How does Jacksonville Jaguars' head coach Liam Coen view the current state of the defensive line?
In mock draft after mock draft, we often see the Jaguars selecting Michigan defensive tackle Mason Graham--and understandably so.
GM James Gladstone acknowledged earlier this offseason that he wanted to prioritize adding to both the offensive and defensive lines. However, after not making an addition to the defensive line in free agency, on the outside anyway, that has only heightened the sense of urgency to add to this position group early and often in the NFL draft.
"We're going to have to have some spots that are actually open for [draft picks] to insert," Gladstone said early on in free agency. "So [adding] a veteran at this point could be just standing in the way. We're going to allow these rookies to get a chance to get out on the field and help us this coming fall."
This past Monday at the NFL's annual league meeting, Coen was asked about the defensive line group specifically, and how he views that unit.
"I think ultimately, you’re looking to add some competition in there," Coen said via Big Cat Country. "We’ve got some really good players down there. I think we’ve got three first-rounders on our defensive line currently.
"Three guys that are going to have some good years, hopefully. They’re hoping to elevate that room. We’ll continue to evaluate it, but absolutely, you’re looking to add somebody to the D-line however that thing plays out, inside or outside.”
As Coen acknowledges, the Jaguars have a strong foundation here with Josh Hines-Allen, Travon Walker, and Arik Armstead. While the focus this offseason has been on how to improve this unit, it's not as if the Jaguars are starting from scratch either.
However, the defensive end and defensive tackle spots are two very heavily rotated positions, which puts a premium on the depth that a team has there, and that component in particular is where the real opportunity for improvement lies for the Jaguars.
As a collective unit during the 2024 season, the Jaguars' defensive front as a whole ranked 32nd in ESPN's pass rush win rate metric and 27th in run stop rate.
Now, hopefully, some of that improved play comes internally, whether that be Armstead moving back to tackle or Maason Smith making a Year 2 jump, but bringing in outside competition should be a part of that equation as well for the Jaguars as they look to get more out of their defensive front in 2025.
