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Jacksonville Jaguars 2026 Defense: Unit Rankings & Outlook
Jul 1, 2026Raymond SummerlinSharp Football Analysis
Getting things ready
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The following is an excerpt from Warren Sharp's 2026 Football Preview . In addition to Warren's deep, detailed write-up on all 32 NFL teams, each chapter features page after page of full-color charts, stats, and heatmaps, as well as defensive analysis from Raymond Summerlin. Click here for a full FREE chapter from the 2026 Football Preview . With the 2026 NFL season fast approaching, let's look at the defense of the Jacksonville Jaguars and preview how it might perform this season. Jacksonville Jaguars 2026 Defense Preview: A Unit-by-Unit Breakdown The Jaguars held up well against the run in 2025, allowing just 3.9 yards per carry to running backs (4th) and ranking in the top 10 in both yards before contact allowed and yards after contact allowed on those runs. DaVon Hamilton and Arik Armstead led the defensive line in snaps last season. Armstead was second on the team with 5.5 sacks with an 11.1% pressure rate, and Hamilton tied for the team lead with 9 run stuffs. Jacksonville traded for Ruke Orhorhoro just before the draft, and then they selected Albert Regis in the third round. The Jaguars ranked 19th in pressure rate (36.2%) last season and 27th with just 32 sacks. Josh Hines-Allen continues to be an elite pass rusher, ranking fifth among qualified defenders in pressure rate. Travon Walker signed a four-year extension this offseason, keeping him under contract through 2030. That locked up the top of the depth chart, but there is no established depth on the edge. Though nominally a linebacker, Dennis Gardeck can help out the pass rush as he did last season. Devin Lloyd left in free agency, opening a big hole in the linebacking corps. Foyesade Oluokun has been a solid starter for a long time, and he should hold down a starting spot this year. With Lloyd gone, the Jaguars will need more from 2023 fourth-round pick Ventrell Miller, who showed well on limited snaps last season. Dennis Gardeck is a versatile option who can serve as the No. 3 after re-signing this offseason. The Jaguars had an elite pass defense in 2025, ranking third in yards per pass attempt allowed (6.2) and fourth in EPA per pass allowed. Greg Newsome left in free agency, but the Jaguars re-signed Montaric Brown to a three-year contract. Brown is coming off the best season of his career, allowing just 5.6 yards per target and a 74.3 quarterback rating in coverage. There has been a lot of offseason noise about Travis Hunter, and the general consensus is he will play more on defense in Year 2. Jourdan Lewis and Jarrian Jones offer two quality options to cover the slot, and Jones can offer cover on the outside, as well. Andrew Wingard left in free agency, opening up a lot of snaps at safety. Antonio Johnson is coming off a breakout season and should be in position to handle one of the starting spots while also bringing the versatility to play deep, in the box, or even in the slot. Eric Murray started 12 games last season and could be the favorite for the No. 2 job, but 2025 third-round pick Caleb Ransaw will push for that spot after missing his rookie season with a foot injury. The team also added Jalen Huskey in the third round. This analysis continues in the 2026 Football Preview Order Warren Sharp's 2026 Football Preview to Get Penalty Analysis for All 32 NFL Teams Warren Sharp’s 600+ page full-color PDF, the 2026 Football Preview , is unlike anything you have read. Stunning visualizations, including new heat maps and stat pages, are built with the reader in mind. In…