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ESPN's Mike Clay identified the biggest roster strength for each NFL team entering the 2026 season. His pick for the Jacksonville Jaguars? The edge rusher position.
Clay also identified the Jaguars' "biggest weakness" as well.
At the top of the Jaguars' defensive end depth chart, and the reasons for Clay picking this position group as a strength for Jacksonville, are Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker.
Hines-Allen was one of the most productive pass rushers in football last season, logging 95 pressures during the regular season, according to PFF, which was the second-most among his position group league-wide.
Walker navigated injuries last season, but in the two years prior, his pass rush production was on the rise each season. He also brings a well-rounded skill set to the position, able to make an impact against the run and be moved around the defensive front.
Together, the duo forms a very formidable one-two punch.
That said, defensive end is a heavily rotated position, where depth is important. That aspect, however, is in question for the Jaguars.
Jacksonville will be counting on some combination of rookies Wesley Williams and Zach Durfee and second-year UDFAs Danny Striggow and BJ Green to provide steady depth. Dennis Gardeck will also factor into the equation as well.
As terrific as Hines-Allen was last season, the Jaguars ranked a modest 18th in pressure rate in 2025 and 27th in sacks.
Having Walker fully healthy for a full season will greatly help improve that production, but more consistent juice will also be needed from those on the roster behind the Jaguars' two star players. The play in the secondary can give the pass rush depth a boost as well.
This article originally appeared on Jaguars Wire: ESPN analyst identifies Jaguars 'biggest strength' ahead of 2026 season
Continue reading...
Clay also identified the Jaguars' "biggest weakness" as well.
At the top of the Jaguars' defensive end depth chart, and the reasons for Clay picking this position group as a strength for Jacksonville, are Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker.
Hines-Allen was one of the most productive pass rushers in football last season, logging 95 pressures during the regular season, according to PFF, which was the second-most among his position group league-wide.
Walker navigated injuries last season, but in the two years prior, his pass rush production was on the rise each season. He also brings a well-rounded skill set to the position, able to make an impact against the run and be moved around the defensive front.
Together, the duo forms a very formidable one-two punch.
That said, defensive end is a heavily rotated position, where depth is important. That aspect, however, is in question for the Jaguars.
Jacksonville will be counting on some combination of rookies Wesley Williams and Zach Durfee and second-year UDFAs Danny Striggow and BJ Green to provide steady depth. Dennis Gardeck will also factor into the equation as well.
As terrific as Hines-Allen was last season, the Jaguars ranked a modest 18th in pressure rate in 2025 and 27th in sacks.
Having Walker fully healthy for a full season will greatly help improve that production, but more consistent juice will also be needed from those on the roster behind the Jaguars' two star players. The play in the secondary can give the pass rush depth a boost as well.
This article originally appeared on Jaguars Wire: ESPN analyst identifies Jaguars 'biggest strength' ahead of 2026 season
Continue reading...
