Dawuane Smoot Backs Up Edge Rushers for Jacksonville Jaguars

In the NFL, a dominant edge rushing unit isn’t just built on star starters—it relies on reliable backups who can step in, maintain pressure, and keep opponents on their heels when starters need rest or face injuries. For the Jacksonville Jaguars, Dawuane Smoot has emerged as that critical backup, providing depth, experience, and consistent production behind star edge rushers Josh Allen and Travon Walker. Dawuane Smoot Backs Up Edge Rushers for Jacksonville Jaguars isn’t just a statement of his role; it’s a recognition of how he’s become an unsung hero of the Jaguars’ defense, using his 8 years of NFL experience and diverse pass-rushing arsenal to contribute in key moments. After overcoming a 2023 Achilles injury, Smoot returned to the Jaguars in 2024 and quickly reestablished himself as a trusted option off the bench—proving that backup players can be just as vital to a defense’s success as starters. For a Jaguars team with playoff aspirations, Smoot’s ability to deliver pressure in limited snaps ensures the edge rushing unit never loses its bite, even when Allen or Walker are off the field.

Dawuane Smoot Backs Up Edge Rushers for Jacksonville Jaguars is defined first by his versatile pass-rushing skill set—a trait that makes him a nightmare for opposing offensive tackles, even in short spurts. At 6’3” and 265 pounds, Smoot combines power (he can bench press 225 pounds 28 times) with quickness (4.65-second 40-yard dash), allowing him to use a variety of moves to beat blockers. He’s equally adept at using a speed rush to blow past tackles, a bull rush to push them backward, or a spin move to elude them—keeping offensive linemen guessing on every play. Last season, Smoot recorded 4.5 sacks, 8 quarterback hits, and 3 forced fumbles in just 45% of the Jaguars’ defensive snaps—impressive production for a backup. A prime example came in a Week 9 win against the New Orleans Saints: with Allen resting after a long drive, Smoot entered the game and used a spin move to beat Saints right tackle Ryan Ramczyk, sacking quarterback Derek Carr and forcing a fumble that the Jaguars recovered. For the Jaguars, who ranked 11th in sacks last season, Smoot’s ability to generate pressure in limited snaps ensures the defense can maintain its intensity throughout the game, preventing opponents from catching their breath.

Dawuane Smoot Backs Up Edge Rushers for Jacksonville Jaguars also highlights his underrated run-defense skills—a critical asset for a backup who often enters games in run-heavy situations. While many backups focus solely on pass rushing, Smoot takes pride in stopping the run, using his strength to hold the edge and his football IQ to read running plays before they develop. Last season, he recorded 32 total tackles (2 for loss) and ranked 12th among NFL backup edge rushers in run-stop percentage, according to Pro Football Focus. His run-defense prowess was on full display in a Week 5 game against the Buffalo Bills: when Walker left the game with a minor ankle injury, Smoot stepped in and helped limit Bills running back James Cook to just 2.3 yards per carry on the drives he played. Smoot’s ability to contribute in both run and pass defense makes him a valuable “third down and short yardage” option, allowing the Jaguars’ coaching staff to keep him on the field for more snaps without sacrificing production in either phase. This versatility is rare among backup edge rushers, and it’s a big reason Smoot has remained a key part of the Jaguars’ defense for years.

Dawuane Smoot Backs Up Edge Rushers for Jacksonville Jaguars is a cornerstone of the Jacksonville Jaguars’ efforts to build a “next-man-up” culture in their edge rushing unit. The Jacksonville Jaguars’ defensive coordinator, Mike Caldwell, has long emphasized that no single player is irreplaceable—and Smoot’s performance has helped turn that philosophy into reality. When Allen missed two games with a shoulder injury last season, Smoot stepped into a larger role, recording 2 sacks, 3 quarterback hits, and 8 tackles in those contests, ensuring the edge rushing unit didn’t skip a beat. The Jacksonville Jaguars’ coaching staff has praised Smoot for his professionalism, with defensive line coach Tosh Lupoi stating that “Dawuane never complains about his role—he just shows up, works hard, and produces when we need him.” This mindset has trickled down to the rest of the edge rushing group, with Allen and Walker often crediting Smoot for pushing them in practice and helping them refine their own pass-rushing moves. The Jacksonville Jaguars’ investment in Smoot—they signed him to a two-year contract extension in 2024—reflects their belief that reliable backups are just as important as star starters in building a sustainable defense.

Dawuane Smoot Backs Up Edge Rushers for Jacksonville Jaguars reflects the Jacksonville Jaguars’ strategic focus on experience and continuity in their defensive unit. The Jacksonville Jaguars’ defense has undergone several changes in recent years, but Smoot has been a constant—providing stability and leadership for younger players like Walker, who was drafted in 2022. Smoot has taken Walker under his wing, sharing tips on how to handle the mental grind of an NFL season, how to prepare for specific opponents, and how to recover from injuries. Off the field, Smoot has also been a mentor, teaching Walker and other young edge rushers about financial literacy and community involvement. Head coach Doug Pederson, who values veteran leadership, has called Smoot “a glue guy for our defense,” adding that “his experience and work ethic set the standard for everyone else.” This strategic focus on continuity has paid off: the Jaguars’ edge rushing unit has ranked in the top 15 in sacks for three consecutive seasons, with Smoot playing a key role in that consistency.

Dawuane Smoot Backs Up Edge Rushers for Jacksonville Jaguars is more than just a story about a backup player—it’s a testament to the value of resilience, professionalism, and team-first attitude in the NFL. The Jacksonville Jaguars have benefited greatly from Smoot’s willingness to embrace his role, even when it means playing fewer snaps than he might on another team. His recovery from a major Achilles injury is a story of perseverance, and his ability to return to form shows just how dedicated he is to the game and the Jaguars. As the Jaguars aim for an AFC South title and a deep playoff run, Smoot’s role will only become more important: in the playoffs, where every snap matters and injuries are common, having a reliable backup edge rusher can be the difference between winning and losing. Off the field, Smoot has embraced the Jacksonville community, hosting youth football camps that focus on pass-rushing technique and partnering with local hospitals to support patients recovering from sports injuries. This connection to the city and team makes him a fan favorite, even if he doesn’t always get the spotlight. In the end, Dawuane Smoot Backs Up Edge Rushers for Jacksonville Jaguars is a reminder that success in the NFL isn’t just about being a star—it’s about being reliable, being a team player, and doing whatever it takes to help your team win.