Jaguars defense preview: Josh Hines-Allen, Travon Walker headline revamped defensive unit

Changes were needed, so changes were made.

As the Jacksonville Jaguars get prepared for the start of the regular season, they do so with a new defensive coordinator in Ryan Nielsen. Nielsen is a respected coach and has already earned the trust of players on the team.

"I think we kind of know where each other are right now. What we want and what we expect from each other," team captain Josh Hines-Allen said of Nielsen this week. "That relationship is going to continue to grow the more and more we are together."

The team ranked 16th in opponent points per game (21.8) and 19th in opponent yards per game last season (342.8), both middle of the pack numbers.

Jacksonville took a different approach this offseason, opting to not use a depth chart for its players. This allowed reserve players the opportunity to work alongside starters and vice versa.

According to head coach Doug Pederson, it gave players a chance to focus on their reps rather than “the line.”

“You put a depth chart up and they start looking at numbers and the line, ‘How long is the line?’ Instead of, ‘How can I get better and improve?’” Pederson said as the team prepared for their first regular season practice.

“Then, you keep rolling them out there, whether they're working with the first unit or second unit, it doesn't matter. They're getting valuable reps, and I think it definitely plays into the psyche of the player.”

How improved will the Jaguars ' defense be in 2024?

The Jaguars are projecting to be improved in several places on defense. For starters, their defensive back group looks much improved.

Headlined by Tyson Campbell , who signed a contract extension before training camp began, Jacksonville’s secondary will feature new additions Darnell Savage and Ronald Darby.

They’ll compliment safeties Andre Cisco and Antonio Johnson in Nielsen's two-high look. Foye Oluokun and Devin Lloyd will hold down Jacksonville’s linebacking core.

Which brings us to the most intriguing group: the defensive line. The Jaguars kept 11 linemen on their initial 53-man roster.

It matches what coaches have said about their plan up front, expecting to have a healthy of players rotating in and out on gameday.

That group is headlined by Pro Bowler Hines-Allen and Travon Walker , the duo that led the NFL with 27.5 sacks last season.

Add to those players a healthy DaVon Hamilton along with newcomer Arik Armstead and it does seem like improvement in all aspects of the defense.

What is the biggest question for Jacksonville’s defense ahead of the 2024 season?

The biggest question this season is similar to the biggest question last season. Beyond Hines-Allen and Walker, which player will emerge as an additional pass rusher off the edge.

That player was seemingly set to become Trevis Gipson, but he was traded to Seattle.

The onus now falls onto Armstead, who’s listed as the only other defensive end on the initial roster.

Armstead did not play during preseason as he recovered from offseason knee surgery. His first live reps will likely come in the season opener against the Miami Dolphins.

Why Travon Walker will be the most important part of the defense in 2024

For some, the obvious answer would’ve been Hines-Allen or Campbell as players who received contract extensions this offseason. Or maybe even Cisco, who’s entering a contract year.

But Walker’s growth in his third season will be vital to the overall success of Jacksonville. He made the jump to double-digit sacks last season and is projecting to continue his upward growth.

Especially with Nielsen as coach, known for his ability to get the most out of players.

“He has everything that you need in terms of a skill set to be a very successful player in this league,” Nielsen said of Walker earlier in camp.

If Walker can continue his trajectory he could find himself as the best edge rusher in the league, a compliment paid to him this offseason by Armstead.

This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Jaguars defense preview: Josh Hines-Allen, Travon Walker headline revamped defensive unit