Roster Breakdown - Defense
The Jaguars will need to find their identity this Pre-Season
August 22, 2010
Jacksonville, FL
(AP) The Jaguars experimented with a 3-4 defense last year, but ultimately ended with their 4-3 base. This season they will need to find out what defense will suit them best and stick with it. They have lots of young talent and drafted LB Rolando McClain and SS Myron Rolle to add to their arsenal of weapons. Now they just need to fit the puzzle pieces together.
Defensive Line
#54 Quentin Groves
#90 Greg Hardy (R)
#91 Derrick Harvey
#92 Rob Meier
#93 Jeff Owens (R)
#96 Terrance Knighton
#98 John Henderson
Grade: C+
The defensive line was once the Jaguars' trademark of tenacity, however, they now look to adjust their line with a face lift. With no player having more than three sacks last year, the Jags went after DT Jeff Owens, and DE/OLB Greg Hardy and Sergio Kindle in the draft to address the pass rush. But don't be surprised if they dive into free agency too.
Projected Starting LDE: Derrick Harvey
Back-Up: Rob Meier
Projected Starting LDT: Terrance Knighton
Projected Starting RDT: John Henderson
Back-Up: Jeff Owens
Projected Starting RDE: Quentin Groves
In the Hunt: Greg Hardy
Linebackers
#51 Clint Ingram
#52 Daryl Smith
#55 Rolando McClain (R)
#56 Justin Durant
#57 Sergio Kindle (R)
#59 Brandon Siler
Grade: B
The Linebackers are very young, talented, and hungry for the Jaguars. The addition of Rolando McClain and Sergio Kindle to the veteran leadership of Daryl Smith, Justin Durant, and Clint Ingram adds to the power of this position. Look out for Ingram though, as he was signed with the Franchise Tag and may be on the trading block.
Projected Starting LOLB: Daryl Smith
Back-Up: Brandon Siler
Projected Starting ILB: Justin Durant
Projected Starting ROLB: Clint Ingram
In the Hunt: Rolando McClain, Sergio Kindle
Cornerbacks
#21 Derek Cox
#27 Rashean Mathis
#31 Scott Starks
#47 Karl Paymah
Grade: C
Rashean Mathis leads a group of cornerbacks who need to work on coverage skills. Mathis, coming off an injury plagued season, worked well opposite Derek Cox, but in a conference with Pro Bowl QBs, Peyton Manning, Matt Schaub, and even Vince Young, the Jags need to step their game up. Look for Reggie Nelson to get some reps at nickel back, as he was absolutely horrid in pass coverage at safety.
Projected Starting LCB: Rashean Mathis
Back-Up: Reggie Nelson
Projected Starting RCB: Derek Cox
On the Bubble: Scott Starks, Karl Paymah
Defensive Backs
#24 Myron Rolle (R)
#25 Reggie Nelson
#29 Hamza Abdullah
#38 Husain Abdullah
#42 Gerald Alexander
#43 Haruki Nakamura
Grade: D
Possibly the worst part of the Jag's D, the defensive backs were heavily focused on during the off-season with the signings of Hamza Abdullah, Husain Abdullah, and Haruki Nakamura as well as the drafting of Myron Rolle. Both safety spots are up for grabs and Reggie Nelson may be moved to cornerback.
Projected Starting FS: Haruki Nakamura
In the Hunt: Husain Abdullah, Reggie Nelson
Projected Starting SS: Gerald Alexander
In the Hunt: Myron Rolle
On the Bubble: Hamza Abdullah
Up Next: Roster Breakdown - Special Teams