Will the Maason Smith for Ruke Orhorhoro trade impact how the Jacksonville Jaguars’ approach the defensive tackle position in the 2026 NFL draft?
In short, no, it should not.
What the addition of Orhorhoro provides the Jaguars with is some added pass rush production from the tackle position — something this unit very much needed. The Jaguars ranked 18th in pressure rate and 27th in sacks as a defense last season, with the interior pass rush going quiet late in the year.
Last season, Orhorhoro, who primarily was on the field for passing downs, generated 30 pressures and four sacks. Among 121 defensive tackles, he ranked tied for 51st in PFF’s pass rush productivity metric, which is relative to the number of pass rush opportunities a defender had.
By comparison, Smith ranked 97th in that category, totaling 11 pressures and no sacks over 191 pass rush snaps.
That said, this acquisition doesn’t solve the Jaguars’ need for a more stout pass rush presence at defensive tackle. Not unlike Smith, Orhorhoro still has his question marks heading into Year 3. Hopefully, the addition helps, but the need hasn’t disappeared.
In addition to that, depth at his position is still needed as well. Currently on the roster at this position are Arik Armstead, DaVon Hamilton, Matt Dickerson, and Keivie Rose.
The Jaguars enter this year’s draft with 11 picks in total, including four in the top 100. Having that many picks gives GM James Gladstone flexibility to let the board dictate what he does and gives him the ability to move around. However, if we are building out a list of top needs to address, defensive tackle should remain near the top.
(This story was updated to add new information.)
This article originally appeared on Jaguars Wire: Does trade for Ruke Orhorhoro impact Jaguars’ approach to NFL draft?
Reporting by Paul Bretl, Jaguars Wire / Jaguars Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
