Updated pass rusher rankings for the Jacksonville Jaguars after the NFL Combine
Using the franchise tag to eventually strike a long-term deal with Josh Allen was important but the Jacksonville Jaguars will need to take other steps to improve their pass rush this offseason. After all, Allen is coming off a breakout season and Travon Walker made considerable progress in Year 2. However, the Jags need to get a No. 3 that can come in and relieve both Allen and Walker from time to time. They sorely missed that player last year.
While Allen and Walker combined for 27.5 sacks between the two, they didn't get much production from the rest of their rotation. K'Lavon Chaisson, the No. 3 pass rusher last year, had an underwhelming two sacks, and he's set to hit the open market, so this would be a great opportunity to bolster their rotation.
The Jaguars could target Danielle Hunter or Josh Uche in free agency but if they prefer to go the draft route, there will be a handful of promising pass rush prospects. At No. 17, they could be in a position to take one of the top 3 in the class but there should still be plenty of talent left on Day 2.
So which pass rushers should Jacksonville target in Rounds 1-3? Here's an updated big board following the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine.
Updated Jaguars pass rush board following the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine
1. Jared Verse (Florida State)
At 6'4" and 254 pounds, Jared Verse is the consensus top pass rusher of the class, and he solidified his place as a top-15 draft pick after a superb outing at the scouting combine. Besides posting 31 reps in the bench press, his 4.44 second on the 20-yard shuttle ranked third among pass rushers. He was also third in the broad jump (10'7"), and the three-cone drill (7.31 seconds).
2. Dallas Turner (Alabama)
One of the most athletic pass rushers in this year's class, Dallas Turner didn't disappoint at the scouting combine, completing the 40-yard dash in 4.46 seconds. On top of that, his 40.5-inch vertical jump was the best among linebackers and defensive linemen at the event. Already, Turner has developed a wide array of pass-rush moves, making him an appealing choice in the first round.
3. Chop Robinson (Penn State)
Chop Robinson has gotten much better since transferring from Maryland to Penn State. Weighing in at 254, he could add a bit of weight. On top of that, he needs to work on his hand use and pass-rush repertoire. Still, Robinson showcased his athleticism at the combine, posting a 40-yard dash in 4.48 seconds and a 10-yard split of 1.54 seconds.
4. Laiatu Latu (UCLA)
Laiatu Latu didn't test as well as other pass rushers at the combine but still had a solid performance. At 6'4" and 259 pounds, he posted a solid 40-yard dash in 4.64 seconds. The only reason you won't see him any higher in a few big boards (including this one) is that he suffered a neck injury at Washington (before he transferred to UCLA) that forced the medical staff to medically retire him.
The best of the rest:
5. Bralen Trice, Washington
6. Darious Robinson, Missouri
7. Chris Braswell, Alabama
8. Adisa Isaac, Penn State
9. Jonah Ellis, Utah
10. Gabriel Murphy, UCLA