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With the 2025 NFL draft now behind us, what does the Jacksonville Jaguars' depth chart at each position on defense now look like?
If you missed our updated look at the position groups on offense, you can find that here.
While there are still some free agents out there and some salary cap space available for the Jaguars, after finalizing their UDFA additions, the roster is now at maximum capacity, and this is largely the group that Jacksonville is going to enter training camp with.
So, let's take a 30,000-foot view of the defensive side of the ball and the state of this unit with a position-by-position look at the Jaguars' roster.
It was certainly a bit surprising that the Jaguars did not add to this position early on or even with multiple draft picks. However, as GM James Gladstone described after Day 3, the board just didn't fall correctly for that to happen without the Jaguars having to reach. Gladstone also mentioned he believes the defensive line who were already on the roster is "about to take a jump" and that we could see some players in different positions than what we did previously. Internal development is going to be crucial here, and Anthony Campanile's defensive scheme, maximizing those skill sets, will be an important part of that equation.
Whether the Jaguars keep five or six linebackers on the 53-man roster will be worth watching, and if it's five, who ends up as the odd man out? But speaking of Campanile's defensive scheme, with his coaching background being rooted in the linebacker position, there may not be a unit that benefits more from his addition as the defensive coordinator. Campanile brings with him a malleable defensive scheme as well that is meant to be molded to the skill sets he has on the roster.
A much different-looking unit in 2025, which was needed after the Jaguars had statistically, in many respects, the worst pass defense in the NFL last season. Lewis will be in the nickel, Campbell will be at one boundary spot, and I would guess a combination of Jones and Hunter at the other, depending on the down, distance, and situation. My guess right now is that Hunter is on the field during those obvious passing situations where he can go and get the ball.
Eric Murray will presumably be the Jaguars' free safety, but I expect a competition to unfold for the starting strong safety role next to him, and Ransaw very much could earn those snaps. He has great speed, is versatile, and very willing to help out in the run game. I see Lane as a developmental free safety who can add depth off the bench and help out on special teams right away.
This article originally appeared on Jaguars Wire: 2025 NFL draft: Jaguars' updated depth chart on defense
Continue reading...
If you missed our updated look at the position groups on offense, you can find that here.
While there are still some free agents out there and some salary cap space available for the Jaguars, after finalizing their UDFA additions, the roster is now at maximum capacity, and this is largely the group that Jacksonville is going to enter training camp with.
So, let's take a 30,000-foot view of the defensive side of the ball and the state of this unit with a position-by-position look at the Jaguars' roster.
Jaguars defensive line
- DE Arik Armstead
- DE Myles Cole
- DE Josh Hines-Allen
- DE Travon Walker
- DT DaVon Hamilton
- DT Jordan Jefferson
- DT Tyler Lacy
- DT Maason Smith
- Emmanuel Ogbah
- DE Jalen McLeod (Draft pick)
- James Carpenter (UDFA)
- Etahn Downs (UDFA)
- BJ Green II (UDFA)
- Eli Mostaert (UDFA)
- Keivie Rose (UDFA)
- Danny Striggow (UDFA)
It was certainly a bit surprising that the Jaguars did not add to this position early on or even with multiple draft picks. However, as GM James Gladstone described after Day 3, the board just didn't fall correctly for that to happen without the Jaguars having to reach. Gladstone also mentioned he believes the defensive line who were already on the roster is "about to take a jump" and that we could see some players in different positions than what we did previously. Internal development is going to be crucial here, and Anthony Campanile's defensive scheme, maximizing those skill sets, will be an important part of that equation.
Jaguars linebackers
- Yasir Abdullah
- Devin Lloyd
- Ventrell Miller
- Chad Muma
- Foyesade Oluokun
- Jack Kiser (Draft pick)
- Branson Combs (UDFA)
Whether the Jaguars keep five or six linebackers on the 53-man roster will be worth watching, and if it's five, who ends up as the odd man out? But speaking of Campanile's defensive scheme, with his coaching background being rooted in the linebacker position, there may not be a unit that benefits more from his addition as the defensive coordinator. Campanile brings with him a malleable defensive scheme as well that is meant to be molded to the skill sets he has on the roster.
Jaguars cornerbacks
- Christian Braswell
- Montaric Brown
- Tyson Campbell
- Jarrian Jones
- Jourdan Lewis
- Zach McPhearson
- De'Antre Prince
- Travis Hunter (Draft pick)
- Doneiko Slaughter (UDFA)
- Aydan White (UDFA)
- Jabbar Muhammad (UDFA)
A much different-looking unit in 2025, which was needed after the Jaguars had statistically, in many respects, the worst pass defense in the NFL last season. Lewis will be in the nickel, Campbell will be at one boundary spot, and I would guess a combination of Jones and Hunter at the other, depending on the down, distance, and situation. My guess right now is that Hunter is on the field during those obvious passing situations where he can go and get the ball.
Jaguars safeties
- Antonio Johnson
- Eric Murray
- Darnell Savage
- Daniel Thomas
- Andrew Wingard
- Caleb Ransaw (Draft pick)
- Cam'Ron Silmon-Craig (UDFA)
- Rayuan Lane (Draft pick)
Eric Murray will presumably be the Jaguars' free safety, but I expect a competition to unfold for the starting strong safety role next to him, and Ransaw very much could earn those snaps. He has great speed, is versatile, and very willing to help out in the run game. I see Lane as a developmental free safety who can add depth off the bench and help out on special teams right away.
This article originally appeared on Jaguars Wire: 2025 NFL draft: Jaguars' updated depth chart on defense
Continue reading...
