Ranking AFC South Units: Defensive Lines
By Josh McSwain
3. Jaguars
Considering the Jaguars history of free agent defensive linemen, I wouldn’t get too excited about the arrival of Malik Jackson. Bryce Paup, Aaron Kampman and Reggie Hayward (former Bronco as well) are among the most infamous of Jaguar free agent defensive linemen that didn’t live up to their potential in Jacksonville. Jackson got a lot of single blocks because of DeMarcus Ware and Von Miller in Denver, which won’t be the case in Jacksonville.
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To be fair, it’s not all bad. Dante Fowler comes back after suffering an achilles injury that kept him out his entire rookie season. More than Jackson, he will be the key to revitalizing their pass rush. I know Jackson was the top free agent on the market this offseason, but he was certainly overpaid and won’t have the impact people think.
Not to be forgotten, Sen’Derrick Marks comes back from injury. He had a great 2014 season with 8.5 sacks, however, he has had his problems staying healthy. He will bolster the pass rush for sure, and so could former first round pick Bjoern Werner, who was released after playing out of position in Indianapolis.
If Fowler can revitalize the pass rush, this could really become a good defensive line. They already were good at stopping the run, ranking fifth in yards allowed per carry allowed last season with Tyson Alualu and Roy Miller stopping the run; allowing the linebackers to make plays. But considering how the Jaguars history with this sort of thing, I won’t believe it until I see it.