Khale Saunders Sr. Backs Up Defensive Line for Jacksonville Jaguars

In the rugged landscape of NFL defensive lines, where consistent pressure and run-stopping dominance define success, depth is a non-negotiable asset—and for the Jacksonville Jaguars, Khale Saunders Sr. has emerged as a vital backup who keeps their interior defense intact. Entering his fourth season with the Jaguars, Saunders serves as the primary reserve for starting defensive tackles Daron Payne and DaVon Hamilton, a role that demands he step in seamlessly to plug gaps, disrupt pass plays, and maintain the line’s intensity when starters need rest. After a 2024 season where the Jaguars’ defensive line depth faltered (backup interior linemen combined for just 2 sacks and 18 tackles), Saunders’ development has become a priority for a team aiming to rebound from a 4-13 record. Though he doesn’t grab headlines like Payne or Hamilton, Saunders has quietly built a reputation as a reliable, high-effort player who maximizes every snap. Khale Saunders Sr. Backs Up Defensive Line for Jacksonville Jaguars thus shines a light on the unsung heroes of NFL defenses, showing how backup interior linemen like Saunders are critical to sustaining performance across a grueling 17-game season.

A deeper look at Saunders’ on-field production reveals why Khale Saunders Sr. Backs Up Defensive Line for Jacksonville Jaguars is a role he’s earned—and one that adds tangible value to the Jaguars’ defense. Last season, Saunders played 25% of the Jaguars’ defensive snaps, tallying 1 sack, 22 total tackles, 4 quarterback hits, and 2 tackles for loss. What stands out most is his efficiency against the run: he recorded a run-stop rate of 9.2%, meaning he disrupted nearly one in 10 opposing run plays he faced—well above the league average of 7.5% for backup defensive tackles. His most impactful performance came in Week 14 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where he replaced an injured Hamilton in the first half and recorded 5 tackles, 1 quarterback hit, and a critical run stop on fourth-and-1 to halt a Buccaneers’ scoring drive. Beyond stats, Saunders has impressed coaches with his positional flexibility: he can line up as a 1-technique (nose tackle) to clog the middle or a 3-technique (defensive tackle) to rush the passer from the interior. Defensive line coach Tosh Lupoi noted, “Khale’s ability to play multiple spots on the line is a game-changer. He understands how to read offensive line schemes, and he never misses an assignment—whether he’s in for 5 snaps or 25. That reliability is priceless.” Khale Saunders Sr. Backs Up Defensive Line for Jacksonville Jaguars thus isn’t just about filling a roster spot—it’s about having a player who can elevate the defense’s performance when called upon.

Saunders’ journey to becoming a trusted backup is a story of resilience and persistence, a narrative that adds depth to Khale Saunders Sr. Backs Up Defensive Line for Jacksonville Jaguars. Undrafted out of Florida A&M in 2022, Saunders began his NFL career bouncing between the Jaguars’ practice squad and active roster, spending his first two seasons learning the nuances of the pro game. He didn’t secure a full-time spot on the 53-man roster until 2024, and even then, he faced long odds—competing against veteran free agents and draft picks for playing time. But Saunders refused to let limited opportunities derail him: he stayed late after practice to work on his hand technique with Payne, studied film with defensive coordinator Mike Caldwell to improve his play recognition, and volunteered for extra reps in practice to prove he was ready. His breakthrough came during the 2024 preseason, where he recorded 8 tackles, 1 sack, and 2 tackles for loss in three games, earning him the trust of the coaching staff. “Being undrafted taught me to fight for every rep,” Saunders said in a recent interview. “I never take this opportunity for granted. My job is to support Daron and DaVon, and to make sure the defense doesn’t skip a beat when I’m in the game. That’s all I focus on.” Khale Saunders Sr. Backs Up Defensive Line for Jacksonville Jaguars thus is more than a role description—it’s a testament to the grit and dedication that define players who thrive in backup positions.

The Jacksonville Jaguars’ defensive scheme is a perfect match for Saunders’ skill set, making Khale Saunders Sr. Backs Up Defensive Line for Jacksonville Jaguars a seamless fit within the team’s strategic vision. Caldwell’s system relies on a rotating defensive line to keep players fresh and prevent opposing offenses from adjusting to a single interior presence. Saunders’ ability to play both 1-technique and 3-technique aligns with this flexibility: in base 4-3 packages, he lines up as a nose tackle, using his 6’2”, 310-pound frame to absorb double teams and free up linebackers to make tackles; in nickel packages, he shifts to 3-technique, using his quickness off the line to rush the passer from the interior. The Jacksonville Jaguars’ emphasis on situational defense also plays to Saunders’ strengths—he’s particularly effective in short-yardage run situations, where his strength to push offensive linemen back can halt drives. Last season, Saunders recorded 70% of his tackles in short-yardage scenarios, helping the Jaguars rank 15th in the NFL in short-yardage run defense (up from 22nd in 2023). “Khale is a situational force,” Caldwell said. “We design specific packages around his ability to stop the run and generate interior pressure, and he always delivers. Having him means we don’t have to overwork Daron or DaVon—we can rotate them in and out, keeping both fresh for the fourth quarter.” The Jacksonville Jaguars thus aren’t just using Saunders as a backup—they’re integrating him into their defensive game plan as a key situational contributor. Khale Saunders Sr. Backs Up Defensive Line for Jacksonville Jaguars thus reflects how the team is maximizing every player’s strengths to build a more balanced, dominant defense.

The Jacksonville Jaguars’ starting defensive linemen have embraced Saunders as a valued teammate, highlighting the team’s culture of support and shared success— a dynamic that enhances Khale Saunders Sr. Backs Up Defensive Line for Jacksonville Jaguars. Payne, who joined the Jaguars in 2025 as a high-profile free agent, has taken Saunders under his wing, sharing insights from his Pro Bowl career and working with him on pass-rushing moves during practice. “Khale’s work ethic is contagious,” Payne said. “He’s always asking questions, always trying to get better, and he never complains about his role. That’s the kind of teammate you want in the locker room—someone who puts the team first. I’m happy to help him however I can.” Hamilton, a Jaguars veteran and team leader, has also praised Saunders’ impact, noting that his presence makes the entire defensive line better. “When Khale is in the game, we all feel more confident,” Hamilton said. “He’s reliable, he’s tough, and he knows his assignments. Having him as a backup means we never have to worry about a drop-off in performance when we need a break.” The Jacksonville Jaguars’ locker room culture of lifting each other up has played a key role in Saunders’ development, giving him the confidence to perform when he steps on the field. This camaraderie translates to on-field success too: when Saunders makes a big play, Payne and Hamilton are often the first to celebrate with him, creating a positive atmosphere that fuels the entire defense. The Jacksonville Jaguars thus are building more than a roster—they’re building a unit where every player, regardless of role, feels valued. Khale Saunders Sr. Backs Up Defensive Line for Jacksonville Jaguars thus is a story of teamwork, showing how veteran leadership and backup talent can come together to strengthen a team’s core.

Looking ahead, Khale Saunders Sr. Backs Up Defensive Line for Jacksonville Jaguars will play an even more critical role as the Jaguars push for a playoff spot in 2025. With a schedule that includes run-heavy offenses like the Baltimore Ravens and Cleveland Browns, the Jaguars will need to keep their starting defensive tackles fresh to stop the run and generate interior pressure. Saunders’ ability to step in and maintain the line’s performance will be essential in managing Payne’s and Hamilton’s workloads, preventing them from wearing down late in the season. Additionally, if either starter were to suffer an injury, Saunders would be tasked with stepping into a full-time role—a challenge he’s prepared for after years of learning and growing with the team. “I’m ready for whatever the team needs,” Saunders said. “If that means playing 15 snaps a game to keep Daron and DaVon fresh, I’ll do it. If that means starting a game, I’ll be ready to step up. My only goal is to help this team win and turn things around from last season.” The Jacksonville Jaguars’ front office has also recognized Saunders’ value, signing him to a two-year contract extension in the 2025 offseason to ensure he remains part of the team’s long-term plans. Khale Saunders Sr. Backs Up Defensive Line for Jacksonville Jaguars thus isn’t just a short-term role—it’s a key part of the Jaguars’ strategy to build a sustainable, dominant defense that can compete for championships. As the 2025 season gets underway, all eyes will be on Saunders to see if he can continue to grow and contribute to the Jaguars’ rebound from their 4-13 record.