ESPN’s latest defensive tackle rankings landed with a clear message for the Jaguars: there isn’t much national buzz around this group right now.
Jeremy Fowler’s annual list for the 2026 NFL season included the top 10 defensive tackles, a handful of honorable mentions, and additional players who received votes. This time, though, Jacksonville was nowhere to be found in any of those categories.
That matters because Fowler’s rankings aren’t just one writer’s personal board. They’re built from input from 70 NFL executives, coaches and scouts, with research, interviews and film work from Matt Bowen also folded in. So when no Jaguars defensive tackle shows up anywhere on the list, it points to real uncertainty about the position entering the season.
That doesn’t mean the Jaguars lack substance inside. DaVon Hamilton remains a key part of what was the league’s top run defense last season, even if his work often shows up more in the trenches than on the stat sheet. He absorbs blockers, occupies space and helps close off running lanes, which gives teammates room to finish plays.
Jacksonville also added Albert Regis in this year’s draft, a move that could give the run defense another lift.
The bigger question is what the Jaguars get in the passing game. That’s where the interior needs to do more damage, especially when it comes to creating pressure on the quarterback. Arik Armstead was productive early last season, but an injury led to uneven results down the stretch.
The team also brought in Ruke Orhorhoro this offseason, and he comes with pass-rushing upside. Still, the size of his role and impact remains to be seen.
As a group, the Jaguars’ defensive line has to be more disruptive this year. The unit finished 18th in pressure rate in 2025 and 27th in sacks, and better play from the middle of the line would go a long way toward changing that.
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