After taking a look at three players to watch on offense for the Jacksonville Jaguars during the coming weeks of OTA practices, now let’s jump to the defensive side of the ball with three defenders we will be keeping our eyes on.
In this third phase of offseason programs, no contact can take place, but teams can do competitive team periods. OTAs are also voluntary for the players.
As is always the case this time of the year, there will be plenty to watch for on defense, but these players in particular will have my attention.
LB Ventrell Miller
With Devin Lloyd in Carolina, the Jaguars have remained bullish all offseason about Ventrell Miller and his ability to step into that starting role. The team’s offseason approach reaffirmed that confidence — this appears to be Miller’s job for the taking.
No starting job is won or lost in OTAs, but with big shoes to fill in Lloyd’s absence, seeing Miller hit the ground running will be important.
DT Ruke Orhorhoro
OTAs will provide our first extended look at Ruke Orhorhoro, whom the Jaguars acquired in a trade earlier this offseason with the Atlanta Falcons. Last season, Orhorhoro saw regular playing time, carving out a steady role in all 17 games. He is a pass-rush first defensive tackle, totaling 30 pressures and four sacks over 390 pass rush reps.
Out of 121 eligible defensive tackles, Orhorhoro ranked tied for 51st in PFF’s pass rush productivity metric, a formula that combines sacks and pressures relative to a defender’s pass rush opportunities.
DE Wesley Williams
With Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker leading the way, the Jaguars are positioned well at defensive end. That said, this is a heavily rotated position, with four or five players seeing regular snaps, so depth is important.
Fourth-round pick Wesley Williams will be competing with Danny Striggow, BJ Green, and Zach Durfee for those snaps. The Jaguars view Williams as a player who can impact both the run and passing games. The Jaguars having a more steady pass rush presence behind Hines-Allen and Walker will be important this season.
This article originally appeared on Jaguars Wire: 3 Jaguars’ defenders to watch for during OTA practices
Reporting by Paul Bretl, Jaguars Wire / Jaguars Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
