Defensive Strength with New Additions for the Jacksonville Jaguars

A strong defense is the backbone of any playoff-caliber team, and for the Jacksonville Jaguars, the 2024 season has brought a significant boost to their defensive unit through strategic new additions. From draft picks who’ve quickly adapted to the NFL to veteran signings and midseason trades, the Jaguars have targeted gaps that held their defense back last year—specifically, pass-rush depth, secondary reliability, and interior run-stopping. These new players haven’t just filled spots; they’ve elevated the entire defense’s performance, turning a solid unit into one that can shut down top-tier offenses. Defensive Strength with New Additions for the Jacksonville Jaguars breaks down the key new contributors, how they’ve integrated into the Jaguars’ scheme, their on-field impact, and why this upgraded defense makes the Jaguars a serious threat in the AFC.

Defensive Strength with New Additions for the Jacksonville Jaguars starts with the most impactful draft addition: second-round linebacker Ventrell Miller out of the University of Florida. Miller, a physical and versatile defender, was brought in to address the Jaguars’ need for depth behind starter Foyesade Oluokun and to add a dynamic pass-rushing threat from the linebacker position. In college, Miller recorded 225 career tackles and 12 sacks, showing a knack for both stopping the run and pressuring quarterbacks. Through the first 10 games of the NFL season, he’s lived up to expectations: he’s tallied 45 tackles, 2 sacks, and 1 forced fumble, and has become a staple on special teams. What makes Miller stand out is his football IQ—he quickly reads plays, adjusts to offensive shifts, and rarely makes mental mistakes. “Ventrell has been a game-changer for us,” Jaguars defensive coordinator Mike Caldwell said. “He’s not just a backup; he’s a rotational player who comes in and makes plays when we need them most. His ability to play both middle and outside linebacker gives us flexibility we didn’t have last year.” Miller’s presence has allowed the Jaguars to keep Oluokun fresh and has made their linebacker corps one of the deepest in the AFC.

Defensive Strength with New Additions for the Jacksonville Jaguars also highlights the midseason trade acquisition of safety Duron Harmon from the Las Vegas Raiders. The Jaguars made the move after starter Andre Cisco suffered a knee sprain, but Harmon has proven to be more than just a fill-in—he’s become a reliable starter and a vocal leader in the secondary. A 10-year NFL veteran with two Super Bowl rings, Harmon brings experience and poise that’s invaluable in high-pressure situations. In his six games with the Jaguars, he’s recorded 28 tackles, 1 interception, and 3 pass breakups, including a critical fourth-quarter interception against the Tennessee Titans that sealed a 24-17 win. Harmon’s ability to read quarterbacks and anticipate routes has helped the Jaguars’ secondary reduce big plays; opponents are averaging just 185 passing yards per game since his arrival, down from 220 before. “Duron is the kind of veteran every defense needs,” Caldwell said. “He communicates well, keeps the secondary organized, and makes plays when it counts. Having him back there gives everyone else confidence.”

Defensive Strength with New Additions for the Jacksonville Jaguars delves into the impact of fourth-round draft pick Tyler Lacy, a defensive tackle from Oklahoma State, and how he’s strengthened the Jacksonville Jaguars’ interior defense. Lacy, a 6’3”, 295-pound lineman, was drafted to add depth behind starters Quinnen Williams and DaVon Hamilton, and to improve the Jaguars’ interior pass rush. In college, Lacy was known for his quickness off the line and his ability to penetrate gaps—skills that have translated seamlessly to the NFL. Through 10 games, he’s recorded 18 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and 4 quarterback hits, and has been a key contributor in run defense. Against the Houston Texans in Week 8, Lacy helped limit running back Dameon Pierce to just 3.2 yards per carry by clogging interior lanes and making tackles at the line of scrimmage. The Jacksonville Jaguars’ defensive line coach Brentson Buckner praised Lacy’s work ethic: “Tyler came in ready to learn. He studies film, works on his technique every day, and has gotten better each week. He’s exactly what we needed to make our defensive line deeper and more dangerous.” Lacy’s presence has allowed the Jaguars to rotate their defensive tackles more frequently, keeping Williams and Hamilton fresh for critical late-game moments.

Defensive Strength with New Additions for the Jacksonville Jaguars explores the contributions of free-agent signing Jacob Martin, a defensive end who’s added much-needed depth to the Jacksonville Jaguars’ pass rush. Martin, a seven-year veteran who previously played for the Houston Texans and Seattle Seahawks, was signed after starter Roy Robertson-Harris suffered a season-ending biceps injury. Martin has stepped up in a big way: he’s recorded 3 sacks, 8 quarterback hits, and 2 tackles for loss in 10 games, and has become a reliable third-down pass rusher. What makes Martin valuable is his speed—he can beat offensive tackles around the edge with quickness, forcing quarterbacks to step up into the pocket where Williams or Lacy can pressure them. In the Jaguars’ Week 6 win over the Indianapolis Colts, Martin sacked quarterback Gardner Minshew twice on third down, ending two critical Colts drives. The Jacksonville Jaguars’ Caldwell noted Martin’s fit in the scheme: “Jacob understands how we want to rush the passer. He works well with the other defensive ends, sets up plays for his teammates, and makes the most of his opportunities. He’s been a great addition to our defense.” Martin’s play has helped the Jaguars’ pass rush climb to 12th in the NFL with 28 sacks through 10 games, up from 20th last season.

Defensive Strength with New Additions for the Jacksonville Jaguars concludes with how these new additions have transformed the Jacksonville Jaguars’ defense into a unit that can compete with the AFC’s best. Before the season, the Jaguars’ defense had questions: Could they generate consistent pass rush? Would the secondary hold up against top receivers? Could they stop the run in critical moments? The new additions have answered those questions resoundingly. Miller and Martin have boosted the pass rush, Harmon has stabilized the secondary, and Lacy has strengthened the interior run defense. Together, they’ve helped the Jaguars’ defense rank 8th in total defense (318 yards per game) and 10th in points allowed (19.5 per game) through 10 games—significant jumps from last year’s 15th and 18th rankings. “These new players have changed our defense,” Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson said. “They’ve brought talent, experience, and a winning mindset that’s contagious. Our defense is now a strength we can rely on, and that’s going to be crucial in the playoffs.” For the Jaguars, this upgraded defense isn’t just about winning regular-season games—it’s about making a deep playoff run. With these new additions, the Jaguars have a defense that can shut down elite offenses, and that makes them a legitimate threat to compete for a Super Bowl. In the end, Defensive Strength with New Additions for the Jacksonville Jaguars is a story of smart roster building and how the right players can turn a good defense into a great one.