The 2025 NFL Draft has come and gone, and teams are now left to reflect on their selections and the holes they still need to fill. For the Jacksonville Jaguars , one glaring question remains: Why didn't they draft a defensive tackle despite their struggles on defense last season? The team’s decision not to address this need is raising eyebrows, especially given their poor performance in critical areas like run defense and pass rushing.
Defensive struggles continue to haunt the Jaguars
The Jaguars' defense has been far from elite, ranking 31st in the NFL by allowing 5.9 yards per play last season. Adding to the concern, they were last in both pass yards allowed and forced turnovers, with a dismal total of only nine takeaways. The interior defensive line has been particularly problematic, struggling to stop the run and pressure the quarterback. This led many to believe that the team would use their draft picks to bolster the defensive tackle position.
However, Jacksonville's front office took a different approach. Despite these glaring defensive issues, general manager James Gladstone explained that the team chose not to "reach for a player" at defensive tackle. This decision suggests a strong belief in the young players already on the roster and a commitment to developing them further in Year 2.
Trusting the development of young defensive tackles
The Jaguars are putting their trust in young defensive tackles Maason Smith and Jordan Jefferson to improve their performances. Smith, in particular, showed promise towards the end of the 2024 season, recording two sacks and three tackles for loss over the final three games. The team hopes this momentum will carry over into the new season, providing the interior rush that has been lacking.
Additionally, the move to shift Arik Armstead back inside from defensive end is expected to give the defensive line a boost. Armstead’s versatility and experience could provide the needed push for the Jaguars' defensive front to perform better against both the run and the pass.
Also Read: “Have lost faith in Justin Tucker”: Ravens’ decision to draft Tyler Loop hints at the end of Justin Tucker’s future in the team amidst his ongoing scandal
This decision may be a gamble, but the Jaguars are confident in the potential of their younger players. By avoiding the defensive tackle position in the draft, they are sending a message that they believe their existing talent can rise to the occasion. Only time will tell if this strategy will pay off, or if it will come back to haunt them as they face more powerful offenses in 2025.
Defensive struggles continue to haunt the Jaguars
The Jaguars' defense has been far from elite, ranking 31st in the NFL by allowing 5.9 yards per play last season. Adding to the concern, they were last in both pass yards allowed and forced turnovers, with a dismal total of only nine takeaways. The interior defensive line has been particularly problematic, struggling to stop the run and pressure the quarterback. This led many to believe that the team would use their draft picks to bolster the defensive tackle position.
Your 2025 #DUUUVAL Draft Class 🥹@Dream_Finders | #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/VuUarUESX1
— Jacksonville Jaguars (@Jaguars) April 26, 2025
However, Jacksonville's front office took a different approach. Despite these glaring defensive issues, general manager James Gladstone explained that the team chose not to "reach for a player" at defensive tackle. This decision suggests a strong belief in the young players already on the roster and a commitment to developing them further in Year 2.
Trusting the development of young defensive tackles
The Jaguars are putting their trust in young defensive tackles Maason Smith and Jordan Jefferson to improve their performances. Smith, in particular, showed promise towards the end of the 2024 season, recording two sacks and three tackles for loss over the final three games. The team hopes this momentum will carry over into the new season, providing the interior rush that has been lacking.
Additionally, the move to shift Arik Armstead back inside from defensive end is expected to give the defensive line a boost. Armstead’s versatility and experience could provide the needed push for the Jaguars' defensive front to perform better against both the run and the pass.
Also Read: “Have lost faith in Justin Tucker”: Ravens’ decision to draft Tyler Loop hints at the end of Justin Tucker’s future in the team amidst his ongoing scandal
This decision may be a gamble, but the Jaguars are confident in the potential of their younger players. By avoiding the defensive tackle position in the draft, they are sending a message that they believe their existing talent can rise to the occasion. Only time will tell if this strategy will pay off, or if it will come back to haunt them as they face more powerful offenses in 2025.
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