Jacksonville Jaguars

Jacksonville Jaguars New-Look Defense: Is it Better?

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

foxsports

New faces, undefined roles and a new play-caller. What does it all mean for the Jacksonville Jaguars defense?

With a number of defensive additions to the roster and a change at defensive coordinator, the Jacksonville Jaguars defense should look different this season. How different remains to be seen. With the roles of two new additions still undefined only days away from the regular season kickoff, let’s take a look at how this may sort out.

Todd Wash has taken over at the defensive helm and all signs point toward a more aggressive style of play with greater emphasis on details and discipline. The preseason is rarely an accurate predictor to regular season performance, but it did seem to confirm that Wash will be more aggressive than his predecessor. We may have to wait a while longer to see the details and discipline emerge.

The new play caller dialed up a variety of blitzes on first downs during preseason contests this offseason. Something rarely seen from Wash’s predecessor Bob Babich. Combine that focus on QB pressure with more press/man coverage by the outside cornerbacks, and this defense may have a carry-over in overall scheme while displaying a much bolder approach.

Expect to see some of that QB pressure coming from some new faces and places.

General Manager Dave Caldwell knew that he’d have young edge rushers on this year’s team. Those young players may need extra push from the interior defensive line in order to thrive. That’s why he made free agent Malik Jackson a very wealthy man.

Stating that he intends to earn every penny of his potentially $90 million contract, Malik Jackson has shown fans watching preseason games that he can disrupt the pocket for opposing quarterbacks. Jackson will play primarily at three-technique DT and be joined by a variety of rotating interior linemen. Returning veterans Roy Miller, Sen’Derrick Marks, and Abry Jones will keep legs fresh by rotating in the middle of that line. All have the ability to move their opponents backward forcing passers to evacuate the pocket where they may encounter the afore-mentioned young edge rushers.

While Dante Fowler Jr. may officially be a second year player, this Sunday will be his first real NFL game. Now fully recovered from knee surgery, Fowler will be joined by the Jaguars third round draft pick, Yannick Ngakoue. Rookie edge rushers historically take some time to become effective against the increased talent they face in the NFL, and that’s likely to be the case for this pair. Jaguars fans still have reason to hope as they’ve both had moments of flash during the offseason and they should be aided by a stout interior rush.

Aug 20, 2016; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars outside linebacker Telvin Smith (50) and cornerback Jalen Ramsey (20) celebrate during the first quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports

More new faces create question marks for the linebacking corps and secondary of this re-vamped defense. Enter the first two picks by the Jaguars in the 2016 draft: Jalen Ramsey and Myles Jack. Both possess the talent to immediately shake up the depth chart even if they are still raw in their refinement as NFL players.

Ramsey is a tremendous athlete that enters the league with rare versatility. That means the Jags have options in how they can utilize his speed and nose for the football. Aaron Colvin typically plays the nickel corner position in this defense but will be suspended (PED violation) for the first four games. This presents the team with a clear option for Ramsey early in the season and he certainly has the skill-set to man Colvin’s usual spot. His abilities don’t stop there however, and the Jags may want to move him outside upon Colvin’s return after an early bye.

The signing of Prince Amukamara gives the Jaguars yet another option to play outside corner opposite Davon House and they’ll have to make some tough decisions when and if House, Amukamara, Ramsey and Colvin are all available in Week 6.

At linebacker the Jaguars may have landed the best steal in the draft by selecting Myles Jack in the second round. His talent, size and speed also give the team multiple options as to his yet undefined role.

Replacing the aging but still very effective Paul Posluszny at MLB seems to be the rookie’s destiny, but it may not be wise to play him there right away. The Jags must find a way to get their best linebackers on the field and Jack is making that tricky to figure out.