bring the heat.

That said, the pass rush could still use some juice. Myles Cole is an intriguing developmental project but it's hard to see him making an impact as a rookie. Maybe the Jaguars should give Bud Dupree a call.

Inside linebackers (4): Foyesade Oluokun, Devin Lloyd, Chad Muma, Ventrell Miller

The Jaguars are switching to a 4-3 scheme under defensive coordinator Ryan Neilsen but given how prevalent are nickel packages nowadays, they will have only two linebackers on the field for most of the game. Still, the coaching staff won't want to run out of healthy bodies, so they'll most likely carry four linebackers in the regular season.

Foyesade Oluokun and Devin Lloyd return to the starting lineup. Shaquille Quarterman is gone, and Ventrell Miller could challenge Muma for the top backup job.