With training camp drawing closer for the Jacksonville Jaguars, the spotlight is starting to shift toward the players who could shape what this team looks like once the practices and preseason games begin.
As part of the camp preview, one player from each position group is worth tracking, whether that means a star, a newcomer, or someone battling for a bigger role. At defensive tackle, the name to watch is Ruke Orhorhoro.
The Jaguars are looking for more pass rush production this season, and that need is especially clear inside. Arik Armstead is expected to be a major part of that effort, but Orhorhoro is also in line to matter after being acquired by Jacksonville in a trade this offseason.
Orhorhoro was a former second-round pick, and the box score alone does not tell the full story. His raw numbers last season were modest, with four sacks and 30 quarterback pressures. Even so, when his role expanded, the deeper metrics pointed to a player who can bring more pass-rush juice to the Jaguars’ defensive front.
He ranked 51st out of 121 eligible defensive tackles in PFF’s pass rush productivity metric.
That kind of interior push can change a play fast. A quick surge from the defensive tackle spot can disrupt an offense before it ever gets going, and if the Jaguars are going to make real progress on defense in 2026, more consistent pressure from the middle will be a big part of it. Orhorhoro is set to play a key role in that effort.
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